A tablet can be a great way to take your games on the go. While a gaming phone works well, tablets offer bigger screens. With a slew of native Android or iOS games, emulators, and cloud game streaming services, you’ve got plenty of different options. Simply pair your tablet with a mobile gaming controller or use the touchscreen and you’re ready to go. However, you’ll want to pick the right tablet for the job. Check out the best gaming tablets on the market!
Read: OnePlus Pad review, a great value Android tablet for work and play
Best Gaming Tablet Overall – Lenovo Xiaoxian Pad Pro 2021
The Lenovo Xiaoxin Pad Pro 2021 is the best gaming tablet overall. It sports a gorgeous 11.5-inch 2.5K OLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, you’ll find a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 octa-core processor. Lenovo’s Xiaoxin Pad Pro 2021 boasts 6GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB of onboard storage. Additionally, the Xiaoxian Pad Pro includes a microSD card for holding all of your game installs or ROMs.
An 8600mAh battery lasts for almost 10 hours. And its Quick Charge 3.0 capabilities allow you to juice the tablet up quickly. You’ll also find Bluetooth 5.1, dual-band 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi, four JBL speakers alongside Dolby Atmos audio support, and a USB Type-C jack.
In Geekbench benchmarks, the Xiaoxian Pad Pro scored over 900 in single-core processing and over 3,000 for multi-core computing. For 3DMark, the Lenovo Xiaoxian Pad Pro clocked more than 4,000. With Antutu testing, the Xiaoxian hit over 700,000. It’s an all-around excellent Android tablet for gaming.
Demanding titles such as Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile play flawlessly. On the emulation side, even high-end systems such as PlayStation Portable (PSP), Sega Dreamcast, and Nintendo 64 (N64) run just fine. the Xiaoxian Pad Pro can tackle some GameCube and Wii titles using Dolphin for Android.
Because the Xiaoxian Pad Pro includes USB-C to HDMI video out, you can hook your tablet up to a TV or projector for big-screen gaming. Thus, it’s suitable for portable gaming or at-home gaming on a larger screen. Unfortunately, there’s no 3.5mm headphone jack. Although Bluetooth or USB-C to 3.5mm headphone jack converters work well, an analog auxiliary (AUX) audio out jack would have been nice. Still, with its outstanding gaming performance, the Lenovo Xiaoxian Pad Pro 2021 is the top Android gaming tablet on the planet.
Pros:
- 11.5-inch 2.5K 90Hz refresh rate OLED screen
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 octa-core CPU
- 6GB LPDDR5 RAM, 128GB onboard UFS 3.1 storage
- 8600mAh battery (around 9 hours of battery life), 3.0 Quick Charge
- Android 11 operating system (OS)
- Dual 8 megapixel (MP) front-facing cameras, dual 13MP and 5MP rear cameras
- microSD card slot for storage expansion
- USB-C to HDMI video output support
Cons:
- Lacks 3.5mm headphone jack
Best Gaming Tablet for Most People – Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+
Samsung’s exceptional Galaxy Tab S7+ is the best tablet for gaming for most people. It’s powered by a beefy Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ CPU. You’ll find up to 512GB of RAM and as much as 8GB of RAM. Additionally, there’s a microSD card slot for storage expansion up to 1TB.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ sports a lovely 12.4-inch 2800 x 1752 WQXGA+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz variable refresh rate (VRR). A dynamic refresh rate lets the Tab S7+ adjust to the content on-screen, increasing refresh rate while gaming for buttery-smooth action while dialing it back when reading an article or scrolling through social media.
You’ll find excellent performance from the Snapdragon 865. In Geekbench 5, the S7+ achieved over 900 on single-core and nearly 4,000 in multi-core tests. Demanding Android games such as Asphalt 9: Legends, PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact, and Call of Duty Mobile run like a champ. Similarly, the Tab S7+ is great for emulation. It’s easily able to handle demanding ROMs from newer systems such as the PSP, Nintendo 3DS, GameCube, Wii, and PlayStation 2 (PS2). Cloud game-streaming with Xbox GamePass, Stadia, or Amazon Luna.
With its video output functionality and Samsung Desktop Experience (DeX) mode, you can hook the S7+ up to a TV or projector for big-screen gaming. Admittedly, DeX app experience really varies. The S7+ is also pretty pricey. As a cheaper alternative, you may consider the Galaxy Tab S7 FE or the vanilla Tab S7. Still, if you want a tablet that’s fantastic for work and play, the Galaxy Tab S7+ is your best choice.
