Top Tablets for Artists: Finding the Best Digital Canvas

With so many options on the market, finding the best tablet for your artistic needs requires navigating through a sea of specifications and features. In this article, we’ll explore the top tablets that have proven to be game-changers for artists of all calibers.

Introduction to the Digital Art World

Digital art has introduced a wave of exciting opportunities for artists. With the right tablet, the digital canvas becomes a playground for creativity, offering precision, versatility, and portability.

Apple iPad Pro: The Premium Choice

For many artists, the Apple iPad Pro is the quintessential digital canvas. With its stunning Liquid Retina display, artists are treated to vibrant colors and exquisite detail. The iPad Pro runs on the powerful A12Z Bionic chip, offering smooth performance that can handle demanding applications like Procreate and Adobe Photoshop.

The second-generation Apple Pencil is also a significant draw with its natural feel and precision, making it no less than a magic wand for digital artists. While premium-priced, the iPad Pro is a comprehensive package for professionals looking for a top-notch experience.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+: The Android Powerhouse

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ is an excellent contender for artists loyal to the Android ecosystem. Boasting a Super AMOLED display and an impressive 120Hz refresh rate, this tablet provides artists with a responsive and immersive drawing experience.

It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus processor, ensuring seamless multitasking and graphic-intensive app usage. The included S Pen has significantly improved, offering lower latency and greater pressure sensitivity. The Galaxy Tab S7+ is a robust alternative for those looking for a high-end Android tablet for art.

Wacom Cintiq 16: The Dedicated Artist’s Companion

While not as portable as standalone tablets, the Wacom Cintiq 16 is a gold standard for many digital artists, especially those working from a studio. As a pen display that connects to your computer, it bridges the gap between traditional and digital artistry.

The Pro Pen 2 is a standout feature, boasting 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity for the finest control over your work. With its 16-inch display and HD resolution, the Cintiq 16 is tailored for those who prioritize the feel of drawing over portability and standalone functionality.

Here’s a summary of the main points and a list of brands mentioned in Aaron Rutten’s video review (above) of the top 10 Wacom Drawing Tablets for 2024:

Main Points:

1. The video ranks Wacom drawing tablets from least to most expensive, focusing on tablets Aaron has personally used.
2. The list includes both non-display tablets and display tablets with built-in screens.
3. The reviewer considers drawing area size, pressure sensitivity, tilt support, express keys, and display quality.
4. Higher-end tablets offer features like better color accuracy and higher resolution, which may be more important for professional artists.
5. The reviewer’s top pick is the Wacom Cintiq 27 QHD Touch, despite the availability of newer models due to its balance of features and usability.

Microsoft Surface Pro 7: The Versatile All-Rounder

Artists on a budget seeking a tablet and laptop combination should consider the Microsoft Surface Pro 7. This 2-in-1 device allows switching between tablet mode for sketching and laptop mode for other creative tasks.

The high-resolution PixelSense display combined with the Surface Pen provides a satisfying drawing experience, with tilt support and decent pressure sensitivity.

Equipped with 10th-generation Intel processors, the Surface Pro 7 runs demanding software, making it a versatile tool for creators who also need traditional computing power.

In the video above, reviewer Brad Colbow gives his opinion of the Surface Pro 7 as a drawing tool. Here is a summary of the main points made:

• Surface Pro 7 is an incremental upgrade among Microsoft’s new lineup including Surface Pro X, Neo, Duo, and earbuds
• Features 10th gen Intel processor and new USB-C port (non-Thunderbolt) replacing mini DisplayPort
• Battery life lasts about eight hours on average daily use
• Includes standard USB, headphone jack, SD card slot, and magnetic power connector with USB charging port
• Recommended configuration: i5 processor, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, starting at $499 (pen and type cover sold separately)
• Pen performance issues include line waviness and high initial activation force due to n-trig technology
• Unlike the iPad Pro, the Surface Pro 7 runs full Windows OS and can function as a complete laptop replacement
• Surface Pro 7 appears to be a transitional device before users switch to the Surface Pro X

Huion Kamvas Pro 13: The Budget-Friendly Option

The Huion Kamvas Pro 13 balances cost and performance for emerging artists or those on a tight budget. Like the Wacom Cintiq, it is a pen display that must be connected to a computer, but it is much more affordable.

The Kamvas Pro 13 features a 13.3-inch full HD display and the PW507 battery-free pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. While not as feature-rich as its higher-end counterparts, this tablet has excellent color accuracy and build quality, making it an attractive option for those just starting or needing an affordable secondary display.

Conclusion: Your Art, Your Choice

Choosing the best tablet as an artist boils down to individual needs and preferences. Whether it’s the premium experience of the iPad Pro, the Android versatility of the Galaxy Tab S7+, the studio-bound precision of the Wacom Cintiq, the flexibility of the Surface Pro 7, or the affordability of the Huion Kamvas, every tablet on this list offers unique qualities that cater to different artistic expressions.

Evaluate your priorities regarding display quality, pen feel, portability, and budget, and you’ll find the perfect digital canvas that allows your creativity to thrive.