Best Gaming Tablets with High Refresh Rate Display: Top 10 Options to Consider

In mobile gaming, tablets are carving out a niche for themselves. However, a high refresh rate display is crucial for a smooth and responsive gaming experience.

Look for in a gaming tablet, these factors when picking your perfect gaming tablet:

• Display: The refresh rate is critical, but screen size, resolution, and panel technology (AMOLED vs LCD) should also be considered.
• Performance: Processor, RAM, and storage play a role in smooth gameplay.
• Battery Life: Long gaming sessions demand a device that can keep up.
• Speakers: High-quality audio enhances the gaming experience.
• Price: Gaming tablets can range from budget-friendly to premium. Set a realistic budget before you shop.

This list explores the top 10 contenders in the gaming tablet arena. All boast displays that deliver exceptional refresh rates.

1. Asus ROG Flow Z13:

The Asus ROG Flow Z13 sets itself apart from conventional gaming laptops. It integrates the versatility of a 2-in-1 device, blending the convenience of a tablet with the powerful performance of a top-tier gaming system. Below are its notable features.

1. Design and Form Factor:
   • The Flow Z13 features a detachable design, similar to Microsoft’s Surface Pro. A kickstand holds the tablet, while a separate keyboard cover serves typing and screen protection purposes.
   • Unlike the minimalist Surface Pro, Asus has gone all out with gamer aesthetics. The rear of the tablet is adorned with over-the-top decorative elements, including vents shaped like the “06” (a nod to the ROG brand’s establishment in 2006), the “For Those Who Dare” tagline, and even a window that lets you peek at a portion of the motherboard with RGB lighting. It’s a bold design choice that screams gaming enthusiasts.
2. Performance:
   • The Flow Z13 packs a punch with its hardware. It has up to a 14-core Intel Core i9-12900H processor and a GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop GPU. These components ensure smooth gaming performance and multitasking capabilities.
   • Including a dedicated MUX Switch allows seamless switching between integrated and discrete graphics, enhancing overall flexibility.
3. Display:
   • The tablet boasts a 16:10 aspect ratio touchscreen display with options for either a 120Hz refresh rate or a 4K resolution. Whether gaming or working, the display provides a vibrant and immersive experience.
4. Connectivity and Accessories:
   • The Flow Z13 is designed around the ROG XG Mobile graphics dock concept. When paired with the dock (which houses an RTX 3080), the Core i9 processor and high refresh rate screen make perfect sense.
   • The tablet offers 170° of kickstand adjustment, allowing you to find the perfect viewing angle. Additionally, the detachable full-sized keyboard adds to its versatility.
5. Portability:
   • The Flow Z13 is remarkably lightweight and easy to carry, weighing just 1.1 kg and measuring only 12 mm thin.
   • It’s a great companion for those who want to game on the go, whether you’re on a train or bus or simply relaxing at home.

2. Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022):

The iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) is Apple’s largest and most powerful tablet. Here’s what makes it stand out:

1. Design and Display:
   • The tablet retains its sleek and thin design, making it easy to carry despite its large screen size.
   • The mini-LED screen steals the show with unmatched HDR contrast and a 120Hz refresh rate. Whether you’re gaming or working, this display delivers stunning visuals.
2. Performance and Chipset:
   • The M2 chipset powers it, and the iPad Pro 12.9 offers blazing-fast speeds—more potent than 99% of tablets.
   • The tablet provides laptop-level performance, making it ideal for resource-intensive tasks like video editing, graphic design, and gaming.
3. Apple Pencil Interaction:
   • The iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) introduces a cool feature: hover-detection for the Apple Pencil 2nd Gen. When the Pencil hovers above the display, it triggers new interactions and enhances precision for artists and note-takers.
   • This cements the iPad Pro’s position as the ultimate drawing tablet.
4. Software and Productivity:
   • It runs iPadOS 16.1, which offers a seamless experience across all recent iPads.
   • While it may not be a significant upgrade from last year’s model for most users, digital artists will appreciate the enhancements.
5. Price and Niche Market:
   • The iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) is a phenomenal piece of hardware but expensive.
   • With the iPad Air (2022) featuring the powerful Apple M1 chip, the iPad Pro is now more niche-oriented. It’s the go-to choice for those who demand top-tier performance and a larger canvas.