Pros:
- Snapdragon 865+ CPU (Octa-core 3.09+2.4+1.8GHz processor)
- 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of RAM
- 6GB or 8GB RAM
- MicroSD card slot
- 12.4-inch 120Hz variable refresh rate 2800 x 1752 (WQXGA+) AMOLED display
- 10,090mAh battery
- 13MP + 5MP rear cameras, 8MP front camera
- Android 10 OS
- Video out capabilities with DeX desktop experience mode
- Dimensions: 285 x 185 x 5.7mm
- Weight: 498g/575g
Cons:
- Expensive
Best iOS Tablet for Gaming – iPad Pro
Although macOS isn’t great for gaming, iOS is pretty decent for mobile gaming. For Apple enthusiasts, the iPad Pro is the best iOS tablet for gaming. It features a slick liquid retina XDR display with ProMotion variable refresh rate technology, P3 wide color, and True Tone available in 12.9-inch or 11-inch sizes. Colors really pop and look extremely lifelike. With its up to 120Hz refresh rate, the iPad Pro ensures smooth gameplay. There’s a beefy M1 processor for outstanding gaming performance.
There are tons of native iOS games and Apple Arcade titles to pick from. Moreover, the iPad Pro can handle cloud gaming with services such as Stadia, Amazon Luna, GeForce Now, and xCloud. And emulation on the iPad Pro’s M1 chips is exceptional. New AAA games like NBA 2K21 run flawlessly. On the emulation side, the iPad Pro can tackle PSP titles with no issue, and even run GameCube at up to 4K resolutions or Wii on 1440p.
For connectivity, there’s Wi-Fi 6, optional 5G, and Thunderbolt. You can easily connect the iPad Pro to a TV using Thunderbolt 3. As is to be expected, the iPad Pro doesn’t come cheap. With a normal retail price of over $1,000 USD for the 12.9-inch screen model, it’s a pretty pricey device, albeit a fantastic piece of kit. To save a bit of cash, you might consider the vanilla iPad or iPad Mini. But if you want the best experience for iOS gaming, that’s hands-down the iPad Pro.
Pros:
- Beefy M1 processor
- 11-inch or 12.9-inch liquid retina XDR display with ProMotion variable refresh rate technology for smooth gaming and P3 wide color as well as True Tone for excellent color accuracy
- Lots of gaming options, from cloud gaming and Apple Arcade to iOS games and emulators
- Excellent connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, Thunderbolt, optional 5G
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Tablet for xCloud, Stadia, Luna, and Cloud Gaming – GPD XP
GPD’s XP is a nifty modular Android handheld gaming console. It’s an awesome device for native Android gaming, cloud-gaming, and emulation. The GPD XP comes with three different detachable modules: two that feature controller buttons, pads, and joysticks along with a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) module. The detachable modules are magnetic and interface with the XP using pogo pins.
Under the hood, you’ll find an octa-core MediaTek Helio G95 with dual 2.0GHz A76 cores and six 2.0GHz A55 cores. There’s a 900MHz ARM Mali-G76 MC4 GPU, 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM, and 128GB of onboard storage. Additionally, its built-in microSD card slot lets you add more storage space. A 6.81-inch 2400 x 1080 IPS displays games and videos. On the connectivity side, you get Bluetooth 5.0, AC Wi-Fi, and 4G mobile internet support. The entire unit runs Android 11.
In benchmarks, the GPD XP clocked over 500 in single-core Geekbench tests and over 1500 for its multi-core score. 3DMark tests show a score over 1300, while Antutu benchmarks found the XP hitting just shy of 250,000. Most native Android games run just fine. Call of Duty Mobile runs on medium settings with a framerate set to high and Genshin Impact plays incredibly smooth. For emulation, you can play up through PSP titles flawlessly, with some light Nintendo 3DS, GameCube, and Wii gaming.
Notably, the GPD XP touts a few features that make it extremely versatile. Because of its 4G LTE support, you can pop in a SIM card for mobile internet. This lets you play cloud games with Xbox GamePass, Amazon Luna, NVIDIA GeForce Now, or Google Stadia even when Wi-Fi is scarce. And a mic lets you place calls or utilize in-game voice chat. Furthermore, there’s a button that lets you map touch controls for games that don’t support a gamepad to the XP’s built-in controller.
Admittedly, the GPD XP is not the most powerful emulation console, but for a handheld device, it’s a solid option. It’s also a bit pricey. In spite of this, the GPD XP is a versatile little Android handheld that’s equally great for cloud gaming, native Android gaming, and emulation.
Pros:
- CPU: octa-core MediaTek Helio G95 with dual 2.0GHz A76 cores and six 2.0GHz A55 cores
- GPU: 900MHz ARM Mali-G76 MC4 GPU
- 6GB LPDDR4X RAM, 128GB storage, microSD card slot
- Connectivity: AC Wi-Fi, 4G GSM, USB Type-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
- Android 11 OS
- Modular controller design
- Dual stereo speakers
- 7000mAh battery with up to 12-hours of battery life
Cons:
- Not the most powerful (but good for an Android handheld)
- Somewhat pricey
- No video output
Best Clamshell Android Gaming Tablet – Powkiddy X18S
Sporting an attractive clamshell form factor that resembles the Nintendo DS, the Powkiddy X18S is a pocket-friendly Android gaming handheld. At its core, the X18S features a Unisoc T618 octa-core CPU with dual 2.0GHz A76 cores and six 2.0GHz A55 cores. That’s mated to a Mali G52 MP2 GPU. Under the hood, the Powkiddy X18S rocks 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, though a microSD card slot lets you add more storage space. There’s a 5.5-inch 720p IPS display.
