The 5 Best Tablets for Emulation Reviewed
If you are developing a more advanced at-home digital setup, you might be looking for a piece of equipment that is great for emulation. Emulation helps you to recreate a piece of software that may not run any longer on your device, essentially helping you to access and pull any data you need without undergoing a lengthy migration process.
Tablets are ideal for emulation. This is because they are neat and succinct, and can act as a second “monitor” while you are using another device. In addition, tablets are super easy to travel with, meaning you could use an operating system or play a game that requires lots of hardware, while you’re on the go!
Emulation is a difficult task to undergo without the right type of hardware and software combined; that’s why we have compiled the best tablets for emulation right here in this review.
What are emulators used for? Let’s take a quick look at some main uses:
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Gaming – Old video games that were built on now outdated hardware can be emulated on contemporary devices, thereby allowing a gamer to continue playing an outdated game.
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App testing – Emulators can be used to test how an app might work on a current device, and are very helpful to companies developing new software for clients.
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Transferring operating systems – If you use a Windows computer and have an Apple device you want to use instead, you could use an emulator to help you transfer the OS onto the other device.
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Reducing costs – If you don’t want to invest in a whole brand-new piece of expensive hardware, an emulator can help you eliminate the need to do so.
Best Tablets for Emulation
1. Apple iPad Pro
Apple’s iPad Pro is a highly popular tablet model – everybody’s heard of it. Apart from the fact that, well, it’s an Apple product, what are the actual upsides of an Apple iPad Pro?
Firstly, when we’re talking about emulation, a key facet of this is display and graphics quality. The iPad Pro contains Apple’s own A12Z Bionic chip, which they claim outpaces most PCs that are being created today. For gamers looking for a tablet for emulation, the iPad Pro has got you covered for sure.
In addition, the iPad Pro comes with a trackpad and keyboard that are designed specifically for iPad, meaning the typing and general user experience is comfortable and smooth.
When it comes to portability, all tablets beat laptops and PCs – obviously. But Apple has gone one step further: this tablet has up to 10 hours of battery life, meaning that taking your tablet on an average workday requires no chargers or unnecessary wires.
One reviewer, an artist, wrote:
“Of all my digital drawing tools this is my favorite. Gorgeous high resolution display, wonderful pen sensitivity equal to the most advanced drawing tablets that are currently available. No lag running adobe photoshop or procreate.”
While the Apple iPad Pro is priced at almost £1000.00, one of the more expensive tablets on the market, its reputation precedes it, making it a valuable investment for anyone using this tablet for emulation.
- 12.9-inch edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display with ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 wide color
- A12Z Bionic chip with Neural Engine
- 12MP Wide camera, 10MP Ultra Wide camera, and LiDAR Scanner
- 7MP TrueDepth front camera
- Face ID for secure authentication and Apple Pay
2. Microsoft Surface Pro 7
The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 might not have the “sexy” reputation of an Apple product, but that doesn’t take away from its brilliant capabilities. This tablet is a 12.3 inch touch-screen complete with a keyboard and trackpad, perfect for office or student life.
Available in 8GB and 16GB RAM options, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 tablet has plenty of processing power – which is an essential feature on a tablet being used as an emulator. Complete with multiple USB ports, Bluetooth capabilities, and all-day battery life of 10 hours, anybody would be impressed by Microsoft’s latest tablet design.
This tablet is highly versatile, with three available “modes” for any working environment. Firstly, you can use it as a laptop, complete with the trackpad and keyboard. Second, there’s “studio mode”, in which the kickstand is used to prop up the tablet. This is helpful for artists or gamers who want to use the stylo when necessary. Thirdly, there’s the standard tablet mode which allows you to watch, play and listen on the go, wherever you are.
Ultimately, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7’s processing power and user friendly design makes it one of the best tablets for emulation. Plus, priced between £500-700.00, this is a budget-friendly tablet too.
- Next-gen, best-in-class laptop with the versatility of a studio and tablet, so you can type, touch, draw, write, work, and play more naturally
- Faster than surface pro 6, with a 10th gen intel core processor – redefining what’s possible in a thin and light computer.
- More ways to connect, with both USB-c and USB-a ports for connecting to displays, docking stations and more, as well as accessory charging. Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0
- Standout design that won’t weigh you down — ultra-slim and light surface pro 7 starts at just 1.70 pounds
- All day battery life up to 10.5 hours, Plus the ability to go from empty to full faster — about 80 percent in just over an hour
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+
This large tablet from Samsung is an Amazon Best Seller, and for good reason. With over 1000 5* reviews on Amazon, this is a buyer-favourite tablet that has the ideal specs for emulation. Priced at under £700.00, this tablet is incredible value for money, shaving some £300.00 off the price of the iPad Pro, for example.
Firstly, the tablet is 12.4 inches, making it the largest tablet on this list. For gamers or office purposes, the large screen size is ideal. Next, we have the operating system: using Android 10.0, this tablet is a highly modern piece of equipment that is versatile and trustworthy at every turn.
With a flash memory size of 256GB and fast charging power, this is a tablet designed for life in the fast lane. No BS, no fancy frills, just straight-up user friendliness and ergonomic design in this Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+.
One Amazon reviewer, Tim, wrote:
“Absolutely the best screen ever on a tablet. I’m saying that as someone with both a Surface Pro and 12.9 inch iPad Pro. They’re both very good, but this is even better. Quad speakers fill a room with excellent sound. I can’t say enough good about this item. I’ll just round it all out by saying this is simply a superior product!”
