8 best tablets for gaming

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Despite the fact that modern 'shovel' smartphones with their diagonal have strongly pushed tablets out of the gadget market, the latter are still relevant. Especially such a little thing will come in handy if you give it to a child in order to keep him busy. Such special devices will be discussed in today's rating-review of the best gaming tablets from.

How to choose a tablet for games

Let's start with what should be guided by when choosing a tablet for games for a child, and an adult too. In a nutshell – the same as when choosing a desktop PC: the power of the processor, the graphics module, the display parameters, and much more will be important here. But there will be nuances for almost every item, and we will briefly consider them.

CPU

Tablets, like desktop PCs, are also naturally equipped with central processing units, but here they are somewhat different – the so-called 'mobile' ones and often bear not quite familiar names. They also often take over some of the functions of the graphics module.

The processors included in the review are Snapdragons 435, 625, 660, 820, 835; also slightly exotic HiSilicon Kirin 960 in a tablet from Huawei and separately for special connoisseurs Apple A10X. You can be guided by them when choosing.

Operational and permanent memory

The tablets use RAM and permanent memory. And here the same principles apply, only different numbers. For a comfortable game you need as much RAM as possible, so our experts recommend game tablets with at least 3 GB RAM. As for the internal memory, variations are possible here, especially since, as a rule, it can be expanded with an additional sd card.

Screen and overall dimensions

Although the above technical data are the most important in a gaming tablet, they may not say much for the average user, but the screen size is obvious to everyone. Here it is already worth being guided by personal comfort and the conditions of future use (carrying, convenience for the child, etc.). There are also parameters such as resistive screen or capacitive. We do not consider the former in our rating-review at all, since they are completely unsuitable for a comfortable game. Matrix type – only IPS and multi-touch function. Even when choosing, do not forget about the overall dimensions of the device, since an inexpensive tablet, in fact, can turn out to be thick and weighty. Our experts have selected the optimal models.

Autonomy

This is an important moment when you are going to carry a game tablet with you for a long time, and give your child only for a short time. You can always forget the charger at home. Moreover, with a resource-intensive modern game, the battery will drain very quickly. In principle, you need to look for the battery capacity to be at least 4000 mAh, but experts decided to look ahead at progress and in our review you will find devices with a capacity of 7000 mAh and even higher. On this seemingly insignificant moment, experts strongly do not recommend saving.

Design and material

There is already complete taste. Metal is not always and not necessarily good, and plastic is not always and not necessarily bad. You need to listen to the tactile sensations, how the tablet sits in your hands, whether it fits where you need it, etc. The only thing is that the soft-touch coating is very pleasant to the touch, but, unfortunately, rarely any copies hold it for a long time. In general, any external coating does not always hold well, especially with not the most accurate operation. But this applies not only to tablets, but in general to everything in the world.

operating system

And finally, a few words about the moment that you can miss, and then face offensive disappointment. Modern tablets are mainly produced on one of three operating systems: Android, iOS and Windows. The problem is that even a powerful and fast gadget can be useless in terms of suitability for a particular game. Here our experts recommend proceeding from the following. Most games are adapted specifically for Android, since this is the most popular OS in the world. As for tablets on Windows, they are more suitable for work use, but there are exceptions. It is difficult for users of gadgets on iOS to advise something, as they themselves know everything. The only thing is that some game makers dislike iOS for a number of reasons.

Rating of the best tablets for gaming

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best inexpensive gaming tablets	1	Huawei MediaPad M3 Lite 8.0 32Gb LTE	RUB 13,990
	2	Xiaomi Mi Pad 4 32Gb	RUB 14,553
The best tablets for gaming in the mid-range	1	Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 9.7 SM-T820 Wi-Fi 32Gb	RUB 27 490
	2	Huawei MediaPad M5 8.4 64Gb LTE	RUB 22,790
	3	Lenovo Tab 4 TB-X704L 64Gb	19 420 RUB
The most powerful tablets for gaming	1	Apple iPad Pro 10.5 256 Gb Wi-Fi + Cellular	RUB 57 480
	2	Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 10.5 SM-T835 64Gb	RUB 44,590
	3	Huawei MediaPad M5 10.8 Pro 64Gb LTE	RUB 35 800

The ranking is based on RankQuality data.

Best inexpensive gaming tablets

Now let's go directly to the rating and determine which tablets are still the best according to the version. And the first group will be devoted to the most budget models. Two game tablets got here – from Huawei and Xiaomi. Both models are equipped with glossy capacitive screens with multitouch support, matrix – IPS, screen orientation is automatic. They also contain all such obvious options for modern tablets as headphone / headset output, wireless Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios, GPS and GLONASS navigation tools, built-in microphone and speakers.

