How we test gaming tablets at GamesRadar+

HardwareHow we test gaming tablets at GamesRadar+When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. HardwareHow we test gaming tablets at GamesRadar+When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Future) We’ve got platforms to run our games on pretty much every sized screen you can imagine these days, but many prefer the middle ground of the gaming tablet. Whether you an Apple Arcade fan or simply looking for a portable streaming gadget, these slabs can make for excellent PC and console accessories. We’ve been on the hunt for thebest gaming tabletson the market for a few years now, testing everything from iPads to Amazon Fire tablets in that time. Our process centers around the device in front of us. Unlike the worlds of laptops or PCs, every tablet is going to provide a slightly different interface to access your games (and a slightly different selection of games to run). That means we can’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to our testing methodology. Instead, we focus on value, usability, and versatility. That means we weigh up the cost of each tablet against the displays, speeds, battery lives, and launcher compatibilities of similarly priced models, all while living, working and playing with each device. We don’t test these tablets in a lab, they come home and become our daily drivers for everything from gameplay to Netflix binges. We use them to take notes for work, read ebooks, answer emails, and listen to music just as much as we use them for synthetic benchmark scores. That way we know exactly how well each device actually fits into a real-world setting, and can easily compare different models at the same time. How we test gaming tablet design (Image credit: Future) There isn’t too much room for error in a tablet’s design - whether you’re looking atSamsung, Apple, Amazon, or cheaper brands each model will generally sport the same aesthetic. We look to the individual build materials of each device and weigh up their construction against their price. Cheaper tablets can easily get away with a more flimsy plastic chassis, whereas we would expect higher price tags to come with a metal form factor. The physical shape of each tablet can differ more than you might think as well - beyond simple screen size. Between rounded corners, flat sides, and slimline silhouettes there’s a whole menu of design options for brands to choose from. These choices will impact how easy the tablet is to hold in one hand, whether it feels cheap or premium during use, whether any grills or vents attract dust and dirt easily, and how quick they are to clean. Port and button placement also play a large role in a gaming tablet’s everyday usability. We’re always making sure that connections are easily accessible and don’t get in the way of standard use, while also checking that all buttons are placed intuitively and are quickly reachable without too much inspection. How we test gaming tablet features (Image credit: Future) Gaming tablets all generally come with a set of core components; a touchscreen display, a set of speakers, a couple of ports, volume and lock buttons, and internal components (processing chip, storage, memory, and cooling). We measure not just the quality and effectiveness of these features, but also their performance and utility against the wider market. Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more The display is tested in its native resolution at SDR and in HDR content where applicable. This is primarily through streaming Netflix Original content or other high bandwidth shows and movies. The speed of that display is primarily tested across faster-paced competitive games like Call of Duty Mobile or Fortnite, but is also checked in everyday web browsing and side scrolling as well. We test in high daylight conditions as well as relatively dark or ambient rooms. We run a series of different music genres through the speakers while also testing across games and movies featuring a wide range of audio cues and frequencies. We evaluate storage options based on price brackets across the market and, crucially for an Android device, whether there are any expansion options available in the form of an SD card slot. Cheaper gaming tablets, for example, can get away with as little as 64GB or even 32GB of storage if they offer adequate means to access Cloud files or a speedy SD slot. However, this is often an area that’s neglected in high-end models in order to offer a lower price on a basic entry (I’m looking at you iPad). Of course, there’s always cameras. Tablets aren’t really known for their excellent photographic qualities, but we still make sure the final picture is clear and sharp, paying particular attention to the front camera. If you’re going to use your tablet for face calls or work meetings, a camera that functions well in both bright and low lighting is going to make all the difference. How we test gaming tablet performance (Image credit: Future) The majority of our performance checks take place during the evenings of our own play sessions. We first test the tablet on our current roster of nativeGooglePlay Store or Apple App Store games (where compatible). However, where possible, we always test across a selection of titles chosen to provide a representative spread of current game demands. At the moment, this selection includes the following: Where these titles are not available, we test across the closest compatible alternative on a given system. We then test across streaming devices, using the tablet to stream from a PS5 console via Remote Play (on the same home WiFi system), as well as via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Streaming services. These streaming tests center around Horizon Forbidden West and Marvel’s Spider-Man Morales on PS5 and Forza Horizon 5 and Fallout 4 on Xbox. Finally, we perform a series of synthetic benchmark tests using 3DMark’s WildLife and WildLife Extreme stress tests. This provides us with an overall value of performance which we can use to compare systems from an internal standpoint. The verdict Once we have finished our testing process (lasting a minimum of two weeks), we assign each tablet a score across five categories. For more information on how we make all our product recommendations, check out the fullGamesRadar+ Hardware Policy. 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iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” 5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” 5 Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”