Tablets, foldables and Chromebooks
One app, many shapes
Google: Android apps run on "phones, tablets, foldables, desktops, car displays, TVs, XR". Foldables can be in "postures, such as tabletop posture or book posture."
Three tiers
Google's quality tiers for large screens:
- Tier 3: Adaptive readyFull screen, but the "layout might not be ideal".
- Tier 2: Adaptive optimizedLayouts for every screen size, better keyboard and mouse.
- Tier 1: Adaptive differentiatedDesigned for each device: multitasking, foldable postures, stylus.
Quick check
Shard Garden fills a tablet screen, but its layout is a stretched phone layout. Which tier?
- Tier 3: Adaptive ready
- Tier 1: Adaptive differentiated
- Not on the list
Show the answer
Tier 3: Adaptive ready
Running full screen with a layout that isn't ideal is Tier 3, the basic tier.
No black bars
Even Tier 3 says: "The app is not letterboxed; it does not run in compatibility mode." A letterboxed app sits in a phone-shaped box with empty space around it.
Keys and pens
Tier 3 also needs "basic support for external input devices, including keyboard, mouse, trackpad, and stylus." A Chromebook player expects keys to work, so Priya tests on one.
Find the gap
1full screen yes2letterboxed no3keyboard moves camera no
These are Priya's results. Which tier does Shard Garden miss?
- Tier 3: it needs basic keyboard support
- None: it passes every tier
- Only Tier 1
Show the answer
Tier 3: it needs basic keyboard support
Basic keyboard support is part of the first tier. Without it, Tier 3 isn't met.
Test on the real shapes
Google's test list includes a "Foldable (841x701 dp)", an "8-inch tablet (1024x640 dp)", a "10.5-inch tablet (1280x800 dp)" and a "13-inch Chromebook (1600x900 dp)". The emulator has each one.
Quick check
A game that looks right on a phone will look right on a foldable.
- True
- False
Show the answer
False
A foldable changes shape while the game runs. Each shape needs testing.
Country rules
Some markets have rules no store page mentions.
Bolt says: Next: markets with their own rules.
Fact-checked 12 October 2026
- Android Developers: Large screen app quality developer.android.com