10 Best Tablets for Mobile Gamers
Gaming on the move can be difficult, but these premium tablets make for a smoother gaming experience.
Assuming more portable gaming rigs will naturally perform significantly worse than their bulkier counterparts, and while that's often still the case, there are some capable portable options worth checking out. This includes gaming tablets, which have been an oft-overlooked segment of the market for some time.
With options from Apple, Samsung and Asus, there is no shortage of options. From gamers who just want the highest specs to gamers on a budget or with specific size requirements, there's something for you.
Asus ROG Flow Z13 Is The Best Option For All-Out Power
Available On The Asus Website From $1,299.99
Not surprisingly, the 2022 lineup from Asus' gaming-focused RPG division is one of the most powerful tablets on the market. The ROG Flow Z13 is probably the best option for gamers who want to get the most out of their tablet, and its specs rival even some of the more respectable gaming laptops on the market.
With 16GB of RAM, 12th Gen Intel Core processors, up to 1TB of storage, and an attached keyboard, the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 is a powerful machine. Cons include the price tag, the upgrade from integrated graphics to NVIDIA graphics card, and its chunky design.
Apple Ipad Mini Is Perfect For Gamers Packing Light
Available On The Apple Website From $499
Like smartphones, tablets seem to have been slowly increasing in size over the years, and while that's great for gamers who like big screens, it's not ideal for consumers who particularly like the portability of tablets. Fortunately, Apple's iPad Mini is light and compact at just 8 inches.
At $499, it's not too expensive considering the sleek design and quality feel, but there are some compromises in terms of performance. The A15 Bionic chip should run most games without issue, but battery life will suffer. Upgrading to the 256GB version may be a must for gamers, as the base 64GB model is a bit underwhelming.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra Is Samsung's Strongest Tablet
Available On The Samsung Website From $1099.99
While Samsung doesn't offer a fully gaming-centric option in its ever-expanding Galaxy lineup, its latest top-of-the-line model has enough specs to make most gamers smile. The biggest feature is the 14.6-inch AMOLED screen that runs at a constant 120hz, making every game look smooth and beautiful.
Most importantly, Samsung's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor is more than enough power to handle anything. The tablet's biggest weakness is battery life. Although Samsung claims it can last all day, intensive use will empty it faster, which isn't ideal for longer trips.
Xiaomi Pad 5 Provides An Affordable Alternative To The iPad
Available On Amazon From $439
For gaming specs on a budget, there is no better tablet than Mi Pad 5. With a Snapdragon 860 processor and 6GB of RAM, performance might not be as big as you might think. Coupled with a stunning 120hz 11-inch display, the Mi Pad 5 is a pain in the ass to play.
Even the build quality is on par with its top rivals, which is usually to be expected when you're further afield than the two big tablet makers, Apple and Samsung. The only big problem is that, according to Forbes, the Xiaomi brand has been flagged multiple times for privacy concerns.
Amazon Fire HD 10 Has An Unbeatable Price Mark
Available On Amazon From $149.99
While high-end specs are naturally of greatest interest to gamers, it's worth noting that tablet gaming is often more casual than PC or console gaming, and thus doesn't necessarily require the best specs. For users who primarily want to kill time on the go and enjoy a more relaxing gaming experience, the Amazon Fire HD 10 is worth buying for its price alone.
3GB of Ram and up to 64GB of internal storage may not sound like much, but when it comes to running mobile games in the Amazon Fire app store, they're up to the task. Coupled with excellent durability and solid battery life, there are few downsides for gamers to pick a game that doesn't require more.
The M2 iPad Pro 12.9-Inch Is Apple's Strongest Tablet
Available On The Apple Website From $1099
Described as "the ultimate iPad experience," the latest iPad Pro features Apple's M2 chip, a performance boost over its predecessor, which may be just what gamers are looking for. Although it may look the same, the new processor means faster performance and smoother graphics.
These graphics are best enjoyed on the larger 13" screen, which boasts stunning visuals without sacrificing battery life. Of course, that screen could easily be a negative for gamers looking for something more practical for travel. The price tag is also high, which means it's worth weighing whether it's worth it before buying a new iPad.
The Microsoft Surface Book 3 Is An Interesting Hybrid
Available On Amazon From $1,199.99
For PC gamers who don't want to trade all their desktop options for the iPad's App Store or Samsung equivalent, the Microsoft Surface Book 3 might be worth it Check out. Marketed as a laptop, the high price does include a detachable keyboard, but the touchscreen is also durable enough to make it perfect for a tablet.
With an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, it's a solid spec for a tablet, and the integrated graphics should be up to most gaming challenges users throw at it. Cons include that the 13.5-inch screen is too large for a tablet, and the Microsoft Store offers a limited range of games compared to other mobile app stores.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ Could Be A Good Compromise
Available On The Samsung Website From 849.99
While opting for a slightly older generation model automatically means sacrificing specs, it's probably the best choice for gamers who don't want to pay gaming laptop prices for a portable console. The Galaxy S7 series is a few years old, but it still brings solid performance to the table.
In fact, the Tab S7+ model comes with up to 8GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage, as well as a 12.4" AMOLED display that nearly matches its successor, so the Tab S7+ might not necessarily feel like a compromise fundamental. With the possibility of further price cuts in the future and Samsung offering trade-in deals, it could end up being the perfect solution.
Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 Offers Quality On A Budget
Available On The Lenovo Website From $322.49
The bad news for gamers is that the Lenovo Legion Y700, a tablet from Lenovo's gaming division with almost the same specs as the top brand but at a much lower price, still doesn't appear in their US range. The good news is that Lenovo's Tab P11 Pro is still a solid choice.
The MediaTek processor provides 6GB of RAM and runs on the Android OS, a very solid choice considering the relatively low price. Of course, an OLED display is always a plus, and it helps give the P11 a snappy, high-quality feel that's perfect for gamers.
The M1 iPad Pro Brings Apple Quality At A Lower Price
Available At Walmart From $699.00
While having the latest generation of high-end products may be suitable for gamers who want their devices to run heavy games for as long as possible, there are many compelling reasons to choose an iPad with the older M1 chip. On the one hand, you shouldn't have a problem running the biggest games on the store for long periods of time.
While $700 still seems steep, the older generation iPad Pro is Prices are so much lower that many consumer guides like Phone Arena are encouraging consumers to skip the new 2021 models.
