7 Best Tablets for Gaming: Power, Performance, and Portability!
How about diving into a world of epic battles, mind-bending puzzles, or thrilling races—all in the palm of your hand? Well, if this thought excites you, it is high time to get your hands on one of the best tablets for gaming. With technology advancing at lightning speed, today’s tablets offer graphics, speed, and power that can rival even some consoles. Whether you’re a casual player enjoying puzzle games on the go or a hardcore gamer diving into graphic-rich RPGs, the right device can mean the difference between smooth victories and lag-filled defeats.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top 7 gaming tablets available in India, what features to prioritise, and help you decide which one suits your style and budget. Ready to find your ultimate gaming sidekick? Let’s dive in!
Choosing A Tablet Based on Game Type
Not all games are created equal—neither are gaming tablets! The type of games you enjoy can help you pick the tablet that best meets your needs.
Before you move, ask yourself: What’s your gaming style? Casual, competitive, or something in between?
- Casual Gamers: If you’re into lighthearted games like puzzles, word games, or classic arcade titles, you may not need the highest specs. Consider lightweight options with decent battery life. A tablet with a decent display, solid battery life, and a mid-range processor will handle these games without a hitch.
- Hardcore Gamers: For those who live for FPS, RPGs, or graphic-heavy games, investing in high-performance tablets is the way to go. A tablet with top-of-the-line processing power, high RAM, and a smooth refresh rate for lag-free gameplay. They are ideal for handling fast-paced games with rich visuals.
7 Best Tablets for Gaming: Top Picks for 2024
HONOR Pad 9 Tablet
Looking for a tablet that’s ready for work and play? The HONOR Pad 9 could be the all-in-one device you need! This 12.1-inch beauty doesn’t just look sleek; it’s packed with features designed for seamless multitasking, vibrant visuals, and an immersive sound experience. Whether you’re working, gaming, or simply unwinding with your favourite shows, the HONOR Pad 9 adapts effortlessly to your lifestyle.
Standout Features:
- Crystal Clear 2.5K Display—The 2.5K screen boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, a brightness of 500 nits, and an incredible 1.07 billion colour gamut for vivid, sharp visuals.
- Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 Processor—With the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, a robust processor, this tablet can smoothly handle multitasking, gaming, and high-definition streaming.
- Ample Storage—With 8GB RAM (plus an extra 8GB virtual expansion), you’re equipped for smooth, efficient performance, even with multiple apps open.
- Enhanced Eye Comfort—Featuring TÜV Rheinland-certified low blue light and flicker-free technology, the HONOR Pad 9 offers an eye-protection mode that’s ideal for long hours of use.
- Multi-Window Support—The Magic OS 7.2, powered by Android 13, introduces a smooth, intuitive experience with multi-window functionality. You can easily switch between apps, split your screen, and multitask efficiently.
- Powerful Battery—The HONOR Pad 9 has an 8300mAh battery that provides up to 17 hours of video playback.
Best For: Moderate Gamin
Equipped with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, 8GB RAM (plus 8GB virtual expansion), and a high-resolution 2.5K display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, this tablet is designed for casual to moderate games.
| Pros | Cons |
| Smooth 120Hz refresh rate | Battery life is decent |
| Large, high-resolution | Heavier than some compact tablets |
| Immersive 8-speaker audio | |
| Includes a Bluetooth keyboard | |
| Meta Design Body | |
| Extended Storage |
Redmi Pad Pro 5G Tablet
Get ready to experience power, portability, and productivity all in one sleek package with the Redmi Pad Pro 5G. This tablet combines a large, vibrant display with a powerful Snapdragon
processor, immersive audio, and a long-lasting battery to keep you connected and entertained wherever you go. Also, with powerful processor and connectivity features, it is a smart choice for students, remote workers, and creatives.
Standout Features:
- Expansive 2.5K Display—With a 12.1-inch 2.5K display that delivers razor-sharp details, it delivers 2560 x 1600 resolution and 600 nits brightness. Also, the 120Hz AdaptiveSync refresh rate adapts to what you’re doing, making every action.
