If you're a budding graphic designer or a seasoned
illustrator, you know that having the right tools can make all the difference
in your creative process. Tablets are an essential part of any digital artist's
toolkit, offering portability, versatility, and compatibility with a wide range
of apps and tools. In this blog post, I'll guide you through a selection of the
best tablets for graphic design and illustration, helping you choose the one
that perfectly aligns with your needs and budget.
Best Tablets for Graphic Design and Illustration
| Product Name | Apple iPad Pro | Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 | Xiaomi Pad 5 | Realme Pad X 5G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product NameBrand | Apple iPad ProApple | Samsung Galaxy Tab S7Samsung | Xiaomi Pad 5Xiaomi | Realme Pad X 5GRealme |
| Product NameModel | Apple iPad ProiPad Pro | Samsung Galaxy Tab S7Galaxy Tab S7 | Xiaomi Pad 5Pad 5 | Realme Pad X 5GPad X 5G |
| Product NameScreen Size | Apple iPad Pro11 inches | Samsung Galaxy Tab S712.4 inches | Xiaomi Pad 510.95 inches | Realme Pad X 5G10.5 inches |
| Product NameResolution | Apple iPad Pro2560x1600 pixels | Samsung Galaxy Tab S71600x2560 pixels | Xiaomi Pad 51600x2560 pixels | Realme Pad X 5G1920x1200 pixels |
| Product NameProcessor | Apple iPad ProApple M1 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S7Snapdragon 865+ | Xiaomi Pad 5Snapdragon 860 | Realme Pad X 5GSnapdragon 695 |
| Product NameRAM | Apple iPad Pro8GB | Samsung Galaxy Tab S76GB or 8GB | Xiaomi Pad 56GB | Realme Pad X 5G6GB or 8GB |
| Product NameStorage | Apple iPad Pro128GB | Samsung Galaxy Tab S7128GB or 256GB | Xiaomi Pad 5128GB | Realme Pad X 5G128GB or 256GB |
| Product NameStylus Support | Apple iPad ProApple Pencil (sold separately) | Samsung Galaxy Tab S7S Pen (included) | Xiaomi Pad 5Xiaomi Smart Pen (sold separately) | Realme Pad X 5GRealme Pencil (sold separately) |
| Product NameBattery Life | Apple iPad ProUp to 10 hours | Samsung Galaxy Tab S7Up to 9 hours | Xiaomi Pad 5Up to 12 hours | Realme Pad X 5GUp to 8 hours |
| Product NamePrice | Apple iPad ProStarting at Rs. 1,12,900 (12.9-inch model at Rs. 1,39,900) | Samsung Galaxy Tab S7Around Rs. 37,998 (11-inch model at Rs. 29,999) | Xiaomi Pad 5Rs. 26,999 | Realme Pad X 5GRs. 19,999 |
Apple iPad Pro
Powerhouse Performance
The Apple iPad Pro is a top pick for graphic designers.
Powered by the impressive Apple M1 chipset, it boasts blazing-fast performance
and smooth multitasking capabilities. With an 11-inch Liquid Retina display,
ProMotion, and True Tone technologies, this tablet delivers stunning visuals
and responsiveness. Its support for a 120Hz refresh rate makes it ideal for
intricate drawing and animation work.
Stylus Expertise
The iPad Pro pairs perfectly with the Apple Pencil, one of the
best stylus pens for graphic designing. Its precise tip, pressure sensitivity,
tilt recognition, and palm rejection features provide unparalleled accuracy.
The double-tap gesture allows you to switch between tools and modes with ease.
App Ecosystem
Apple's vast app ecosystem includes popular tools like
Procreate, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer, Sketchbook,
and more, making it a comprehensive choice for creative professionals. You can
even use the iPad Pro as a second monitor for your Mac or PC with the Sidecar
feature.
Versatile Companion
Not just for graphic design, the iPad Pro handles a variety of
tasks, from web browsing and gaming to video editing. Accessories like the
Magic Keyboard and the Smart Keyboard Folio can transform it into a laptop-like
experience.
