Tablets vs. Smartphones: Which One is Better for Mobile Gaming?

It’s estimated that more than 3 billion people use their mobile devices for gaming. If you own a smartphone, there’s a good chance you’ve downloaded at least a few games from the app store of your choice. If you’re lucky enough to own a tablet, you’ve also probably tested its mettle by downloading more RAM-intensive gaming titles. Nowadays, many would argue there’s very little difference in the processing power of a full-featured tablet and a top-flight smartphone. Interested in seeing which device type is best for mobile gaming? Let’s take a look at how well they fare against each other.

Device Processors

Although mobile games are relatively lightweight compared to console titles, processing power is still important when settling on a go-to device for gaming. Does your current smartphone struggle to keep up when you have more than a couple of apps open? Chances are, it’s not going to cut it with the latest mobile game or virtual casino. Generally speaking, tablets offer considerably more processing power than their smartphone counterparts. However, you’ll need to be vigilant if you’re looking to save some money with an entry-level tablet.

Processing power alone isn’t enough to tell you whether a smartphone or tablet is going to deliver when it comes to mobile gaming experiences. To get a definitive answer to that, you need to look at the graphics processing unit (GPU) of your device. With a few rare exceptions, no smartphone is going to hold its own against a tablet as far as GPUs are concerned.

Display and Screen Size

Unless you’re happy playing ultra-basic games, you’re probably looking towards tablets rather than smartphones. However, smartphone screen sizes are becoming increasingly larger with each new generation. If you find a tablet too cumbersome for your liking, try looking for so-called ‘phablets’ that blur the line between the two device types. Just remember, a larger screen isn’t always a guarantee that you’ll be able to enjoy clear visuals and high refresh rates. To determine that, you’ll need to look at the pixel per inch rating of your device. It’s all about immersion here, so make sure you’re not cutting any corners when it comes to this particular spec.

Battery Performance

Are you someone who habitually fully charges their device before leaving the house every morning? A full battery might be able to cope with endless texts and constant web browsing, but you’ll be draining those reserves more quickly if you’re constantly gaming. Tablets are typically going to give you far more battery life than a smartphone, but some devices will drain to zero more quickly. Ultimately, you’ll want to invest in a portable charger or power bank if you want to play consistently while you’re away from home. A device with fast charging is also a must.

Gambling Experiences or App Gaming?

Once again, you’ll want to think about the types of games you actually play. Smartphones might look like compact tablets, but the devices handle pretty differently when it comes to gaming. If you’re a fan of racing games or action-packed platformers, a standard smartphone should prove sufficient.

Prefer playing mobile casino games? Whether it’s online slots or card table favourites like blackjack and poker, a larger screen is typically a good idea. Here, tablets come out on top. With more casino operators offering live dealer experiences, you’ll want a device that adds to your immersion levels. A smartphone with a 6.5-inch display simply won’t be enough.

So Which Device is Right For You?

Now it’s time for the verdict. If you’re a casual gamer who’s happy to play second-rate games with similarly subpar graphics, a smartphone should cater to your requirements. If you want a device that provides you an experience closer to console gaming, tablets are the only way to go. You’ll benefit from bigger screens, richer resolutions and much improved battery life. What’s more, faster processors and better GPUs mean lagging and slow loading times aren’t something you’re going to have to worry about.

Roger Griffith

“Web specialist. Lifelong zombie maven. Coffee ninja. Hipster-friendly analyst.”

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