Huawei MediaPad M3 Lite 8.0 32Gb LTE

Rating: 4.8

This model was announced in 2017 and even made some splash, quite rightly. The gaming tablet is equipped with an 8-inch widescreen display with a resolution of 1920×1200. The dimensions of the device themselves are 213x123x7.5 mm, and the weight is 310 g. Combined case – metal frame, plastic back cover.

The tablet is equipped with a central eight-core processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 at a frequency of 1.4 GHz. The processor core is Cortex-A53. Manufactured by 28 nm process technology. Smart graphics are provided by the Adreno 505 video chip. The tablet has 3 GB of RAM on board and 32 GB of internal memory. Internal memory can be expanded with microSDXC up to 128 GB.

Like many, but not all tablets, this model is equipped with one slot for a mobile nano SIM card. The module itself supports a wide range of standards ranging from GSM900 to LTE.

Both cameras of the tablet – both the rear and the front – have a resolution of 8 megapixels, the rear is equipped with autofocus. The sensors include an accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, light sensor. A nice bonus is the presence of a fingerprint scanner.

A micro-USB connector serves to charge the device; it can be connected to a desktop PC via a regular USB. The function of connecting external peripherals exists, but as an option, and this issue needs to be clarified for a specific modification.

The battery capacity of this model is rather 'average', but for the budget category it is quite sufficient – 4800 mAh.

The developers chose Android 7.0 as the operating system for this model.

Advantages

• high-quality assembly;
• the most affordable price in the group;
• powerful enough considering the affordable price;
• good color rendering;

disadvantages

• over time, begins to noticeably increase energy consumption.

Xiaomi Mi Pad 4 32Gb

Rating: 4.7

Now, in our rating, we will consider another inexpensive model, which is only slightly more expensive on average than the previous one, but looks more interesting in a number of parameters.

So, the tablet from Xiaomi, completely fresh – presented in 2018. Equipped with a widescreen 8-inch screen with a high-quality IPS-matrix with a resolution of 1920×1200. Its dimensions are 200.2×120.3×7.9 mm, and its weight is 342 g. The case is metal.

The center of electronics is the processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 with a frequency of 2.2 GHz, which is already much better than that of the previous model. There are also eight cores, but in this case the chip is manufactured using the 14 nm process technology, which is actually a whole generation newer technology than 22 nm. The video chip is also newer – Adreno 512. With the RAM and built-in memory, the situation is exactly the same – 3 GB and 32 GB, respectively. The only drawback in this respect is that standard versions do not have a slot for an external memory card.

Continuing the question of cons, it should be said that in the most affordable modifications there is also no slot for a SIM card for mobile communications. The rest of the wireless connection is almost complete – Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, excluding the GPS navigation module. The sensors include an accelerometer, gyroscope and light sensor.

The rear camera of this model is noticeably better than the previous one – 13 megapixels, the front one is slightly weaker – 5 megapixels. The feature of this gaming tablet is the presence of a face unlock function.

A USB-C socket is used for charging, it is possible to connect to a computer via a regular USB. There is also a USB 3.1 Type-C connector as a bonus. Connecting external peripherals is possible as an option – check this issue at the point of sale.

What else in this model gives a significant head start to the previous one is the battery. Its capacity is 6000 mAh.

The operating system is also newer here – Android 8.1.

Advantages

• sufficiently powerful electronics;
• one of the newest models (2018);
• a lot of reviews about the convenience of the child;
• metal case;

disadvantages

• there are no navigation and mobile communication modules.

The best tablets for gaming in the mid-range

The second group of the ranking dedicated to the best tablets for gaming considers the middle price segment. Here our specialists have already noticed three models – from Samsung, Huawei and Lenovo. All of them are approximately equal in price, have the function of auto-orientation of the screen, GPS and GLONASS navigation modules, the ability to connect to a computer via USB, a standard headset output, built-in speakers, wireless Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, a card slot mobile communication nanoSIM. We will describe the individual features of each model below.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 9.7 SM-T820 Wi-Fi 32Gb

Rating: 4.9

Let's start with a gaming tablet from a Korean manufacturer whose credibility is beyond doubt. This striking model was presented to the public in February 2017 and immediately earned her recognition.

A remarkable feature of the model is an impressive 9.7-inch screen. A notable feature is a non-widescreen display with a Super AMOLED matrix with a resolution of 2048×1536 with a PPI of 264. The physical dimensions of the device are 237.3x169x6 mm, and the weight is 429 g. The case is made of high-quality plastic.

The tablet uses a 4-core processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 at 2.15 GHz as the center of all computing. The chip is manufactured using the latest 14 nm process technology. Internal memory onboard 32 GB, RAM (high-performance LPDDR4) – 4 GB. The built-in memory can be expanded with an external microSDXC card. Video module – Adreno 530.