3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra:

The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is a beast of a tablet in size and capabilities. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Design and Display:
   • The standout feature of the Tab S8 Ultra is its massive 14.6-inch Super AMOLED display, which is like having a portable cinema in your hands.
   • The tablet’s 120Hz refresh rate ensures buttery-smooth visuals, making it perfect for multimedia consumption and gaming.
2. Performance and Chipset:
   • Under the hood, you’ll find the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, which delivers exceptional performance. Whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or working, this tablet won’t break a sweat.
   • Including 5G connectivity ensures fast download speeds and seamless online gaming experiences.
3. S Pen Integration:
   • The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra comes with the S Pen, which magnetically attaches to the tablet for easy storage and charging.
   • The ultra-low latency of the S Pen makes it perfect for note-taking, sketching, and precise interactions.
4. Durability and Form Factor:
   • Despite its size, the Tab S8 Ultra is surprisingly lightweight and slim. However, handling it with care is essential due to its fragility.
   • The Armor Aluminum casing protects against bumps and drops.
5. Software and Creativity:
   • Samsung Notes and Clip Studio Paint enhance your creativity. Whether you’re jotting down ideas or creating digital art, the Tab S8 Ultra has you covered.
   • The tablet’s large canvas is perfect for editing videos, sketching, or enjoying your favorite content.

4. Lenovo Tab P12 Pro:

The Lenovo Tab P12 Pro offers features catering to productivity and entertainment. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Display and Design:
   • The Tab P12 Pro boasts a 12.6-inch AMOLED display with a 2K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Whether you’re streaming videos or playing games, the vibrant visuals won’t disappoint.
   • The tablet’s slim profile and lightweight design make it easy to carry around.
2. Performance and Hardware:
   • Powered by the Snapdragon 870 chipset, the Tab P12 Pro delivers smooth performance for gaming and multitasking.
   • With 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, it’s well-equipped for intensive work apps and media consumption.
3. Stylus and Creativity:
   • The tablet comes with the Lenovo Precision Pen 3, which attaches magnetically for charging. It offers 4096 tilt and pressure sensitivity levels, making it great for note-taking and sketching.
   • However, the software experience lacks intuitive features for the stylus.
4. Battery Life and Audio:
   • The 10,200mAh battery ensures all-day usage, whether working or enjoying entertainment.
   • The Quad JBL speakers provide loud and clear audio, enhancing the multimedia experience.
5. Software and Price:
   • The Tab P12 Pro runs stock Android 11, which may not be optimized for tablets.
   • While it’s a good tablet overall, the high price puts it in a competitive market where other options offer more compelling features.

5. Xiaomi Pad 6:

The Xiaomi Pad 6 is a mid-range Android tablet that punches above its weight regarding performance and display quality. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Display and Design:
   • The Pad 6 features an 11-inch WQHD+ clear display with a 144Hz 7-level variable refresh rate. This combination ensures smooth visuals and vibrant colors.
   • It exudes a premium feel with a slim, unibody design and a metal finish.
2. Performance and Hardware:
   • Powered by the Snapdragon 870 chipset, the Pad 6 handles gaming, multitasking, and large-format files.
   • It comes in configurations of 6GB or 8GB RAM and 128GB or 256GB storage.
3. Battery Life and Charging:
   • The tablet boasts an impressive 8840mAh battery that lasts up to 16 hours of video playback.
   • With 33W fast charging, you can quickly top up the battery when needed.
4. Multimedia Experience:
   • The quad speakers with Dolby Atmos support deliver immersive stereo sound.
   • The display supports Dolby Vision HDR10 and covers the DCI-P3 color gamut.
5. Accessories:
   • Xiaomi offers optional accessories like a high-quality cover case, a magnetic Smart Pen, and a particular Keyboard case.
   • These accessories enhance productivity and creativity.