Pros:
- Powerful performance
- Stunning display
- Excellent stylus support
- Wide range of apps and software
- Versatile functionality
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
- Apple Pencil sold separately
- Limited storage options
The iPad Pro starts at Rs. 1,12,900 in India, with a larger
12.9-inch model featuring a mini-LED display available for Rs. 1,39,900.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
Vibrant Android Experience
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 is another top-tier choice for
graphic designers. It features a vibrant 12.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a
screen resolution of 1600 x 2560 pixels, providing rich colors, deep blacks,
and high contrast. The 120Hz refresh rate enhances the fluidity of the user
interface.
S Pen Precision
This tablet comes with the S Pen stylus included in the box.
With a fine tip, pressure sensitivity, tilt recognition, and palm rejection
features, the S Pen ensures precise and comfortable drawing. The Air Command
feature allows quick access to shortcuts and functions.
Performance Beast
Powered by the Snapdragon 865+ processor, the Galaxy Tab S7
handles graphic design software effortlessly. It offers 6GB or 8GB of RAM and
128GB or 256GB of internal storage, expandable up to 1TB with a microSD card.
App Compatibility
Apps like Autodesk Sketchbook, Adobe Photoshop Express, Adobe
Illustrator Draw, Infinite Painter, ArtFlow Studio, MediBang Paint, and more
are compatible with the Galaxy Tab S7. You can also use it as a second monitor
for your Windows PC using the Samsung DeX feature.
Versatility at Its Core
Beyond graphic design, the Galaxy Tab S7 serves as a versatile
device for web browsing, gaming, video streaming, and more. Accessories like
the Book Cover Keyboard and the Mouse Pad can transform it into a laptop-like
experience.
Pros:
- Vibrant display
- Included stylus
- Powerful performance
- Expandable storage
- Versatile functionality
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
- Book Cover Keyboard sold separately
- Average battery life
The Galaxy Tab S7 is available at around Rs. 37,998 via
Amazon, with a smaller 11-inch model featuring an LCD display priced at Rs.
29,999.
Xiaomi Pad 5
Affordable Android Excellence
The Xiaomi Pad 5 is a new entrant in the tablet market that
offers a premium Android experience at an affordable price. Powered by the
octa-core Snapdragon 860 processor, it's more than capable of handling graphic
design tasks. With 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage (expandable up to
1TB with a microSD card), it's a budget-friendly powerhouse.
Premium Display
Featuring a 10.95-inch IPS LCD display with Dolby Vision and
HDR10 support, the Xiaomi Pad 5 offers a resolution of 1600 x 2560 pixels and a
120Hz refresh rate. This display is tailor-made for graphic designing, with a
low blue light mode and an eye protection mode to reduce eye strain and
fatigue.
Xiaomi Smart Pen
The Xiaomi Pad 5 is compatible with the Xiaomi Smart Pen, an
optional accessory that costs Rs. 3,499. With a fine tip, pressure sensitivity,
tilt recognition, and palm rejection features, the Xiaomi Smart Pen ensures
precise and comfortable drawing. It also boasts two buttons for quick tool and
mode switching.
App Variety
A wide range of apps and software compatible with graphic
designing are available, including Clip Studio Paint, Adobe Photoshop Sketch,
Adobe Illustrator Draw, Infinite Painter, ArtFlow Studio, MediBang Paint, and
more. You can even use the Xiaomi Pad 5 as a second monitor for your Windows PC
using the Mi Home app.
All-Round Performer
Beyond graphic design, the Xiaomi Pad 5 excels in web
browsing, gaming, and video streaming. With compatible accessories like the Mi
Smart Keyboard and the Mi Wireless Mouse, you can even transform it into a
laptop-like device.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Premium display
- Powerful performance
- Expandable storage
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Xiaomi Smart Pen and Mi Smart Keyboard sold separately
- Limited availability
- No AMOLED display
The Xiaomi Pad 5 is priced at Rs. 26,999 in India, with the
Xiaomi Smart Pen and Mi Smart Keyboard available separately for Rs. 3,499 and
Rs. 4,999, respectively.
