The Top 4 Tablets for Gaming in 2014

You may pretend to be getting that tablet to do your homework, schoolwork, checking your emails and surfing important things on the Internet...

...but we really know at the back of your mind you’re wondering how your shiny little tablet computer is going to handle games!

Now whilst tablet computers are not really going to compete to the same level as a decent Desktop PC, there are a number of tablets available that can play a surprisingly large range of performance-intensive games, at a range of different prices – so here is our top tablets for those gamers in 2014!

4. Kindle Fire HDX

The Kindle, owned by Amazon, have released their HDX Fire tablet at the end of 2013, and the final product is arguably one of the best tablets you can buy in the 7inch range, with decent processing power and outstanding display.

With the other 3 tablets on this list having at least a 9inch display, we wanted at least one in the 7inch range and it was a close call between the Fire HDX and  Google Nexus 7”. Eventually we landed on the Fire HDX, not only because the Google Nexus 10” is next on the list, but because the display on the HDX is possibly the most impressive we’ve seen on a tablet this year, boasting a whopping 1920x1200 resolution across its 7 inch display at an unbelievable 339ppi, giving an ultra-crystal sharp display, with vivid colours, providing an immersive video and gaming experience.

The Kindle line of tablets all branch out from the original e-reading tablet, and display has always been key when it comes to their tablets, but the processing power behind the HDX is pretty good too, with a massive leap forward to a 2.2GHz quad-core processor, allowing the HDX to tackle apps and games where previous models wouldn’t have stood a chance. Okay, the processing power isn’t going to compete with high-end, larger competitors, but for the budget gamer, this is compromise for a lower price tag.

There is no Google Play store here, despite being an Android tablet. The OS is controlled by Amazon, meaning apps and games will come from the Kindle App store, meaning users may find some must-have titles aren’t available which can be frustrating if you’re looking for specific games.

Of course, the Kindle Fire HDX is a “mini” tablet, with a smaller screen than the rest of the tablets here, and if you’re looking for more screen real estate, then read on. In terms of performance, the HDX doesn’t hold up to high-end tablets, but then it was never expected to – the HDX is ultimately a great choice for games within the more affordable end of the price spectrum, and it lives up to that brilliantly.

Surprisingly fast, with one of the best 7” displays out there, means the HDX is a great budget tablet for those wanting to get some gameplay with their tablet.

3. Google Nexus 10”

Googles prized tablet for 2014 is their 10 inch Nexus, a larger and more powerful version of their 7 inch model, and with a brilliant display and above average processor, the Nexus 10” is one of the best Android tablets for 2014.

If you’re enquiring about whether the tablet holds up to more expensive tablets like the Surface Pro 2, then the answer is no. But don’t let that put you off, because if you’re looking for a premium tablet capable of playing great games then you probably won’t get a better tablet for less than $430.

One of the main selling points for the Nexus 10”, much like the Fire HDX, is the beautiful and engaging display, only this time across a bigger 10” screen. The resolution is an ultra-impressive 2560x1600 resolution breaking the 300ppi threshold, producing an outstandingly sharp display that is perfectly suited for videos and graphics.

There is a decent 1.7Ghz dual processor inside, 2GB of memory and a Mli T-604 GPU, so whilst not quite up to scratch against the latest offerings from Apple or Microsoft, it still holds its own as a tablet that can tackle some pretty graphic intensive games.

Ultimately the inclusion of the Google Nexus 10” in our list boils down to its exceptional value for money. Generally you pay for what you get when buying tablets, but with the Nexus 10” you really get great value for what you pay, and its great performance and exceptional display make it a great gaming machine for someone on a budget.

And lastly, consider the Android operating system and full access to the wide range of apps and games available from the Google Play store. Software is certainly one of the Nexus 10’s strong points, and one it takes full advantage of.

One of the best Android tablets on the market, and perfect for anyone wanting a great value, affordable tablet that is capable of playing a wide range of games.

2. Microsoft Surface Pro

Tablets running the Windows 8 operating system can be a little touch and go depending on what tablet you get, and much of the performance is going to depend on what processor is included.

When it comes to the best performers across the Windows 8 tablet range, the Surface Pro from Microsoft themselves is certainly one of the leaders and looking at the specifications, it’s not hard to see why.

Inside you can see an impressive 1.9GHz i5 4300 processor doing most of the heavy lifting, with Intel HD Graphics 4400 playing the supporting role, giving the Surface Pro 2 the same amount of power you’d expect to find in a high-end notebook!

The storage space goes from 64GB, 128GB, 256GB or 512GB, where we recommend getting the 128GB model (unless you’re planning on wanting storage for lots of videos or dozens of games – 64GB isn’t enough considering you also store the OS) – naturally the price increases the higher you go.

The display is great – a 10.81 inch screen is marginally bigger than competitors and a 1920x1080 208ppi HD resolution is above average.

The Surface Pro truly is a high-end machine with a technical specification that other tablets can only dream of, but with this comes a few concerns, number one being the cost. Being a new release (December 2013 for the updated model) and given the innards, you are likely looking at over a grand for the tablet, so it’s a considerable purchase, but one that is thoroughly worth the money as one thing is for sure – you won’t be disappointed by the experience.

Also note that if you are playing high end games, given the power consumption of the tablet, don’t expect the battery life to be great– it will lose out to other tablets that are incapable of playing such intensive games.

If you’re a fan of Windows and love gaming, and are willing to dig that deep into your wallet, the Surface Pro 2 is likely the best candidate for you, with outstanding performance and a great software experience too.

1. Apple iPad Air

One of the best performing tablets on the market in 2014, this latest model to the famous iPad range is the 5^th generation iPad Air. Having undergone another overhaul in design, the iPad is now an incredibly chic 7.5mm thick. Impressive!

But don’t let the thin design fool you. The Apple iPad Air packs plenty of processing power with a 1.4GHz processor and extremely powerful A7 chip inside, allowing the Air to tackle some of the most graphics intensive games.

But with the iPad Air it’s not just the brute force power that makes it so appealing to those wanting a tablet for gaming, but the graphics, powered by a PowerVR GPU is exceptional, with a 2048x1536 264ppi retina display capable of producing vivid and extraordinary pictures and video. That is a cross an ample 9.7 inch screen, allowing games and videos to be completely immersive.

It’s no secret either that the iPad tablets are amongst the most powerful tablets on the market in any given year, and not only that but they are incredibly well designed too. An aluminium casing gives the tablet a robust, sturdy and even an affluent feel. You know straight away that you’re holding a serious piece of equipment.

Another consideration is on the software side of things – unlike Android/Windows based tablets, the Apple iPad Air has access to the Apple store which is one of the best places to download games, and some of the best titles are available exclusively from the Apple Store only.

Of course given that you’re buying an Apple product, it’s not going to be cheap, but it does have a smaller price tag than the Surface Pro 2, meaning for Apple fans, it really is a no-brainer - you pay for what you get, and what you get is a genuinely fantastic, fast yet lightweight tablet that in terms of sheer power and quality is still light years ahead of the competition.