As a gaming enthusiast, you’d surely want the option to play your favorite games even when you’re on the go. Although playing on your phone is definitely an option, doing so gives you a limited view of your game. Your phone may not be able to handle some of your games as well. If you want the full gaming experience even when you’re away, purchasing a gaming tablet is your best option.
However with the release of the Steam Deck, it has shaken up this choice quite a bit.
Both the gaming tablet and the Steam Deck are handheld devices that can be used for gaming. They both have their own advantages and disadvantages.
The gaming tablet is typically more portable than the Steam Deck. It is also typically less expensive. However, the gaming tablet typically has less powerful hardware than the Steam Deck. This means that it may not be able to play as many games as the Steam Deck.
The Steam Deck is typically more powerful than the gaming tablet. It also has a larger library of games available. However, the Steam Deck is typically less portable than the gaming tablet. It is also typically more expensive.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a portable device that is less expensive, then the gaming tablet may be a good option for you. If you are looking for a powerful device with a large library of games, then the Steam Deck may be a better option for you.
Here is a table comparing the two devices:
| Feature | Gaming Tablet | Steam Deck |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Typically less expensive | Typically more expensive |
| Portability | Typically more portable | Typically less portable |
| Hardware | Typically less powerful | Typically more powerful |
| Game library | Typically smaller | Typically larger |
Here are some additional things to consider when choosing between a gaming tablet and a Steam Deck:
- What games do you want to play? If you want to play the latest AAA games, then you will need a more powerful device like the Steam Deck. If you are happy to play older games or mobile games, then a gaming tablet may be a good option for you.
- How portable do you need your device to be? If you need to be able to take your device with you wherever you go, then a gaming tablet may be a better option. If you are happy to use your device at home or in a fixed location, then the Steam Deck may be a better option.
- How much are you willing to spend? Gaming tablets are typically less expensive than the Steam Deck. However, the Steam Deck has a larger library of games and is more powerful. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your budget and your needs.
Here are the things you should consider when choosing your next portable gaming device:
Size and weight
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Gaming tablet sizes range anywhere from 7 to 15 inches, with about a quarter-inch thickness. There is no perfect size that fits all gamers, as it would all depend on your preference and convenience. Various factors to consider the size of the tablet you’ll buy come into play:
- Size of your carrying bag
- Comfort in terms of use
- Size of your hands
- Battery size
You should check with yourself first what you want in a tablet, and what features it should have. If you already have a laptop with you, you may want a gaming tablet with a slightly smaller size that can complement your laptop. On the other hand, if you’ll only be bringing a tablet, you may want one with close to 10 inches in size so that you can enjoy the wide screen anywhere you go.
Cost
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The budget that you’re willing to set aside for gaming tablets would depend on the other gadgets you already own and play on. If a tablet is your only go-to gadget for your gaming needs, then you may want to prepare to shell out a bit more cash to give you a fuller gaming experience wherever you are.
On the other hand, if you already have a gaming laptop, desktop computer, or gaming console, you may choose a cheaper model just to have something you can pass the time with while you’re in transit or waiting in public places. A good gaming tablet will cost anywhere from $200 to $600, depending on its specs and performance.
Display type and size
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One of the main factors in enjoying your immersion in any game is the graphics. A few variables you should consider are:
- Size
- Resolution
- Display type
- Viewing angles
- Brightness
- Surface coating
As a buyer, you should not only focus on the screen size. More importantly, check the resolution. If you get a bigger screen but with a lower resolution, your playing experience may suffer due to the lack of sharpness and detail in the image.
If you want to play outdoors, be sure to check the tablet’s outdoor brightness ratios and viewing angles to ensure that you’ll have consistent images regardless of the external environment.
Due to the number of shatter-resistant screens nowadays, take a look as well at the surface coating of the display. Items to look out for are scratch-resistant coatings and oleophobic coatings, which can repel oil from your fingers to prevent finger marks and oil from sticking to the surface.
Operating system
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As with the great operating system debate on desktop machines, the same battle is being waged on the tablet market. Three big contenders are popular in the market: iOS, Android, and Windows Mobile. Choosing an operating system (OS) is a greatly polarizing debate, as users tend to be loyal to whatever OS they are familiar with on their computers, cellphones, and other devices.
The main deciding factor is what you’re comfortable and familiar with as the user. You may want to get a gaming tablet that has the same OS as your other devices. You may also want to check your favorite games in order to see which operating systems they are available in that provides the best performance and support.
Processor
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For gamers, another major consideration is the performance of the tablet’s processor. There are many processor chipsets available in the market, and almost all have published benchmark performance figures. Check online reviews for performance evaluations to see which ones perform the smoothest for high-demand apps.
Storage
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Depending on the types of games you enjoy playing, you may need lots of available storage to support the amount of data needed to be processed. Some tablets have built-in memory, or you may prefer to choose gaming tablets with expandable memory slots.
Battery and charging capabilities
With portability as the major consideration, you’d need a tablet that has a reliable battery, so that you can enjoy many hours of gaming on-the-go with no worries of running out of power in the middle of an intense gaming session. When the battery does run out, it’s nice if you have a gaming tablet that has fast-charging capabilities to get you back in the game as soon as possible.
Conclusion
To maximize the enjoyment of your games, whether you’re at home or traveling, it’s advisable to invest in a gaming tablet that you can take with you wherever you go. Include the aforementioned factors in your checklist when you go shopping to help you find the best tablet to suit your needs.