Entertainment on the go: Are tablets good for gaming?
A light, portable, and powerful tablet with premium features is the perfect gaming accessory for at home and on the go. Whether you use it as a handy second screen or as the ideal way to pass the time on your daily commute, a tablet has long been part of the standard kit for casual and serious gamers alike.
Is gaming better on a phone or tablet?
The answer comes down to personal preference. Many people love their phone simply because it's always in their pocket. On top of that, modern smartphones are often optimized specifically for mobile gaming: they pack strong processors and impressive graphics into a compact device — not to mention solid battery life.
That said, when it comes to the ultimate gaming experience, tablets have their own distinct advantages. Thanks to higher refresh rates that minimize input lag, they often deliver noticeably smoother gameplay. This is backed up by more powerful GPUs and more efficient chipsets, which enable steadier frame rates (FPS) and sharper textures. On a tablet's large-format display, these graphical details in your favorite game really get to shine.
The best gaming tablets: what to look for
Whether you're into gripping strategy games, epic RPGs, or fast-paced shooters, there are four key factors to consider when choosing a gaming tablet, no matter the genre.
Battery life
The battery is the foundation of stress-free gaming on the go. Look for a capacity that can handle several hours of intensive use in one go. Worth knowing: with graphically demanding 3D titles in particular, actual battery life often drops well below the manufacturer's standard figures. Charging while you play is possible, but depending on the device, it can cause noticeable heat buildup.
Display, resolution, and screen size
Screen quality determines the visual experience. The higher the pixel density (PPI), the sharper and more vivid the game world looks. This matters especially for titles with lots of small details or text, where a high-resolution panel (like OLED or a high-quality IPS display) really pays off.
Refresh rate matters too: entry-level and mid-range tablets typically run at 60 Hz, which is plenty for most casual games. For a noticeably smoother picture in fast-paced games, a model with 90 or 120 Hz is worth it — and by now, that's standard on many mid-to-high-end devices. Some gaming-focused tablets even push up to 144 Hz, which becomes especially noticeable in competitive titles.
As for screen size: compact tablets typically fall between 8 and 10 inches and are especially easy to carry around. Most mid-range tablets sit in the 10 to 11-inch range — a solid balance between screen real estate and portability. If you want the most immersive gaming experience, or you also use your tablet for drawing or creative work, a larger model from 12 to 13 inches and up is the better choice.
Since these figures shift slightly upward with each new device generation, it's still worth checking current reviews and comparisons before you rent.
RAM
RAM is where the gap between entry-level and premium devices really shows. Entry-level and mid-range tablets typically come with 4 to 8 GB of RAM, which is plenty for classic mobile games and casual titles. If you want to run modern, graphically demanding games smoothly or keep several apps open at once, look for a model with 12 to 16 GB of RAM — that's now the range where gaming-oriented premium tablets sit. More RAM helps prevent annoying stutters, which can make all the difference in fast-paced online matches.
Which tablet is right for you?
Casual gamers:
A solid mid-range tablet with 60–90 Hz, 4–8 GB of RAM, and a 10–11-inch display is more than enough for most casual games and classic mobile titles.
Enthusiasts and power gamers:
If you play demanding 3D games or use cloud gaming services (like Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce Now), go for a high-end tablet with 120 Hz or higher and 12 GB+ of RAM.
Creative gamers:
If you also draw, take notes, or edit your own streams and gameplay videos alongside gaming, a larger tablet from 12 inches up with precise stylus support is the ideal all-in-one solution.
Frequent travelers:
Here, low weight and above-average battery life matter most — a more compact 10-inch model is usually the more practical choice over a large 13-inch tablet.
Ready to level up? Get your gaming tablet with Grover
Want to try out the mobile gaming experience without committing to an expensive device long-term? At Grover, you'll find a wide selection of current tablets from leading brands.
Rent your ideal device flexibly starting at a 6-month term for an affordable monthly rate. Our free Grover Care base coverage is automatically included and protects you against accidental damage — and additional Grover Care packages are available if you want extra coverage. Just pick the right model for you, download your favorite titles, and dive into a world of portable entertainment.