This tablet handles most video game emulators very well. Watch this video to see how it performs with the most common emulators:
- PC PERFORMANCE. TABLET PORTABILITY: Transform your tablet into a PC experience with DeX mode and the optional keyboard¹ with expanded trackpad. (Keyboard sold separately)
- ENTERTAINMENT, UPGRADED: Experience cinematic viewing in your hands with larger edge-to-edge displays, TFT LCD screen and quad speakers tuned by AKG with Dolby Atmos surround sound.
- REDESIGNED S PEN INCLUDED: With improved 9ms pen latency, the redesigned S Pen can control presentations, take notes and mark up papers effortlessly.
- CHANGE THE WAY YOU GAME: Bring console gaming to anywhere a Wi-Fi connection is available with an immersive screen and Bluetooth-enabled controller.
- CHARGE FAST. POWER FOR HOURS: Go for hours on a single charge, and back to 100% with the fast-charging USB-C port. CAPTURE AND CONNECT: Stunning brightness and clarity with the wide 13MP and ultra-wide 5MP dual back, and 8MP front-facing cameras.
4. Lenovo Tab M10 Plus
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus is the little tablet that could. At 10.3” in length, this is the smallest tablet in the list, but this doesn’t take away from its state of the art graphics or excellent processing power!
This tablet is armed with an Octa-Core processor that has the perfect capabilities for gaming and other heavy-duty activities online. With a featured Kids’ Mode, this tablet is great for families who want to protect certain content – this capability is programmed into the tablet itself.
With Bluetooth 5.0, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus is easily connected to other devices without hassle, making it a great tablet for interconnected working or gaming. This tablet also features face lock features, and runs on the Android 9 OS.
For emulation, this little tablet has powerful processing abilities, a 10.3” touch screen display and up to 32GB storage.
While these might not be as impressive as some of the other tablets in the list, this Lenovo tablet is priced at under £200.00, making it one of the most budget-friendly devices in this list. If you are searching for a does-what-it-says-on-the-tin device with great processing power, this is the tablet for you!
- Premium look & feel with metal back cover and slim, narrow bezels. Enjoy your favorite videos on the 10.3" FHD display with TDDI technology
- Fast and powerful Octa-Core processor with up to 2.3 GHz main frequency for quick performance
- Never miss a moment with 8 MP rear , 5 MP front cameras, dual microphones, and 2 side speakers tuned with Dolby Atmos
- Kid's Mode includes dedicated content for kids, with parent control and specialized eye protection. Bumpy environment and posture alerts also available
- Stay connected with Wi-Fi 802.11 a,b,g,n,ac, 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz Dual Band, and Bluetooth 5.0
5. Samsung Galaxy Tab A7
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 is a tablet that is both stylish and innovative. With Dolby Atmos Surround Sound speakers, a 10.4” screen display and 7mm thickness, this tablet has made it to this list through its innovative design.
Similarly to the previously mentioned Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+, this tablet compares nicely to its sister-tablet. The A7 is a smaller, more compact and more budget-friendly version of the S7+, making it ideal for younger people or kids who are looking for a gaming tablet and potential emulator.
Just like the S7+, the A7 is keyboard supported, meaning this tablet has multiple functions that aren’t just reserved for gaming or basic app use. With a max screen resolution of 2000×1200 pixels, the display on this tablet is still high quality despite its slightly smaller screen display size.
One Amazon reviewer wrote:
“This wonderful little tablet is PERFECT for streaming videos & quickly editing documents. I browsed quicjky have all of my streaming channels accessible to ALL formats. To be honest, it allows Netflix, Hulu, Prime video, Peacock, etc., all one one device. (You’d be amazed at how many lock one or two apps out.)
I’ve had a terrible time getting Netflix on a tablet! I’ve bought 2 tablets now, and this is a keeper. The other “phablet” will be returned ASAP. No permissions for Microsoft, except Office 365 LIVE and I hate editing docs in Microsoft Edge. But with this Samsung, it’s like there have never been any problems before.”
As a tablet for emulation, this Samsung A7 model is more than ideal! And at under £200.00, this model is a super cost-effective alternative to the more high-spec S7+ version.
- Slim, Stylish Design: Stream And Browse On A 10.4-Inch Ultra-Widescreen Display Designed To Bring Your Content To Life Without Weighing You Down. The Front-Facing, Landscape-Oriented Camera Allows You To Transition Between Entertainment And Video Calls Seamlessly
- Dolby Atmos Surround Sound: With An Enhanced Quad Speaker System That Plays Everything In Dolby Atmos Surround Sound, You’Ll Always Feel Like You’Re Listening From The Front Row
- Premium Entertainment, On Us: With Purchase Of Galaxy Tab A7, Get Two Months Of Free Youtube Premium And Six Months Of Free Spotify Premium. Battery Type And Size-7,040Mah
- Do More Of What You Love: Powerful Processing Speeds And Upgraded Memory Means You Can Do More, And Keep More, Of The Things You Love: Apps, Videos, Playlists And Beyond
Conclusion
If you are looking to invest in a tablet for emulation, streaming or other high-spec purposes, use this list to help you decide on a model. Ranging in pricing, processing power, weight and size, these tablets cover all bases and allow you to make the right decision for your emulation needs.