Best tablets for gaming in 2025

One thing gaming tablets have in common is a high-end chipset capable of excellent gaming performance. Whether you use Apple M4 or MediaTek Dimensity 9300, you will get seamless performance, while regular mainstream tablets might struggle in more advanced gaming titles like Genshin Impact. Tablets for gaming also have quality displays and put effort into sound performance.

Handheld gaming devices like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck compete with gaming tablets. However, if you prefer versatility, our comprehensive list of tablets offers larger and better displays.

Along with the Cybernews research team, I researched the fairly saturated market and chose the best gaming tablets among the crowd. In our handy guide, I considered processor, RAM, storage, display, battery life, and price, along with a couple of essential nuances that come with each device.

Top 5 gaming tablets – shortlist

1. Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) – sleek-looking gaming tablet
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ – great tablet for gaming with a wide storage capacity
3. REDMAGIC Nova Gaming Tablet – best tablet to play games on a big screen
4. Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M2) – gaming tablet for detailed visuals
5. Amazon Fire Max 11 – budget-friendly tablet for gaming

Comparison of the top 5 tablets for gaming

I’ve highlighted key features and specs for the best tablets for gaming. You can easily get a quick overview of my list and compare the devices.

Best tablets for gaming	Pricing	Chipset/GPU	RAM/storage	Key features	Battery capacity	Best for
Apple iPad Pro 11 (M4)	Premium	Apple M4/10-core graphics	8GB/256GB	Support for Apple Intelligence, OLED screen, best processor in class	8,160 mAh	High-end gaming and productivity
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+	Premium	Mediatek Dimensity 9300+/12-core graphics	12GB/256GB	Sketch to image, S Pen, Dynamic AMOLED screen	10,090 mAh	Top performer for Android tablets
REDMAGIC Nova Gaming Tablet	Mid-range	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen3/8-cores graphics	12GB/256GB	144Hz screen, advanced cooling system, top chipset for Android	10,100 mAh	Focused gaming experience
Apple iPad Air 11 (M2)	Mid-range	Apple M2/9-cores graphics	8GB/256GB	Retina display, M2 CPU slightly behind M4	7606 mAh	Bang for buck performance
Amazon Fire Max 11	Affordable	MediaTek MT8188J/2-core graphics	4GB/64GB	Price, Amazon ecosystem	7,500 mAh	Cheap gaming solution

5 best gaming tablets – our detailed list

If you’re an avid gamer, you want a tablet that can run modern games without stuttering, go above 60fps, and not drain the battery quickly. I considered the chipset performance, RAM, storage, and display quality. Here are the best gaming tablets backed by Cybernews' in-depth research and analysis.

1. Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) – top performing tablet for gaming

Main features:	Auto image stabilization, nits brightness, video image stabilization
CPU:	Apple M4
Graphics:	10-core graphics
Storage capacity:	256GB
Screen size:	11’’
Operating system:	iPadOS

Check price on Amazon

The 10-core graphics chip within M4 silicon makes the newest Apple iPad Pro a prolific gaming machine capable of handling triple-A games like Assassin's Creed Mirage above 30fps. You’ll find the same M4 chipset powering Apple laptops and desktops, making it one of the most powerful CPUs on the tablet market right now.

Apple iPad Pro is overkill for most mobile games, but you can comfortably play Xbox Cloud games like Call of Duty Black Ops 6. Thanks to the OLED display, which has a 120 Hz refresh rate and 1000 nits and a high resolution of 168 x 2420 pixels, games will look stunning.

This tablet is a versatile device that can be an excellent mobile gaming rig. Along with great visuals, you will also get advanced sound with four stereo speakers. The only potential drawback is the premium pricing. If that is not an issue, you can connect an Xbox controller wirelessly and play anything from Resident Evil to Genshin Impact or mobile favorites like Brawl Stars.

2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ – high-end gaming option for Android users

Main features:	True tone display, five-element lens, dual microphones
CPU:	Mediatek Dimensity 9300+
Graphics:	12-core graphics
Storage capacity:	256GB
Screen size:	12,4’’
Operating system:	Android 14

Check price on Amazon

If you prefer Android to iOS, Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ might be your best pick. It relies on the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chipset, a high-end processor with a 12-core GPU chip.

