Since the introduction of tablets, they have brought many benefits to our lives, but one thing they have not is gaming. Most models on the market are specifically designed for media consumption, like browsing through photos and watching movies or TV shows via streaming platforms.
The Nvidia Shield Tablet K1 breaks the mold. An Android-based tablet optimized for gaming on a hardware and software basis — but this doesn’t mean you’ll have to miss out on your photo and video experience.
The combination of PC title playing capabilities and powerful onboard gaming performances make the K1 the ultimate gaming tablet, made better when you consider the relatively affordable price. Here’s everything you need to know about the Nvidia Shield Tablet K1.
Software and Games
Android 5.0 Lollipop is the stock operating system on the K1. A total of 16.24GB is available out of the box, of which 11.24GB is available out of the box.
The Shield Hub offers plenty of game options, and Dabbler is a drawing app. It is in addition to the standard suite of Google apps.
The GeForce Now cloud service from Nvidia lets you stream popular PC games onto a tablet. Many titles are available within this service, such as Batman: Arkham Origins, The Witcher 3, and Mad Max.
This fantastic app allows players to stream games at 1080p with 60fps, which is particularly useful as Android is only sometimes the best platform for playing games. With the inclusion of lots of PC titles, the K1 takes a significant advantage over the competition.
Although the K1 doesn’t integrate with the Shield portable or TV, it does pair with the Shield Controller. It has a familiar shape and feeling due to its likeness to the standard Xbox controller.
The ability to have a controller means you can play mobile and PC games better, elevating your gaming experience compared to using the touch screen capabilities of the tablet itself.
Pairing the controller and playing your tablet on your TV screen will give the feeling of having a dedicated console, making this the perfect tablet for gamers.
Design and Features
Previously recalled for overheating issues, the Shield Tablet K1 replaces the original. Although the K1 seems safer, it has mostly stayed the same in appearance.
The K1’s design is significantly modest compared to the showy alternatives. Its black slate surface contrasts with the Predator’s sharp, jutting edges and flashy red and silver colors. It measures 8.7 x 5 x 0.4 inches (HWD) and weighs 12.5 ounces, the same as the Predator 8.
It is finished with a matte black back, a large Shield logo in the center, and a 5-megapixel camera at the top right.
Rubber grips can be found on the top and bottom of the front of the K1, making it much easier to hold when gaming. A second 5-megapixel camera is also at the front of the tablet between the grips.
A folding cover can be attached magnetically using the small holes on the edge of the left side of the tablet. In contrast, the right edge holds the power button, volume controls, and a microSD slot with capabilities of cards up to 200GB – an essential feature as the tablet only has 16GB of onboard storage.
There are two speaker grids on top and bottom of the house. You can connect your tablet to your television using the micro USB port and the mini HDMI port on the top. The display is a more than generous 8-inch 1,920-by-1,200 pixel panel, the same size and resolution as other competitors.
Performance
The K1 runs using an ARM Cortex A15 CPU with performances at 2.2GHz paired with Nvidia’s Tegra K1 192-core Kelper GPU, which creates impressive results together.
A gaming tablet’s strong graphics performance is essential, and the K1 does not disappoint. With an average of 13 frames per second, this tablet outperforms the likes of the Predator but only runs at 8fps with the same running conditions.
Although frame rates like these are not the most playable, you will enjoy a much smoother experience with everyday use from the K1. Games such as Asphalt 8: Airborne, a mobile classic, can be enjoyed quickly and responsively.
Although 5 megapixels seems like little, the rear and front-facing cameras outperform what you would initially expect.
The rear-facing camera offers clear photos with a slight over-saturation, while the front-facing camera delivers when making video calls and taking the all-important selfie.
Video playback offers bright pictures with accurate colors and rich sounds through the speakers. While the Predator 8 perhaps gives a little extra in this department, it’s something you will notice only a little.
The K1 excels in battery life, with the 5,200mAh cell lasting over six hours when streaming videos at full-screen brightness over Wi-Fi. This is an important feature, especially if you’re using your tablet on the move.
The Cream of the Crop for Mobile Gaming & Performance
The Nvidia Shield Tablet K1 is a brilliant mid-range slate, not only for gaming. It delivers in many areas with its powerful performance, good battery life, plus light and unassuming body.
Furthermore, the fact that you can play more games than any other Android tablet on the market makes it the perfect option for gamers and non-gamers.