5 Best Tablets for Gaming in 2025 That’ll Blow Your Mind
If you’ve ever tried to play Call of Duty: Mobile or Genshin Impact on your phone and watched it overheat, dim the screen, or stutter like it’s gasping for breath—you know the struggle. That’s why I started hunting for the Best Tablets for Gaming—devices that keep up with modern titles without lag, screen dimming, or battery burnout.
According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), tablet shipments jumped 13.1% in Q2 2025, reaching 38.3 million units worldwide. A huge chunk of these buyers? Gamers like you and me.
Whether you want premium PC-level performance, a balanced mid-range pick, or a budget-friendly option that still packs a punch, I’ve tested and researched them all. Let’s dive into the best tablets for gaming you can buy right now.
1. Best iPad for Gaming – Apple M4 iPad Pro
- Price: $895.53 – $999
- OS: iPadOS
- Display: Stunning OLED
- Highlight: M4 chip outperforms MacBooks in gaming tests
Apple broke the mold in 2024 by making the M4 iPad Pro a true gaming beast. The M4 chip is faster than some MacBooks, meaning you can run heavy titles like Resident Evil 4, Death Stranding, and Assassin’s Creed Mirage with ease.
It stays cool during long sessions, supports Xbox Game Pass cloud gaming, and works flawlessly with Bluetooth controllers. And yes—Apple’s now allowing emulators in the App Store, making retro gaming possible on iPad for the first time.
2. Best Samsung Tablet for Gaming – Galaxy Tab S10+
- Price: $819.42 – $999.99
- OS: Android
- Display: 12.4-inch AMOLED, 120 Hz
- Highlight: Cool performance even at max graphics
The Galaxy Tab S10+ offers top-tier gaming without going full Ultra. It beats last year’s Tab S9 Ultra in benchmark scores, runs Genshin Impact at max settings with no stutter, and has a 120 Hz AMOLED screen that makes animations silky smooth.
It comes with built-in 5G, microSD support, a stylus, and a lightweight frame. If you’re into Android gaming and multitasking, this is a serious contender.
3. Best 9-inch Gaming Tablet – REDMAGIC Astra
- Price: $799
- OS: Android 15
- Display: 9-inch OLED
- Highlight: Built-in 13-layer cooling system
The REDMAGIC Astra is built purely for gaming—think of it as a mini console in tablet form. With a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, Adreno 830 GPU, and an advanced cooling system, it can handle marathon sessions without throttling.
You can connect it to controllers, keyboards, or even stream gameplay to a TV. It’s perfect for gamers who want portability without compromising on raw power.
4. Best 11-inch – Google Pixel Tablet
- Price: $358.99 – $399
- OS: Android
- Display: 11-inch LCD, 60 Hz
- Highlight: Affordable and great for casual-heavy mix
If you’re a Google ecosystem fan and want something bigger than your phone without breaking the bank, the Pixel Tablet is your match. It runs heavy games like EA Real Racing and World of Tanks smoothly, and even works for PS5 remote play when you’re on the move.
The dual-speaker setup delivers immersive sound, making games like Genshin Impact pop with life. It’s not 120 Hz, but for under $400, it’s a win. Best Gaming Laptops Guide for cross-traffic.
5. Best Cheap Gaming Tablet – Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2
- Price: $184.99 – $224
- OS: Android
- Display: 11-inch LCD, 90 Hz
- Highlight: Excellent for budget gamers
If you want the best budget tablet for gaming, the Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 wins. With Game Turbo mode and a 90 Hz refresh rate, it can handle titles like Minecraft, Asphalt 9, and Call of Duty Mobile without lag—especially with a Bluetooth controller.
Its 9,000 mAh battery and fast charging keep you playing longer, though outdoor brightness is a bit lacking. Indoors, it’s a fantastic couch companion.
Quick Comparison Table – Best Tablets for Gaming (2025)
| Tablet | Screen Size | Refresh Rate | Battery Life | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple M4 iPad Pro | 12.9″ OLED | 120 Hz | 10 hrs | $895 – $999 | Premium gamers |
| Galaxy Tab S10+ | 12.4″ AMOLED | 120 Hz | 12 hrs | $819 – $999 | Android power users |
| REDMAGIC Astra | 9″ OLED | 120 Hz | 10 hrs | $799 | Hardcore portable gaming |
| Google Pixel Tablet | 11″ LCD | 60 Hz | 12 hrs | $358 – $399 | Budget-friendly versatility |
| Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 | 11″ LCD | 90 Hz | 14 hrs | $184 – $224 | Affordable gaming |
Before You Buy – Tips for Choosing the Best Tablet for Gaming
- Refresh Rate Matters – If you want smooth visuals, aim for 90 Hz or higher.
- Cooling Systems Are Key – Without one, your tablet may throttle performance after a while.
- Battery Size vs. Gaming Hours – Bigger isn’t always better if the device isn’t optimized.
- OS Ecosystem – Stick to Android if you like emulation; choose iPadOS for premium titles and cloud gaming.
FAQs – Best Tablets for Gaming
1. Can I use a gaming tablet for school or work?
Yes! Most gaming tablets double as productivity machines, especially if they support keyboards and styluses.
2. Which tablet is best for heavy games like Genshin Impact?
The Apple M4 iPad Pro and Galaxy Tab S10+ handle it flawlessly.
3. Are budget tablets good for competitive gaming?
Yes, but stick to models like the Redmi Pad 2 with higher refresh rates and game optimization.
4. Do I need a controller for tablet gaming?
Not always, but a Bluetooth controller improves precision in action games.
5. Which tablet has the longest battery life for gaming?
The Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 offers up to 14 hours, depending on settings.
6. Can tablets run PC games?
With cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass or GeForce NOW, yes—on both Android and iPadOS.
