Graphic designers, illustrators, and artists use drawing tablets these days for their project works. The drawing tablets make their job easy and give them many features in one place. These graphics tablets give them freedom from a mouse or touchpad and they can carry tablets anywhere they want.
It is an option to buy a tablet but not a requirement for every designer. If you think you need a graphic tablet for your project work then you should know the features that you need in a tablet for graphic design. If you are into complex illustrations or photo retouching work then you need a high specifications tablet for yourself.
Here we curated the list of best graphics tablets for you. These tablets have all the specifications that you need to do your work.
Best Drawing Tablets
These are the best tablets for Graphics Designers to design graphics and do digital drawings:
1. Apple iPad Pro M1 2021
Apple iPad Pro 2021 model comes with an Apple M1 chip that enhances its performance to the next level. The iPad Pro has a 27.96 cm (11-inch) Liquid Retina display with ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 wide color features which are perfect for drawing and design.
It has a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with an ultra-wide camera system, portrait mode, portrait lighting, and smart HDR. If we talk about the front camera, it has a 12MP Wide camera, 10MP Ultra Wide camera with Smart HDR, and 4K video at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps. LiDAR Scanner for immersive AR
It is a wifi tablet that has Wi-Fi connectivity to stay connected. This iPad has a USB‑C connector with support for Thunderbolt/USB 4 for connecting to fast external storage, displays, and docks.
The company claims that it has up to 10 hours of battery life on Wi‑Fi web surfing or watching video.
2. Wacom Cintiq 22
The Wacom Cintiq 22 is a 21.5-inch (1920 x 1080) HD display with 16.7 million colors Bit, 72% NTSC/Cie1931 typical that gives vibrant color and more clarity to see every detail of your creations. The display has a scratch-resistant and Anti-glare surface that prevents reflections while doing work.
It comes with an affordable pen with Wacom Pro Pen 2 technology. It has 192 pressure levels and tilt recognition which gives the most natural drawing experience. You can connect this device to your computer with the help of a 3-in-1 (HDMI) connection cable and work in comfortable positions.
This tablet is specially designed for artists and illustrators. If you are a pro and want the best drawing device then go for it.
Price: Rs. 1,13,499
Buy Now: Amazon
3. Apple iPad Air 2022
The Apple iPad Air has a 27.69 cm (10.9-inch) Liquid Retina display with True Tone, P3 wide color, and an anti-reflective coating. It is good for the artist and graphics designer because of the good display. It has an Apple M1 chip with Neural Engine that gives a smooth and fast performance. This is also a plus point in terms of drawing.
If we talk about that camera, this tablet has a 12MP Wide camera and a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage. This iPad has Stereo landscape speakers that provide a nice audio experience.
If you want a colorful tab then this is the only option that is available in blue, purple, pink, starlight, and space gray color. It has secure authentication with Touch ID.
4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra:
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is a 37.08 cm (14.6 inches) tablet with a 2960×1848, 239ppi, sAMOLED Screen. It has a Cinematic Display with a 120Hz Refresh Rate.
This tablet is supported by Android 12. It has a Powerful Snapdragon Octa-Core 2.99ghz, 2.4ghz, 1.7ghz 8th Gen processor chipset that makes it good for designing and graphics. It has 12GB RAM and 256 GB ROM which is expandable Up To 1TB.
The Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra sports a 13MP and 6MP Dual Rear Camera with Flash and a 12MP (Wide) and 12MP (Ultra Wide) front camera.
This tab has an 11200 mAh Long Lasting Battery that gives a backup of up to 14 Hrs of Video Playback. It has Super Fast Charging of up to 45W.
Price: 1,25,990
Buy Now: Amazon
5. Microsoft Surface Pro 8
The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is the first Surface Pro that is built on the Intel Evo platform. The Intel Evo platform boosts the performance, graphics, and battery life of this tablet. It has 13 Inches touchscreen display.
It has the latest Intel 11th-generation core i5 processors that help in multitasking. You can do a video call, crush an Excel spreadsheet, or play games with friends without hanging off this device. It has a Windows 10 Professional operating system.
This tab sports 8GB RAM with integrated 8GB graphics.
If we talk about connectivity it has WiFi 6 for ultra-fast bandwidth, two USB-C and Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a dedicated charging port. The Surface Pro Signature Keyboard is not included with this device but is sold separately.