- Dolby Atmos-Enabled Speakers—It features four powerful Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers that deliver clear, dynamic sound. This lets you enjoy deep, cinematic audio with rich bass and sharp details.
- Good Battery with Fast Charging—-This tablet’s 10000mAh battery offers up to 33 days of standby and 16 hours of HD video playback. Also, when it comes to recharge, the 33W fast charger will have you back in action in no time.
- Seamless Interconnectivity—The innovative HyperOS brings seamless connectivity and allows you to share files, answer calls, and even sync your clipboard across devices with a simple drag-and-drop feature.
- Snapdragon Processor—-Powered by the 4nm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, this tablet ensures smooth multitasking and fast responses. With 8GB RAM and 128GB storage (expandable up to 1.5TB), you’ll get ample space.
Best For: Casual Gaming
With a large display, 120Hz refresh rate, and robust battery life, the Redmi Pad Pro 5G is ideal for casual gamers who enjoy smoother visuals and reliable performance.
| Pros | Cons |
| Triple eye-care technology | Limited 8MP camera performance |
| Easy multitasking | No fingerprint sensor |
| Inter-device connectivity | |
| Dust & splash resistant | |
| Lightweight construction | |
| Supports 5G connection |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7
A sleek design, reliable performance, and immersive multimedia features are what we describe as the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7. It is a versatile choice with a vibrant 10.4-inch display, quad speakers, and a powerful Snapdragon processor. Perfect for streaming, browsing, or keeping in touch with family, the Galaxy Tab A7 is designed to keep you connected in comfort. Plus, its portability and connectivity features make it one of the best tablets for gaming in India.
Standout Features:
- High Resolution—Dive into your favourite movies, games, or videos with a 2000 x 1200 pixel resolution on the 10.4-inch display. With slim, symmetric bezels, it maximises your screen space.
- Long-Lasting Battery—The Galaxy Tab A7’s 7040mAh battery supports extended usage, giving you hours of playtime, browsing, or productivity. It also supports fast charging to get back to full power in no time.
- Expandable Storage—With 32GB of internal storage and the option to expand up to 1TB via a microSD card, you have plenty of room for all your apps, photos, videos, and files.
- Snapdragon 662 Processor—Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 and 3GB of RAM, this tablet guarantees a smooth, reliable experience for casual gaming.
- Samsung Kids Mode—The family-friendly feature, named Samsung Kids Mode, lets kids explore educational games and activities while letting you control their access to apps and screen time.
- Built-in Security System—Rest easy with Samsung Knox security, which safeguards your data with multi-layered protection against malware and unauthorised access.
Best For: Entry-Level Gaming
Equipped with the Snapdragon 662 processor and a large 10.4-inch display, it provides solid performance for light, entry-level gaming. Its battery life and compact design make it a good option for casual gamers.
| Pros | Cons |
| 10.4-inch Full HD display | Camera quality could be better |
| Quad speakers with Dolby Atmos | Display colours are a bit dull |
| Fast charging capabilities | |
| Lightweight and slim design | |
| Different colour options | |
| Multiple connectivity |
HONOR Pad X8a Tablet
Experience the perfect blend of entertainment and productivity with the HONOR Pad X8a. It features a sleek metal design, an expansive 11-inch FHD display, immersive quad speakers, and a powerful Snapdragon processor, which transforms any moment into a visual and auditory delight. Lightweight yet loaded with features, this is one of the best gaming tablets to keep up with whatever you throw at it.
Standout Features:
- High Refresh Rate—The 90Hz refresh rate brings smooth visuals, making it ideal for gaming, video streaming, or simply browsing. Also, it comes with an 11-inch FHD display, delivering 1920×1200 resolution and 400 nits brightness.
- Long-Lasting Battery—With up to 14 hours of video playback and 85 hours of music enjoyment, the HONOR Pad X8a keeps you powered throughout the day. Its robust 8300mAh battery provides peace of mind.