6. OnePlus Pad:

The OnePlus Pad is designed to elevate your gaming experience with its powerful features and sleek design. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Display:
   • The OnePlus Pad boasts the world’s first 7:5 ratio 144 Hz ReadFit display. This unique screen shape provides a better view and maximizes tactile comfort.
   • With a massive 88% screen-to-body ratio and super-slim bezels, you’ll enjoy an immersive viewing experience.
   • The brilliant display offers 500 nits of brightness and intelligent brightness control for comfortable indoor and outdoor viewing.
2. Smooth Performance:
   • The silky-smooth 144 Hz refresh rate ensures ultra-responsive scrolling and cinematic video content.
   • The 2800×2000 screen resolution delivers vibrant images and sharp text at 296 PPI.
   • Witness 10-bit True Color for natural, vivid hues on the tablet display.
3. Audio Excellence:
   • Exclusive to OnePlus, the Omnibearing Sound Field technology, amplified by four powerful speakers, provides optimum sound quality in any orientation.
   • Dolby Vision HDR imaging enhances picture quality, while Dolby Atmos delivers cinematic, natural acoustics.
4. Powerful Hardware:
   • The OnePlus Pad is powered by the flagship Dimensity 9000 processor, ensuring a Fast and Smooth experience.
   • Whether you’re working, studying, or gaming, this tablet easily handles it.
5. Design and Comfort:
   • The sleek, ultraportable form factor weighs just 552g and is only 0.65cm thin.
   • The CNC aluminum unibody and 2.5D curved glass provide seamless comfort.
   • Pair it with the OnePlus Stylo for an even smoother workflow.

7. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite:

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is a tablet that balances affordability and functionality. 

1. Design and Display:
   • The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite features a 10.4-inch TFT display with a resolution of 2000×1200 pixels. While it’s not an AMOLED panel, it still offers vibrant colors and decent viewing angles.
   • The slim and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, whether studying, working, or gaming.
2. S Pen Stylus:
   • The tablet has an S Pen, which is excellent for taking notes, sketching, and annotating documents.
   • The S Pen has a natural grip, low latency, and impressive pressure sensitivity.
   • You can even write directly onto PDFs for a clutter-free study experience.
3. Performance and Software:
   • The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite runs on One UI 4 based on Android.
   • It’s powered by an Exynos 9611 chipset with 4 GB of RAM.
   • While it’s not a powerhouse for high-end gaming, it handles everyday tasks smoothly.
4. Battery Life:
   • The tablet packs a 7,040 mAh battery, providing decent endurance for your daily usage.
   • The battery won’t let you down, whether you’re watching lectures, taking notes, or playing games.
5. Multimedia and Connectivity:
   • The dual speakers with Dolby Atmos support deliver good sound quality.
   • It also features a 3.5mm headphone jack, a bonus for those who prefer wired headphones.

8. Apple iPad Air 5:

The iPad Air 5, also known as the iPad Air (2022), is a remarkable addition to Apple’s tablet lineup. Here’s what makes it stand out:

1. Design and Display:
   • The iPad Air 5 features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display that reaches nearly edge-to-edge. It delivers stunning visuals with advanced technologies like True Tone and P3 wide color.
   • The anti-reflective coating ensures comfortable viewing in various lighting conditions.
2. Performance and Chipset:
   • The Apple M1 chip powers the iPad Air 5 and offers laptop-level performance. Whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or editing videos, it handles it all seamlessly.
   • The 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU make it a creative powerhouse.
3. Camera and Center Stage:
   • The 12MP Ultra Wide front camera enables Center Stage, which keeps you in the frame during video calls. As you move, the camera automatically pans to follow you.
   • The 12MP Wide back camera captures stunning photos and 4K videos.
4. Battery Life and Connectivity:
   • You can create, work, and play without interruption with an all-day battery life.
   • The iPad Air 5 supports 5G connectivity, ensuring fast download speeds and seamless online experiences.
5. Accessories:
   • The tablet works seamlessly with the second-generation Apple Pencil for note-taking, drawing, and more.
   • Attach the Smart Keyboard Folio or the Magic Keyboard for responsive typing and a built-in trackpad.