In Geekbench 5 tests, the Powkiddy X18S scored over 350 for single-core and more than 1200 in multi-core performance. For 3DMark, the X81S clocked just shy of 700. Finally, with Antutu, the Powkiddy X18S managed over 170,000 in bechmarking.
For real-world gaming performance, native Android games run pretty well. Asphalt 9 played extremely smooth, while even demanding titles such as Genshin Impact remained playable at low settings with over 30 frames per second (FPS). Emulation up through Sega Dreamcast Nintendo 64, and even PSP works perfectly.
Because of its HDMI video output, you can game on your TV or projector just fine. The 720p resolution is a bit on the low side, though that can work to the X18S’s advantage since it means tough to play titles will run at a lower resolution but higher framerate. What’s more, the GPU is a bit weak, so don’t expect GameCube, Wii, PS2, or Nintendo DS ROMs to run well. But at wallet-friendly price point, the Powkiddy X18S is a fun little Android gaming clamshell tablet.
Pros:
- CPU: Unisoc T618 octa-core
- GPU: Mali G52 MP2
- Great connectivity: micro HDMI, USB-C, 802.11ax Wi-Fi, headphone jack, dual stereo speakers, Bluetooth 5.0
- Lots of onboard controls: triggers, shoulder buttons, X/Y/A/B buttons, D-pad, 2x thumbsticks, start, select, menu buttons
- Attractive clamshell design
- Affordable
- Android 11 OS
Cons:
- 720p screen
- Slightly underpowered GPU
Best Tablet for Gaming With Built-in Gamepad – JXD S192K
The JXD is a neat tablet that comes with a gamepad built-in. Resembling a tablet wedged into the middle of an Xbox 360 controller, the JXD S192K features a 7-inch 1920 x 1080 1080p IPS display. It’s powered by a quad-core Rockchip RK3288 CPU clocked at 1.8GHz that’s paired with a Mali T764 Cortex-A17 GPU. Onboard, you’ll find 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage space. Additionally, you’ll find a microSD card slot for storage expansion.
A 10000mAh battery provides up to 10 hours of gaming, 12 hours of video watching, and a whopping 30 days of standby time. An HDMI port lets you connect the JXD S192K to a projector or television for gaming with 4K ultra-high definition (UHD) support.
Out of the box, the S192K features a slew of different standalone emulators you can easily download. However, it’s easy enough to install your own emulators or a collection of emulators such as RetroArch. Gaming performance is pretty solid for systems up through the Nintendo 64 and PlayStation 1. Newer systems like PSP, 3DS, GameCube, Wii, and PS2 won’t run well. But for many native Android games along with emulation up through N64, PS1, and some PSP, the JXD S192K is a solid choice.
Pros:
- CPU: Rockchip RK3288
- GPU: Mali T764 Cortex-A17
- 4GB RAM, 64GB storage space, microSD card expansion
- 10000mAh battery (10 hours of gaming, 12 hours of video watching, 30 days standby time)
- HDMI video output with up to 4K UHD video out
- Pre-installed emulators and Google Play access
- Good support for native Android games and emulators
- Lots of onboard controls: 2x analog sticks, X/Y/A/B buttons, start/select, shoulder buttons, menu buttons
- 5MP front-facing camera
- Android 7
- 1080p IPS display
- Tons of emulators pre-installed
- Plays up through N64, PS1, and PSP games well
Cons:
- Can’t handle many newer titles like PSP, Dreamcast, GameCube, Wii, or 3DS
- Underpowered CPU
- Somewhat expensive
Best Cheap Gaming Tablet – Powkiddy X17
At under $200, the Powkiddy X17 is the best cheap gaming tablet on the market. It sports a 1024 x 600 IPS display. There’s a 5000mAh battery that lends up to 6 hours of battery life. You’ll find a slew of onboard controls including X/Y/A/B buttons, start/select buttons, a D-pad, thumbstick, and shoulder buttons.
Powkiddy’s X17 has tons of inputs and outputs. There’s an HDMI jack for video output capabilities, Bluetooth 4.0, two USB ports, a headphone jack, and microSD card slot. Native Android games run pretty well, and a lot of older games run great. The X17 can handle up through N64, PS1, and Nintendo DS titles flawlessly.
