Finding Best Tablets for Artists
Artists require a tablet that not only provides a HD resolution screen but various features to enhance the way you work Whether you are a graphic designer, illustrator, architect or student, there is certainly the right tablet for your needs. You just need to find it.
You should consider the size, screen type, software, stylus pen and sensitivity levels available to help you choose the best tablet for you and your artistry skills This article will highlight the best tablets for artists currently on the market and provide all the essential information you require to make the perfect choice
Key Features of Tablets to Enhance Artist Workflow
The best tablets for artists are carefully designed to optimise workflow and productivity with the availability of many unique features It is vital that you consider all features before you make a purchase to ensure that you choose the best tablet that is suited to your individual preferences Here are the important features to look out for:
● Screen size
The screen size of your tablet is important because you want enough room to focus on your art and notice all the finer details. Bigger screens are also better for eye comfort and screen sizes 13 inches and up are considered big enough screens for artists to improve their work
● Panel type
There are various types of screen panels which offer different benefits depending on the type of art you create IPS panels are very popular and provide amazing viewing angles and stunning colour accuracy. Smaller tablets may have LCD panels which are cheaper or OLED which provides outstanding black colour and contrast ratio
● Resolution
The screen resolution will also determine the overall quality of your picture and pixelation The minimum resolution artists should use is 1920x1080 (full HD) for a clear picture but some of the better tablets may have a 4k UHD screen which is 3840x2160. The better the screen resolution, the clearer and crisper the display will be to really enhance your image quality
● Stylus type
The majority of tablets will either come with or sell separately, a compatible stylus that has a range of features to enhance your drawings The stylus should feel comfortable in your hand and replicate the exact feeling of putting pen to paper. A high quality stylus is essential as it will significantly affect your art The stylus provides precision and accuracy and can replicate various brush strokes, line weight and more to create amazing artwork
● Pressure sensitivity
Tablets require pressure sensitivity to sense how hard the user is pressing down to correctly recreate the same brush stroke The best tablets for artists will have high pressure sensitivity and the current best levels are up to 8192 with some even reaching levels of 16k This will dramatically improve your artwork with incredible attention to detail.
4 Best Tablets for Artists
Once you have determined the most important features for your artist needs, you need to take a look at the current best tablets for artists available. From iPad and Samsung to XPPen and Wacom designs, there is sure to be a suitable tablet that works for you. Here are some of the top picks for artists:
1. Apple iPad Pro (M4)
The Apple iPad Pro is a popular tablet for artists due to its impressive power and fast performance This generation of Pro tablet has an M4 processor which is vital for big workloads and an OLED screen which enhances the picture quality and allows for finer attention to detail for all artists Unfortunately, the Apple Pencil Pro is sold separately which adds to the cost but the stylus is a fantastic addition to any purchase It has various features including pixel perfect precision, tilt sensitivity and palm rejection to enhance artist creativity The slim size and light weight is ideal for portability making this one of the best tablets for artists if you have a big budget
Specifications
● 13-inch screen
● 5.1mm thickness
● Ultra retina XDR
● 2064x2752 resolution
● Pro motion technology
Pros
● Fast performance
● Stunning OLED display
● Compatible with Apple Pencil Pro
● Incredibly thin and lightweight
Cons
● Expensive
● Accessories sold separately (stylus and keyboard)
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is a fantastic alternative option for artists who prefer an Android system over the Apple iOS. This tablet is not as fast as the M4 processor in the iPad but it makes up for it with an AMOLED screen This transforms the image quality with brighter colours and a stunning display which is hugely beneficial for artists working on designs
The Samsung S Pen is also included in the price which has features including pressure and tilt sensitivity, air command and easy charge with a magnetic holder on the tablet The S9 tablet is also water and dust resistant with an Armor Aluminum frame for drop protection making this one of the most durable and sturdy tablets available for artists.
Specifications
● 11-inch screen
● 2560x1600 resolution
● Dynamic AMOLED 2x
● Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor
● 5 9mm thickness
Pros
● Long battery life
● S Pen stylus included
● Water resistant
● microSD support
● Multiple screen function
Cons
● Expensive
● Shorter battery life than its predecessor
3
Wacom Intuos Pro Medium
The only graphics tablet on this list, the Wacom Intuos Pro is a good option for artists who like to draw on a screenless tablet which is then mapped to your computer or monitor screen This tablet is available in 3 sizes but the medium is suitable for artists as it offers portability with a big enough screen size for your drawings. You can either connect to your
computer wirelessly via bluetooth or use a USB cable and you can efficiently draw, edit and retouch with ease. The accompanied battery free Pro Pen 2 provides responsive control, 8192 pressure sensitivity levels and natural tilt recognition to ensure precise and detailed drawings
Specifications
● 8 7 x 5 8 inch active area
● 8 customisable express keys
● Touch ring
● Compatible with Windows and Mac
● Includes multi-touch gestures
Pros
● Large active area
● Affordable
● Stylus pen included
● Long battery life
● Customisable features
Cons
● Requires regular driver updates
● Bluetooth wireless is known to lag
4. XPPen Artist 16 Pro
The XPPen Artist 16 Pro is one of the best tablets for artists available as it offers a lot of standout features for an affordable price The 92% colour accuracy ensures the picture quality is crisp and bright and there is plenty of space to work on your art with the extra wide viewing angle There are customizable express keys on the side to personalize your tablet use and it is compatible with various software The stylus has 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity making sure artists have detailed precision and fine attention to detail
Specifications
● 15 6-inch size
● 1920x1080 resolution
● HD display
● 92% Adobe RGB colour gamut
● Extra-wide 178° viewing angle
Pros
● Stunning display and colour accuracy
● 8 customisable express keys
● Pro Pen stylus included
● Built in stand
● Incredible value for money
Cons
● Bulky wires at the back
● No touch control
Conclusion
There are many types of tablets that offer a range of features to suit different professions and skills Whether you are an illustrator, graphic designer or simply love to draw, you are sure to find the best tablet that suits your personal needs. From the impressive XPPen which is amazing value for money to the iPad which offers a fast performance at a more expensive price, there is a tablet perfect for all budgets There is even a Samsng option for those who prefer an Android software or a high-end Wacom graphics tablet which ensures a reliable performance. Discover the best tablet for artists and create incredible artwork with the help of stunning colour accuracy and bright screens
FAQs
What is the difference between drawing tablets and graphic tablets?
A drawing tablet, also known as pen display or drawing display, allows you to draw on the tablet and see the results on the tablet screen without requiring a monitor A graphics tablet is a screenless tablet with a pressure sensitive pad which you can draw directly on with a stylus It must be connected to a computer to allow your pen movements to be shown on your monitor in real time
Are graphic tablets easy to use?
If you have never used a graphic tablet before, it can take some getting used to while learning to use it. As it is a screenless tablet, you have to learn to focus more on the monitor in front of you rather than your hand movements This is a big learning curve and can be
quite difficult to master Once you get the hang of it, you will certainly be impressed with the results.
What is the best artist tablet for me?
The best artist tablet for you will depend on the features you require, whether it is for work or play and your budget The XPPen offers a fantastic yet affordable tablet, Apple provides strong performing tablets at a higher price and Samsung offers one of the best Android tablets