9. Amazon Fire HD 10:

The Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) is a budget-friendly tablet that caters to casual media consumption. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Display and Design:
   • The tablet features a 10.1-inch Full HD display with a 1920 x 1200 pixels resolution. While not the highest resolution, it provides decent visuals for streaming videos and browsing.
   • The design is functional but lacks the premium feel of more expensive tablets.
2. Performance and Software:
   • The Fire HD 10 runs on a quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM. It fits basic tasks like reading, watching videos, and light gaming.
   • The operating system is based on Android 9, which is several years old. Unfortunately, it lacks access to the Google Play Store, limiting the app selection.
3. Battery Life and Charging:
   • The tablet offers a respectable 12-hour battery life for typical usage.
   • Charging is via a USB-C port, which is convenient.
4. Content Ecosystem:
   • Amazon’s ecosystem is tightly integrated, allowing easy access to Kindle books, Prime Video, and Alexa.
   • However, you’ll be disappointed if you’re looking for a broader range of apps or services.
5. Audio and Cameras:
   • The dual speakers provide decent audio quality for media playback.
   • The 2MP front and rear cameras are basic and not suitable for photography.

10. Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3:

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 is a versatile 2-in-1 Chrome tablet that balances performance, portability, and affordability. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Display and Design:
   • The Duet 3 features an 11-inch 2K (2000 x 1200) IPS display with a 70.8% NTSC color gamut. The bright, sharp screen is ideal for streaming videos, browsing, and productivity tasks.
   • The narrow bezels provide an immersive viewing experience, and the touchscreen allows for natural interactions.
2. Performance and Hardware:
   • Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 processor, the Duet 3 delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks.
   • With 8GB of RAM and up to 128GB of storage, it’s well-equipped for multitasking and app usage.
3. Battery Life and Portability:
   • The tablet offers over 10 hours of battery life, ensuring all-day productivity and entertainment.
   • Weighing just 1.2 lbs (tablet only), it’s lightweight and easy to carry.
4. Keyboard and Stylus Support:
   • The Duet 3 features a removable keyboard cover, making it easy to transition between tablet and laptop modes seamlessly.
   • It also supports the Lenovo USI Digital Pen for note-taking, sketching, and creative tasks.
5. Chrome OS and Connectivity:
   • Operating on Chrome OS, the Duet 3 grants access to various applications and services available through the Google Play Store.
   • Connectivity options include USB-C ports, Bluetooth 5.1, and WiFi 802.11 ac.

Best Gaming Tablets: Final Thoughts

Remember, these tablets are not just for gaming. Many offer features like expandable storage, long battery life, and powerful processors that make them excellent productivity tools. Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual gamer, there’s a high refresh rate gaming tablet to meet your needs.

FAQ

Q. What factors should I consider when choosing a gaming tablet with a high refresh rate display?

A. When choosing a tablet for gaming, it’s essential to look for a few key features. First, consider the display quality, refresh rate, and screen size. Look for devices with a high refresh rate, such as 120Hz or higher, for a smoother gaming experience. Also, pay attention to the processor, storage, battery life, and compatibility with the games you want to play.

Q. Which tablets offer a refresh rate of 120Hz or higher for a premium gaming experience?

A. If you’re looking for a tablet with a 120Hz or higher refresh rate, consider options like the latest models from Apple and Samsung. Tablets like the Apple iPad Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab series offer stunning displays with high-end specs that are perfect for gaming.

Q. How vital is the processor in a gaming tablet with a high refresh rate display?

A. The processor is a crucial component in a gaming tablet as it determines its performance and speed. Look for tablets with power.