Unfortunately, more demanding games like PSP, Sega Dreamcast, and GameCube won’t run well. However, for most older titles and even some tough games from consoles like Dreamcast will be fine. Its screen resolution is fairly low, and the buttons do feel somewhat cheap. Yet, for the cost, the X17 is a compelling budget-priced Android gaming tablet.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Built-in controls: X/Y/A/B buttons, start/select buttons, menu/back buttons, D-pad, thumbstick, shoulder/trigger buttons, and more
- 1024 x 600 IPS display
- 2GB RAM, 32GB storage, microSD card slot
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- 2 x USB ports for connecting USB controllers
- HDMI video out, headphone jack
- CPU: Quad-core A53 64 bit 1.3GHz processor
- Android 7.0
- Lots of emulators pre-installed
Cons:
- Underpowered CPU
- Outdated Android OS
- Can’t handle more demanding retro gaming emulation (PSP, GameCube, Wii, PS2)
What to Look for in a Gaming Tablet
There’s a lot to consider when selecting a tablet for gaming. You’ll need to think about a processor, RAM, storage space, screen size and resolution, plus more.
CPU: It’s important to have a good processor since many titles will need ample processing power. Although for gaming the GPU does a lot of the legwork some mobile games and many emulators are more CPU-intensive.
GPU: For gaming, you’ll want a solid GPU. Particularly for high-refresh-rate, high-resolution gaming, a powerful GPU is a must-have.
RAM: System memory aids in multi-tasking. 4GB of RAM is a good minimum baseline to shoot for, though the more the better.
Storage space: Once you start downloading apps and games, your internal storage can really add up. If you’ve got expandable storage, shoot for a minimum of 32GB internal storage. With devices that lack storage expansion, at least 64GB if not 128GB or more is best.
Expandable storage: Tablets with microSD expansion let you easily add more space to house ROMs, move apps from your internal storage to expandable storage, and keep your files like music, videos, and pictures.
Video output: A video output such as an HDMI or USB Type-C jack lets you game out on the big screen. That way, you can enjoy gaming on the go or use your tablet as a console while at home.
Wi-Fi: A solid wireless connection lets you quickly download new games or stream from cloud gaming platforms. You should at least go with 802.11ac Wi-Fi if not Wi-Fi 6.
Screen size and resolution: What size screen you want depends on your preferences. If you value portability, you might opt for a smaller screen. Or for a more immersive experience, opt for a larger screen. Just as important as size is resolution. I recommend at least a 1080p screen, although 2K or 4K are even better.
Operating system: Although there are Linux tablets, you’ll probably be picking between Android and iOS. There are a lot more Android tablets on the market and a few different Apple iOS models.
Built-in controls: With Bluetooth or USB, you can always connect your own gamepad such as the Flydigi Apex 2. But some tablets feature onboard controls like joysticks, X/Y/A/B buttons, shoulder buttons, triggers, and more. This is convenient for gaming on the go without toting around a separate controller.
Price: You can find gaming tablets ranging anywhere from over $1,000 to just over $100. Think about your budget when selecting a tablet for gaming.
What is the Best Gaming Tablet in the World?
The most powerful Android gaming tablet is the Lenovo Xiaoxin Pad Pro 2021, while the top iOS tablet for playing games is the iPad Pro. Our recommendations for gaming tablets are:
- Lenovo Xiaoxian Pad Pro 2021 – Best Gaming Tablet Overall
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ – Best Gaming Tablet for Most People
- iPad Pro – Best iOS Tablet for Gaming
- GPD XP – Best Tablet for xCloud, Stadia, Luna, and Cloud Gaming
- Powkiddy X18S – Best Clamshell Android Gaming Tablet
- JXD S192K – Best Tablet for Gaming With Built-in Gamepad
- Powkiddy X17 – Best Cheap Gaming Tablet
What Tablet can You Play Games on?
You can play games on virtually any tablet. However, certain tablets are better than others. Look for a powerful CPU and GPU combination as well as any gaming-specific features such as built-in controls, video out capabilities, and a high refresh rate screen.
How Much RAM Does a Gaming Tablet Need?
We recommend at least 4GB of RAM for a gaming tablet, though the more the better. You should have no problems gaming with 6GB or 8GB of RAM. Granted, your CPU and GPU are more important than memory for gaming, but RAM is nonetheless key.
Best Gaming Tablets 2021 – Final Thoughts
There are loads of gaming tablets on the market. The Lenovo Xioxian Pad Pro 2021 is the best overall tablet for gaming, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ and iPad Pro are best for most people GPD’s XP with its 4G LTE support and modular controls is great for cloud game streaming. The Powkiddy X18S is a neat clamshell form factor gaming tablet, or you can snag tablets with gamepads built-in such as the JXD S192K or Powkiddy X17.
Your turn: What gaming tablets are you using and what mobile games are you playing?
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