- Expandable Storage—-Equipped with 4GB RAM (expandable to 8GB with HONOR RAM Turbo) and 128GB storage (expandable up to 1TB), this tablet can easily handle your apps, games, and files with ease.
- Hi-Res Technology—Enjoy rich, detailed sound with four large-amplitude speakers enhanced by HONOR’s Hi-Res audio technology. It delivers clear and dynamic sound, making every experience more engaging.
- Powerful Snapdragon Processor—With the Snapdragon 680, it is designed for efficient multitasking and vibrant visuals. It makes it easy to switch between apps, stream content, and play casual games without lag.
- Enhanced Functionality—Built on the latest Android 14, this tablet ensures smarter functions and better multitask management. You can also use the multi-window feature to split the screen.
Best For: Casual Gaming
The tablet’s 90Hz FHD display, combined with quad speakers and HONOR’s Hi-Res audio technology, makes it perfect for casual gamers who value immersive audio. It can handle puzzles and strategy games smoothly.
| Pros | Cons |
| Family-friendly experience | Basic 5MP front and rear cameras |
| Clear, vivid FHD display | No 4G connectivity |
| Quad speakers | |
| Lightweight and slim | |
| Seamless performance | |
| Efficient multitasking |
Apple iPad Air (5th Gen)
The Apple iPad Air (5th Generation) is not just a tablet—it’s a powerhouse built to transform the way you work, create, and play. This tablet is perfect to experience speed, elegance, and versatility all in one. The revolutionary M1 chip can handle everything from multitasking with powerful apps to immersing yourself in high-quality graphics for gaming and creativity. Delivering incredible performance, it is one of the best tablets for gaming in India.
Standout Features:
- Liquid Retina Display—The immersive 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display makes every image, video, and graphic come to life. With True Tone, P3 wide colour, and anti-reflective coating, your visuals look sharp and vibrant.
- Apple M1 Chip—Experience lightning-fast speed with the M1 chip, which guarantees 2x faster graphics and 60% more CPU performance.
- Ultra-Wide Front and Back Cameras—The 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage adjusts automatically to keep you in the frame, and the 12MP Wide back camera captures sharp photos and 4K video.
- All-Day Battery Life—With the iPad Air’s impressive battery life, it can keep you connected through work, play, and everything in between. Also, with superfast Wi-Fi 6, you can stream, download, and collaborate without lag.
- Multitasking Capabilities—iPadOS makes everything smoother and more intuitive. You can use Split View and Slide Over to multitask like a pro or use Scribble with Apple Pencil to take notes or edit documents effortlessly.
- Magic Keyboard Support—Unlock endless possibilities with the Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) and Magic Keyboard (sold separately). The Keyboard also turns your iPad Air into a mini laptop, with responsive typing and a built-in trackpad for greater control.
Best For: All-Around Gaming
Powered by the Apple M1 chip, the iPad Air can handle a variety of gaming experiences, from casual to graphics-intensive games. Its high-resolution display, excellent colour accuracy, and powerful processing make it a versatile option.
| Pros | Cons |
| Touch ID for privacy | Limited to 64GB storage option |
| Graphics-intensive applications | You have to buy accessories separately |
| All-day battery life | |
| Ultra-wide camera | |
| Anti-reflective coating | |
| Multiple connectivity |
HONOR Pad X9 Tablet
Looking for a tablet that’s versatile enough to handle work, study, and play with ease? Meet the HONOR Pad X9. It’s a sleek, powerful tablet that brings together style, performance, and immersive features in one ultra-light device. With its stunning 11.5-inch 2K display at 120Hz, vibrant colours, and surround sound from six high-quality speakers, it is one of the best tablets for gaming in India for a premium experience.
Standout Features:
- Six Cinematic Surround Speakers—The surround system with Hi-Res Audio ensures immersive sound quality, making movie-watching and gaming sessions more engaging. It ensures clear vocals and impactful bass.