With the Dimensity 9300+ and 12GB RAM, the Galaxy Tab S10+ will run Genshin Impact at high graphics settings with 60fps without stuttering. While the MediaTek chipset is not on the Apple M4 level, it has enough power for most top mobile gaming titles.

You will also get 256GB storage, which is more than enough for most gamers. Both games and movies will look great due to the Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz refresh rate, HDR capabilities, and high resolution of 1752 x 2800 pixels on a 12.4-inch screen.

3. REDMAGIC Nova Gaming Tablet – dedicated gaming tablet

Main features:	Powerful battery, 5G capability, hyperfast processor
CPU:	Snapdragon 8 Gen3
Graphics:	Adreno 750
Storage capacity:	256GB
Screen size:	10.9’’
Operating system:	Android

Check price on Amazon

REDMAGIC Nova is a tablet that was created specifically for gaming. Features that back that up are a quality 144Hz display, quality build, excellent memory with 12/256GB, and a premium Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen3 processor. You will also get a PC-like cooling system with 3D heat pipe technology and a 20,000RPM fan.

Games will look crisp on the 2.8K display, and thanks to the 10,100mAh battery, you can have extended gaming sessions. Snapdragon 8 Gen3 is arguably the best chipset for Android devices, and you can run Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Warzone, and other similar games at maximum settings.

Additional perks of this device include 80W fast charging, a 50MP main camera, and four stereo speakers.

4. Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M2) – bang for buck champ

Main features:	AMOLED screen, dual front camera, incredibly fast processor
CPU:	Apple M2
Graphics:	9-core graphics
Storage capacity:	256GB
Screen size:	11”
Operating system:	iPadOS

Check price on Amazon

When it was announced in 2024, the Apple iPad Air 11 with the M2 chip was misleading. Instead of a light mid-range performer, users got a tablet with a processor from the last generation of iPad Pro, which is also featured in MacBook devices. With its 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU, the Apple iPad Air has performance that is second only to the newer Apple M silicon.

Resident Evil 4, Genshin Impact, and Fortnite will run smoothly. One thing that might hold you back is the 60Hz display. However, it’s still a quality IPS screen with 500 nits and a 1640 x 2360 pixel resolution.

Apple iPad Air has 8GB of RAM, and with 256GB of storage, you can download and play enough modern-day games. With the iPad, you will get more than decent cameras and stereo speakers. The battery life could be better, as the device packs a 7606 mAh battery.

5. Amazon Fire Max 11 – gaming on a budget

Main features:	Long battery life, vibrant colors, 1080p display
CPU:	MediaTek MT8188J
Graphics:	Mali-G57
Storage capacity:	64GB
Screen size:	11”
Operating system:	FireOS

Check price on Amazon

Amazon Fire Max 11 is a capable mid-range tablet with decent gaming performance. Its Mediatek processor will allow you to play classic mobile games, and it will run high-end titles, but on lower settings. The biggest drawback will be storage space. You must pick and choose with only 64GB. Luckily, you can compensate with a microSD card.

Another thing to consider is limited FireOS, which will feel like a step back compared to Android and iPadOS, with significantly fewer apps and features. Amazon Fire Max 11 is perfect for Amazon Prime, multimedia, and streaming content. Its 11’’ screen has resolution of 2000 x 1200,

The tablet has a decent battery life, but due to its only 4GB of RAM, it might be sluggish in more demanding games or with multiple tabs in the browser.

How we selected these tablets for playing games

Some tablets have a gaming-oriented design and branding. Others have just the correct specs to be an excellent pick for gaming. I’ve focused on gaming performance and considered display quality, storage options, and overall package. Here is how I selected our top gaming tablets.

• Overall performance (25%). A tablet's performance is crucial for gaming. I evaluated how tablets run high-end games that require a lot of processing power and graphics capabilities. Running multiple applications simultaneously is also a great benchmark for seeing how the tablet handles multitasking.
• Display quality (25%). A good gaming experience requires a high-quality display. OLED displays have a clear advantage as a superior technology, but I also checked brightness and refresh rate. I also checked if the display is comfortable to view for extended periods.
• Sound quality (20%). Sound is an integral part of the gaming experience. I valued more speakers, higher volume, and better sound quality. The best gaming experience comes with clarity, volume, and immersive sound.
• User interface (15%). A good gaming tablet should have an intuitive and responsive user interface. I researched how well you can navigate through the tablet’s menus, open and close apps, and check for lag or unresponsiveness.
• Storage (15%). Games can take up a lot of storage space, so more capacity means more preference for gaming. I also checked if the tablet supports expandable storage.

