Device Guide¶
1 - What Should I Look For in a Device?¶
To ensure the best possible experience with rhythm games, it is vital that you choose the right device for this purpose. There are thousands upon thousands of different devices to choose from, each with their own set of unique specifications, but it is possible to narrow the choice down to a small number of devices.
Note
It is highly recommended to play on the devices you already own, and to upgrade only when necessary. If you are currently looking to purchase a new device, you may also want to consider how you will be using the device outside of rhythm games to maximize its effective value.
Source: Apple
1.1 - Recommended Specifications¶
1.1.1 - Display¶
- 10-12" Diagonally | 120hz Refresh Rate | 240hz Touch Sampling Rate
1.1.2 - SoC¶
- Android: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Higher
- iOS/iPadOS: Apple A14 or Higher, Apple M1 or Higher
1.1.3 - RAM¶
- Android: 8GBs or Higher
- iOS/iPadOS: 4GBs or Higher
Note
Devices with SoC and RAM specifications lower than listed may be prone to dropped frames and touch inputs. In more extreme scenarios, game crashes may be common.
2 - Should You Play on a Tablet or a Phone?¶
Generally speaking, a tablet will be the better choice compared to a phone.
2.1 - Increased Screen Size¶
Most phones have screen sizes anywhere from about 4" to 7". Most tablets, on the other hand, have double the screen sizes, with many well known tablets having anywhere from 8" (Lenovo Legion Y700 Series) to as much as 14" (Samsung Galaxy Tab Ultra Series). The increase in screen size will not only improve the visibility of notes, but will also increase the perceived hitbox size, making thinner notes significantly easier to tap.
2.2 - Improved Multi-Finger Gameplay¶
The increase in screen sizes will improve multi-finger placement. With a phone, attempting any four-key to six-key patterns will have your fingers in a cramped position, which may restrict hand movement.
Some manufacturers limit the amount of fingers that can be registered on the screen at once. For instance, Apple's iPhone will only register up to five fingers at any given moment, which is a behavior that is consistent with every iPhone in Apple's lineup.
2.3 - Minimizing Interruptions¶
Playing rhythm games on a phone increases the chances of your device being interrupted by phone calls and messages. Depending on how many apps and background services are on your device, it is also more likely for the gameplay to experience stuttering. Putting rhythm games on a separate tablet minimizes the chances for interruptions to affect your gameplay, often resulting in a smoother experience.
3 - Should I Get an Android Tablet or an iPad?¶
TL;DR
| Category | iPad | Android Tablet |
|---|---|---|
| Touch Latency | Lower | Brand/device dependent, generally higher |
| Touch Sampling Rate | Consistent | Brand/device dependent, possible fluctuations |
| Audio Latency | Lower | Brand/device dependent, generally higher |
| Accessory Ecosystem | Larger | Brand/device dependent, generally smaller |
| Sideload Ecosystem | Smaller and complicated | Larger and easily accessible, though that may be changing soon |
| Extras (+ Pros) (- Cons) (* Neutral) |
+ Desktop-class performance for iPad Air and iPad Pro models + Longer software and security updates - (iPadOS 26+) Guided Access must be enabled for four-key or higher charts. * Volume keys are permanently switched for iPad models released after 2021. |
+ Wide variety of devices to choose from + Headphone jacks available for select devices + MicroSD expandable storage for select devices + Applications have the ability to display overlays over a game, allowing lane covers for games without this feature + Game-specific features, such as passthrough charging, notification blocking, etc. |
Note
Information in this chart is based on a relatively small sample size. Many of its contents may not be applicable depending on the device and is subject to change at any time.