- Eye Comfort Display—Its display is TÜV Rheinland certified for low blue light and flicker-free operation, reducing eye strain during prolonged usage. It also includes an e-book mode for a comfortable reading experience.
- Multi-Window Functionality—The tablet allows you to open multiple apps on the same screen and lets you split-screen for studying, note-taking, or juggling work and entertainment.
- Lightweight, Sturdy Design—At only 495 grams and 6.9mm thickness, the tablet’s sleek metal body gives it a premium feel and makes it easy to carry around. Its ergonomic design also ensures comfortable handling.
- Google Kids Space—The tablet includes Google Kids Space, providing kids with access to apps, books, and videos, along with easy parental controls.
- Android 13 with Magic UI 7.1—The latest Android 13-based Magic UI 7.1 offers a smooth, intuitive interface with enhanced functionality. Also, with this updated OS, you can access smart multitasking tools, privacy features, and customisable settings.
Best For: Lightweight Gaming
Combining an 11.5-inch 120Hz display with a multi-window function, the tablet provides an efficient balance of gaming and productivity needed for casual gaming and multitasking.
| Pros | Cons |
| Premium look & feel | Lacks cellular connectivity |
| Long-lasting 7250mAh battery | The screen sharpness is slightly lacking |
| Immersive sound quality | |
| High capacity and storage | |
| Unibody design | |
| Has E-book mode |
OnePlus Pad Tablet
The OnePlus Pad is a powerhouse in a slim, stylish package that brings a unique blend of performance, efficiency, and entertainment. It redefines the experience with a powerful blend of immersive display quality, high-speed performance, and thoughtful design for on-the-go productivity. Packed with the latest technology and optimised for both work and entertainment, this tablet is your versatile companion for every aspect of digital life.
Standout Features:
- Stunning Camera Setup—The tablet includes a 13MP rear camera capable of 4K recording, which is ideal for capturing moments or creating content. The 8MP front camera, with Limelight technology, keeps you centred during video calls and offers high-quality video.
- Cellular Data Sharing—The Cellular Data Sharing technology enables you to share 5G mobile data seamlessly from your OnePlus smartphone.
- Portable, Sleek Design—Weighing only 552g and with a sleek 0.65cm thickness, the tablet is designed for portability. Its CNC aluminium unibody and 2.5D curved glass display further add to the durability.
- 7:5 ReadFit Ratio—The unique 7:5 aspect ratio provides a near-square display, optimising the viewing experience for gaming. It also gives the tablet a “book-like” experience for comfort and prolonged usage.
- Enhanced Privacy—The OnePlus Pad includes TÜV Rheinland-certified low blue light and flicker-free technology, making extended screen time easier on the eyes.
Best For: Hardcore Gaming
With 12GB of RAM, a 144Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 9000 processor, and a 3K+ 11.61-inch display, this tablet is designed to deliver a smooth, immersive experience for hardcore gamers.
| Pros | Cons |
| Advanced privacy features | No dedicated cellular option |
| Magnetic keyboard compatibility | Lacks fingerprint sensor |
| Omnidirectional sound | |
| Ample storage and memory | |
| MediaTek Dimensity 9000 processor | |
| 144Hz refresh rate |
What to Look for in a Gaming Tablet?
Before diving into a final decision, let’s break down the essential features. Have you thought about what matters most to your gaming? Performance, battery life, or perhaps screen size? Don’t worry! Here’s a quick guide to what really matters.
Processor and RAM
Ask Yourself: Do you play graphic-intensive games that need top performance, or are casual games more your speed?
They are the key to handling demanding games with smooth graphics. Look for tablets with at least 4GB of RAM, but for heavy-duty gaming, 6GB or more will keep things running seamlessly.
Display Quality
Answer: Is sharp, vibrant graphics a must for your gaming experience?
A high-resolution screen with vivid colours and deep contrast will make your games come to life. Plus, if you’re a fan of fast-paced action, refresh rates matter! A refresh rate of 90Hz or above will keep the gameplay buttery smooth.