The developers have proposed an interesting solution for the video system. If the front camera is not particularly remarkable – the usual 5 megapixel, the rear has a resolution of 13 megapixels and is equipped with a flash with autofocus.

In terms of autonomy, the performance of this model is very good. The battery capacity is 6000 mAh, and the manufacturer's declared nominal continuous operation time when watching a video is 12 hours.

Now a few words about interesting features. The tablet comes with a stylus, the tablet itself is equipped with a docking connector, and an optional QWERTY keyboard can be used.

Operating system installed Android 7.1.

Advantages

• docking station connector;
• stylus included;
• very thin;
• Super matrix AMOLED;
• good autonomy;

disadvantages

• there is no place for the stylus in the tablet itself.

Huawei MediaPad M5 8.4 64Gb LTE

Rating: 4.8

The rating continues with a very decent gaming tablet from Huawei, presented in 2018. It has a slightly smaller screen than the previous model – 8.4 inches, but it is widescreen and has a resolution of 2560×1600. Matrix – IPS. Dimensions of the device – 212.6×124.8×7.3 mm, weight – 316 g. The case is metal.

The 'heart' of the device is the not quite 'mainstream' mobile processor HiSilicon Kirin 960 with eight Cortex-A53 / A73 cores. Manufactured according to the 16 nm process technology. The RAM is the same as that of the previous model – 4 GB, but the permanent built-in memory is twice as much – 64 GB. It can also be expanded with a microSDXC memory card with an upper limit of 256 GB. The video chip of this model is also 'non-standard', but very worthy – Mali-G71 MP8.

The camera has a 13-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and an 8-megapixel front camera for photo-video shooting. Sensors: illumination, gyroscope, compass, accelerometer.

The tablet is charged via USB-C, there are also USB Type-C and USB 3.1 Type-C connectors. The battery capacity of this model is slightly less than that of the previous one – 5100 mAh.

Individual features of the model: the presence of a vibration motor, a fingerprint scanner, the mobile communication module covers only three standards – 3G, HSDPA and LTE.

The operating system is installed Android 8.0.

Advantages

• powerful processor;
• sturdy metal body;
• juicy, saturated colors;
• high-quality assembly;

disadvantages

• no 3.5 mm mini jack.

Lenovo Tab 4 TB-X704L 64Gb

Rating: 4.7

And the third item in the rating of tablets for games of the middle price category is the brainchild Lenovo. Let's say right away that it will suit an older child, since its diagonal is very impressive – 10.1 inches. The resolution of a very good widescreen IPS-matrix is ​​1920×1200. Physical dimensions – 247x173x7.1 mm, weight – 475 g. The case is made of high quality plastic.

The computing system of the device is built around the processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 on eight Cortex-A53 cores at a frequency of 2 GHz. The chip is manufactured using the 14 nm process technology. The tablet contains 64 GB of internal memory, 4 GB of RAM. With a microSDXC memory card, the built-in memory can be expanded by another 128 GB. Video processor – Adreno 506.

The rear camera here is weaker than that of the previous model – 8 megapixels, but it is equipped not only with autofocus, but also with a flash. The front camera is quite ordinary – the usual 5-megapixel one. From the sensors there are proximity and light sensors and an accelerometer.

The tablet is charged from the USB-C connector, there is also a USB 3.1 Type-C connector. The battery capacity is a record in this group – 7000 mAh. According to the manufacturer, this should be enough for 13 hours of 'average' work.

Features of the model: the presence of an FM tuner, optional use of a QWERTY keyboard, a fingerprint scanner, the ability to charge from USB, the mobile communication module covers a wide range of the most popular standards, including 3G and LTE.

Operating system installed Android 7.0.

Advantages

• juicy, high-quality picture;
• the most affordable price in the group;
• capacious battery;
• Beautiful design;

disadvantages

• buttons play slightly;
• fragile back panel.

The most powerful tablets for gaming

And finally, we pass to the most interesting group of our rating, where we will consider the most powerful tablets selected by specialists, which will provide you and your child with maximum gaming comfort. All four listed models have common features: multi-touch capacitive touchscreen, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless communication modules of different standards, built-in stereo speakers and microphone, automatic screen orientation, nano SIM card slot, tools positioning GPS and GLONASS, optional use of a QWERTY keyboard, the ability to connect to a computer via USB, optional peripheral connection.

Apple iPad Pro 10.5 256 Gb Wi-Fi + Cellular

Rating: 4.9

Let's start with the 'king' of tablets, from whose name, in fact, it all began. Of course, this is already a much newer generation after the legendary first iPad, presented personally by the no less legendary Steve Jobs, and it was announced in 2017.

This powerful model is equipped with a large 10.5-inch (not widescreen) display with a flawless IPS-matrix and a resolution of 2224×1668. The PPI (pixels per inch) is 264. Plus, the tablet glass is scratch resistant. The dimensions of the device are 250.6×174.1×6.1 mm, and the weight is 477 g. The case is metal.