Realme Pad X 5G
Budget-Friendly 5G Option
The Realme Pad X 5G is a 5G mid-range Android tablet that
offers high-end features without breaking the bank. Powered by the octa-core
Snapdragon 695 chipset with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal
storage (expandable up to 1TB with a microSD card), it's an affordable yet
capable option.
Sleek Design
With a sleek metal body and narrow bezels, the Realme Pad X 5G
looks and feels premium. Its WUXGA+ display boasts a resolution of 1920 x 1200
pixels and a brightness of up to 500 nits, providing sharp details and vivid
colors for graphic design.
Realme Pencil Compatibility
The Realme Pad X 5G can be paired with the Realme Pencil, an
optional accessory priced at Rs. 2,999. With a fine tip, pressure sensitivity,
tilt recognition, and palm rejection features, the Realme Pencil ensures
precise and comfortable drawing. It also features two buttons for quick tool
and mode switching.
App Compatibility
A variety of apps and software, such as Autodesk Sketchbook,
Adobe Photoshop Express, Adobe Illustrator Draw, Infinite Painter, ArtFlow
Studio, and MediBang Paint, are compatible with graphic designing. The Realme
Pad X 5G can also be used as a second monitor for your Windows PC using the
Realme Link feature.
Versatility Galore
The Realme Pad X 5G isn't just for graphic design; it's a
versatile device for web browsing, gaming, video streaming, and more.
Accessories like the Realme Smart Keyboard and the Realme Wireless Mouse can
help you transform it into a laptop-like experience.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Sleek design
- 5G connectivity
- Expandable storage
- Compatible with Realme Pencil
Cons:
- Realme Pencil and Realme Smart Keyboard sold separately
- No AMOLED display
- Average battery life
The Realme Pad X 5G is priced at Rs. 19,999 in India, with the
Realme Pencil and Realme Smart Keyboard available separately for Rs. 2,999 and
Rs. 3,999, respectively.
Conclusion
In the world of graphic design and illustration, the right
tablet can be your key to unlocking your full creative potential. Each of the
tablets reviewed in this post has its unique set of features and advantages.
Whether you're a professional or just starting, you'll find a tablet that fits
your style and budget.
I hope this guide has helped you in your search for the
perfect tablet for graphic design and illustration. If you have any questions
or would like to share your experiences, please feel free to leave a comment
below. Thank you for reading, and best of luck with your creative endeavors!
FAQs:
1. Q: What are the top tablets for graphic design
and illustration in 2023?
A: In 2023, some of the top tablets for graphic design and
illustration include the Apple iPad Pro, Samsung Galaxy Tab S7, Xiaomi Pad 5,
Realme Pad X 5G, and more. These tablets offer various features and performance
levels suitable for different design needs.
2. Q: What makes the Apple iPad Pro a top choice
for graphic design in 2023?
A: The Apple iPad Pro is a popular choice due to its powerful
performance, stunning display, excellent stylus support with the Apple Pencil,
a wide range of compatible apps, and versatile functionality that goes beyond
graphic design tasks.
3. Q: Is there an affordable option for graphic
designers in 2023?
A: Yes, the Xiaomi Pad 5 is a cost-effective tablet that
offers premium features like a high-resolution display and powerful
performance, making it a budget-friendly choice for graphic designers in 2023.
4. Q: Which tablet is recommended for 5G
connectivity and graphic design tasks in 2023?
A: The Realme Pad X 5G is a top recommendation for those
seeking a 5G-enabled tablet for graphic design. It offers high-end features at
an affordable price, including compatibility with the Realme Pencil.
5. Q: Are there specific factors to consider when
choosing a tablet for graphic design in 2023?