Battery Life
Ask this question: Are long gaming sessions your thing, or will quick recharges work for you?
There’s nothing worse than your tablet dying mid-battle. Look for tablets with a battery life of 8 hours or more to keep the gaming sessions uninterrupted.
Audio Quality
Ask yourself: Will you use headphones, or do you want great audio from the tablet itself?
Good speakers make a huge difference, especially in action games. Look for tablets with dual speakers or Dolby Atmos support if immersive sound matters to you.
Portability and Weight
Question to ask: Will you be gaming mostly at home, or do you need a tablet that’s easy to carry?
Lightweight, portable tablets are ideal if you love gaming on the go. However, larger screens, while heavier, offer a more immersive experience.
Storage Capacity
Answer this question: How many games do you plan to keep on your device?
More space means more games. Games take up space, especially if you enjoy big titles with stunning graphics. A minimum of 64GB is recommended, but for game collectors, 128GB or more might be ideal.
Tips for Optimising Your Tablet for Gaming
To get the most out of your gaming tablet, here are a few simple tips to help boost your device’s performance and ensure smooth, lag-free gameplay.
- Keep Your Software Updated
Updates often include performance enhancements and bug fixes that can help games run more smoothly. So, keep a check and update the software as needed, especially before downloading a new game.
- Close Background Apps
To reduce lag and free up memory, you must keep background apps closed. They use memory and processing power, which can slow down your game. Either swipe away or manually close all unnecessary apps before you start playing.
- Adjust Graphics Settings
High graphics settings can drain battery life and slow down gameplay on tablets with lower specs. Many games have in-game settings where you can adjust graphics quality. Lower them slightly for smoother play.
- Enable Game Mode (if available)
Some tablets come with a ‘Game Mode’ to enhance performance. This automatically optimises performance and reduces notifications. Check your settings for a ‘Game Mode’ or ‘Performance Mode’ option and enable it for a smoother experience.
- Manage Storage Space
Low storage can slow down your tablet, causing games to lag. Free up space to improve performance. Delete unused apps, clear the cache, and remove unnecessary files.
- Reduce Screen Brightness
High brightness levels drain the battery quickly, which can cut short your gaming time. Lower the brightness slightly or use adaptive brightness settings to save power without compromising visibility.
- Use a Cooling Pad or Stand
Tablets can heat up during long sessions, which can lead to performance drops. Consider using a cooling pad or stand to keep your device ventilated, especially during marathon gaming sessions.
Conclusion
Choosing one of the best tablets for gaming is not just about specs—it’s about finding a device that matches your gaming style, budget, and priorities. Remember, it’s worth investing in features that matter to you, like high processing power for lag-free play, a sharp display for immersive graphics, or long battery life for extended gaming sessions. Now that you know the best options and what to look for, which one will be your ultimate gaming device?
FAQs
Are tablets good for gaming?
Yes, modern tablets are suitable for gaming, especially those with powerful hardware, good displays, and ample RAM. They can handle a variety of games, from casual to graphic-intensive.
Which is the best gaming tab in India?
The OnePlus Pad stands out as the best gaming tablet in India. It features a 3K+ 11.61-inch display with a 144Hz refresh rate, 12GB RAM, and the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 processor, delivering smooth and immersive gaming experiences.
Is 8GB RAM enough for a gaming tablet?
Yes, 8GB RAM is generally sufficient for most games, but 12GB+ RAM is recommended for future-proofing and handling demanding titles smoothly.
Which processor is best for a tablet?
Apple’s M2 chip and Android processors like Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and MediaTek Dimensity 9000 are among the best for gaming performance.
What size tablet is best for gaming?
A screen size between 11 to 13 inches balances portability and immersive visuals, ideal for gaming experiences.
Can a budget tablet handle heavy games?
Budget tablets may struggle with heavy games due to lower specs; they’re better suited for casual gaming, while mid to high-end tablets handle intensive games better.