This handsome man is equipped with a powerful 'native' processor Apple A10X at 2.36 GHz with six ARM8 cores. The processor is made according to the technological process of almost tomorrow – 10 nm.

The built-in memory here is outrageous and absolutely record for this group of devices 256 GB. But, in fairness, it should be said that the Cupertinos used such a move to compensate for the lack of the ability to use external memory cards, typical for Apple devices.

As for the RAM, here are quite ordinary 4 GB for powerful tablets, although the memory itself is a high-performance LPDDR4 at 1.6 GHz. The video processor in this case is an excellent high-performance PowerVR GT7600 chip. The mobile module supports a record wide range of standards, including even LTE Advanced.

The video system in this gaming tablet is as follows. A 12 Mpix rear camera of impeccable Apple quality with autofocus, flash and optical stabilization, plus a front one with a decent 7 Mpix resolution for a front camera.

And a little blitz on the rest of the functions: docking station connector, fingerprint scanner, support for stylus Apple Pencil, USB charging, battery capacity – 30.4 Wh

No surprises about the operating system – iOS.

Advantages

• famous brand;
• high liquidity;
• stability and reliability;
• flawless colors;
• high-quality sound;
• high performance;
• easy;
• high-quality assembly;

disadvantages

• a noticeable percentage of complaints about long absenteeism from sleep mode.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 10.5 SM-T835 64Gb

Rating: 4.8

Next in this group of ratings is the brainchild of the main competitor Apple – the most powerful Galaxy Tab of the new generation, announced literally 'yesterday' – August 1, 2018.

The screen size of this model is also 10.5 inches. The screen is widescreen with a Super matrix AMOLED with a resolution of 2560×1600. The linear dimensions of the tablet for games are 249.3×164.3×7.1 mm, weight – 483 g.

The center of everything in the device is a super-powerful next-generation processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 MSM8998 on eight Kryo cores with a frequency of 2.35 GHz. The processor is built similarly to the previous one iPad using the latest 10 nm process technology.

The manufacturers have provided 64 GB of built-in memory in this model, and 4 GB of RAM (LPDDR4). With a slot for microSDXC memory cards, the built-in memory can be expanded up to an additional 400 GB. Video chip – Adreno 540. The cellular communication module covers a wide range of standards up to LTE.

The rear camera is quite powerful – 13 megapixels with flash and autofocus, the front one is even slightly higher resolution than the above iPad – 8 megapixels.

The battery capacity of the tablet is as much as 7300 mAh, the nominal battery life when watching a video, according to the manufacturer, is 16 hours. A USB-C connector is used for charging, there is also USB 3.1 Type-C.

Briefly about other features: docking station connector, connection to a TV or monitor (optional), stylus, iris scanner, gyroscope, presence sensor, light sensor, accelerometer, fast charging function.

Operating system – Android 8.0.

Advantages

• high performance;
• flawless color rendering;
• docking station connection;
• fast charging function;
• stylus included;
• the latest generation;

disadvantages

• there were no pronounced shortcomings by users.

Huawei MediaPad M5 10.8 Pro 64Gb LTE

Rating: 4.7

Now, in our rating, we will consider a very good powerful tablet for games from the manufacturer's market alternative to two “bison”. This is also the most recent model announced in 2018.

The diagonal of the screen here is even a little more than the two previous options – 10.8 inches on a widescreen IPS-matrix with a resolution of 2560×1600. Tablet dimensions – 258.7×171.8×7.3 mm, weight – 498 g, metal case.

The processor is installed 'typical' for many gaming tablets Huawei – HiSilicon Kirin 960 on eight Cortex-A53 / A73 cores. The processor is manufactured using the 16 nm process technology. The volumes of built-in and RAM are similar to the previous model – 64 and 4 GB, respectively. Due to the slot for memory cards microSDXC permanent memory can be supplemented with 256 gigabytes. Video processor – Mali-G71 MP8. The cellular module only covers three standards – 3G, HSDPA and LTE.

The video system is almost similar in parameters to the previous model – 13 Mpix rear camera and 8 Mpix front camera. The only difference is that the rear one is equipped with autofocus only, no flash.

The battery capacity of the tablet is slightly larger than that of the previous model – 7500 mAh. The device is charged via the USB-C connector. There is also a USB 3.1 Type-C socket.

Additional features: vibration motor, light sensor, gyroscope, accelerometer, compass, dock connector, fingerprint scanner, stylus.

Separately, it should be said that this model has a headphone / headset output – USB Type-C, the adapter is included in the package.

Operating system – Android 8.0.

Advantages

• relatively affordable price;
• solid autonomy;
• good surround sound;
• power;

disadvantages

• non-standard headphone output.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.