How to choose the best tablet for gaming

Choosing the right tablet for gaming might be challenging with so many options on the market. You should look for mid-range to high-end chipsets, as gaming is among the most demanding tasks. Here are a few key factors to consider in your pursuit of a perfect gaming tablet:

• Performance. A powerful processor ensures smooth gameplay, while ample RAM allows efficient multitasking. For gaming, I recommend a tablet with a high-end processor and at least 4GB of RAM.
• Display. The quality of the display significantly impacts the gaming experience. A tablet with a high-resolution screen will provide crisp and vibrant visuals, enhancing the overall gaming experience. A larger screen can also give a more immersive experience.
• Operating system. The operating system determines the range of games you can play. Android and iOS have the widest range of games available. However, some games are exclusive to one platform, so you must consider which games you want to play when choosing a tablet.
• Storage. Games, especially high-end ones, can take up a lot of storage space. Therefore, a tablet with ample storage is necessary. I recommend at least 64GB of storage, but if the tablet supports expandable storage, that’s even better.
• Battery life. Video games consume a lot of power, so a tablet with a long battery life is essential. I recommend a tablet with a battery life of at least 10 hours for gaming.
• Audio quality. Good audio quality can enhance the gaming experience, providing more immersive and realistic gameplay. Look for a tablet with high-quality speakers and, if possible, Dolby Atmos support.

Mobile vs tablet: what’s better for gaming?

The most significant advantage of tablets compared to mobile phones is the screen size. Gaming tablets on my list feature high-resolution displays with either top-notch OLED screens or high-end IPS panels. For many models, the screen quality and specs are comparable to mid-range to premium smartphones, but playing on a bigger screen is simply more convenient.

Tablets also have larger battery capacities, often exceeding 10,000 mAh. At the same time, bigger screens drain the battery more. So, if I compare the Apple iPhone 15 and iPad Pro 11 (M4 GPU), you will get more browsing time from the phone and slightly more gaming time from the tablet. Overall, most tablets will have better autonomy than phones, mostly because of the battery capacity.

On top of this, gaming tablets, especially those running on Android and iOS, have access to a vast library of games.

The only aspect in which smartphones surpass gaming tablets is portability. Tablets may be more portable than PCs, but you can put your phone in your pocket and save space if traveling longer distances.

What's the difference between a gaming tablet and other tablets?

While there are some gaming-branded tablets like REDMAGIC Nova, it’s harder to recognize which models are more suitable for gaming than other mainstream devices. The most important tell is the GPU unit, so if your tablet runs on an Apple M silicon chip or a high-end Snapdragon or Dimensity chip, you can play most modern games with no stutter.

Performance is the most crucial aspect, but it is not the only factor that makes or breaks a gaming tablet. An advanced OLED display will enhance gaming, and a high refresh rate with brightness also separates them from other devices.

Ideally, your gaming tablet will have a dedicated cooling system, several stereo speakers, and a quality build. The best gaming tablets are usually flagship models or tablets made specifically for gaming.

Which processor is best for a gaming tablet?

The tablet’s processor, an integrated GPU unit, and RAM are responsible for its overall performance. Mobile SOCs (system on chip) power the tablet, while CPU and GPU cores, along with their clock speed, determine how seamlessly you can run your favorite games.

The current leader in raw processing power is Apple M4, the latest and most advanced silicon chip in iPad, iPhone, and MacBook devices. Behind the M4 are the M3 and M2 chipsets from Apple and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen3 and MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ for Android devices. All these chipsets are overkill for classic mobile games but can handle triple-A titles.

Conclusion

For optimal tablet gaming, you should look for a mid-range to high-end processor, at least 256GB of storage, and 8GB of RAM. Add a capable high-resolution display and battery capacity of 8,000 mAh or higher, and you can enjoy extended gaming sessions.

Ultimately, a few key features determine the best tablet for gaming. If you pick a tablet with an M4 chipset like Apple iPad Pro 11, you will get enough power and performance for the most advanced games. Another great choice is mid-range devices with powerful chipsets like REDMAGIC Nova or Apple iPad Air 11 (M2).

Remember, you can always connect gaming controllers and stream your gaming to bigger screens, or just play on the tablet using the touchscreen.

---

You might also be interested in:

---

FAQ