Price: Rs. 1,29,500
Buy Now: Amazon
6. XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro:
The XP-Pen Artist Pro comes with various screen sizes 12 inches, 13.3 inches, 15.6 inches, and 24 inches. The one we are mentioning here has a display screen size of 15.6 inches which gives users enough space to draw and express their ideas freely and directly on the screen. It has an IPS display screen which is full-laminated to create a distraction-free working environment.
This device features 8 fully customizable shortcut keys that make work easy and give more customization options at the fingertip according to the work style of the user. It comes with an AC 41 easy-to-use stand that helps in preventing shaking or sliding and relieves eye fatigue and hand stiffness while drawing.
XP-Pen Artist Pro is compatible with Windows 10/8/7(32/64bit) and Mac OS x 10.10 or later. It works with major graphics software like Photoshop, procreate, painter, illustrator, clip studio, and many more.
It comes with a p05r battery-free stylus pen that has 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity. This increases accuracy, control, and fluidity for the finest sketches and lines.
Price: Rs. 33,999
Buy Now: Amazon
7. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is a 27.94 cm (11-inch) 2560×1600 cinematic display with 276ppi, LTPS TFT Screen, and 120Hz Refresh Rate.
It sports Android 12. It has a powerful Octa-Core 2.99ghz, 2.4ghz, 1.7ghz Snapdragon 8th Gen Chipset with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB ROM. The internal storage is expandable Up To 1TB.
This tab for graphic design has dual rear cameras of 13MP and 6MP with flash and a 12MP ultra-wide front camera.
It has an 8000 mAh battery with super fast charging up to 45W. The tab has Quad speakers with Dolby Atmos which gives it an awesome audio experience.
Price: Rs. 70,400
Buy Now: Amazon
Read More, Best Illustration Apps for Drawing and Painting
These are the best drawing tablets for graphics designers and artists to create beautiful digital art with ease. Check the specifications of these tablets and choose the one that suits perfectly for your work. You can ask us anything related to this in the comment section.
Expert Answers to FAQs:
1. Is a drawing tablet good for graphic design?
Ans: Yes, a drawing tablet is beneficial for graphic design. It allows designers to create digital artwork more precisely and naturally compared to using a mouse. With a drawing tablet, you can control the pressure and tilt of the pen, making it easier to create detailed and expressive designs. It provides a more hands-on and intuitive experience, making tasks like sketching, coloring and retouching more efficient.
2. Can I learn graphic design without a tablet?
Ans: Yes, you can learn graphic design without a tablet. Many aspects of graphic design, such as layout, composition, color theory, and typography, can be learned and practiced using software and a regular computer mouse. While a drawing tablet can offer a more natural and precise way to create digital illustrations and designs, it is not a mandatory requirement for learning graphic design.
You can start by using graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or other alternatives available. Practice using the tools with a mouse, experiment with different techniques and develop your understanding of design principles. As you progress, you may find that a tablet could enhance your workflow, but it’s not a barrier to entry for learning the basics of graphic design.
3. Can I study graphic design if I can’t draw?
Ans: Yes, you can study and pursue a career in graphic design even if you feel you can’t draw traditionally. Graphic design encompasses a wide range of skills beyond drawing, and many successful graphic designers do not consider themselves traditional artists. Graphic design involves elements such as layout, typography, color theory, composition, and digital skills, which do not necessarily rely on freehand drawing.
4. Which device is best for a graphic designer?
Ans: The best device for a graphic designer depends on their specific needs, preferences, and workflow. Here are some key devices commonly used by graphic designers:
- Computer: A powerful desktop or laptop computer is essential. Mac and Windows-based systems are both popular choices. Ensure that the computer meets the requirements of the graphic design software you plan to use.
- Monitor: A high-quality monitor with good color accuracy is crucial for graphic design work. IPS (In-Plane Switching) monitors are often preferred for their color reproduction and wide viewing angles.
- Graphics Tablet: Many graphic designers find graphics tablets or pen displays beneficial for precise and natural drawing. Wacom, Huion, and XP-Pen are popular brands offering a range of options.
- Mouse or Trackpad: A standard mouse or trackpad is essential for navigating and working within design software. Some designers prefer using a mouse for certain tasks.
- Keyboard: A comfortable and customizable keyboard is important for efficient workflow. Some designers use keyboards with programmable keys for quick access to frequently used functions.
- Stylus/Pen: If you use a graphics tablet or pen display, having a high-quality stylus or pen is crucial for accurate and responsive input.
- Printer: A good quality printer is useful for creating hard copies of your designs for review or presentation purposes.
- External Storage: Graphic design projects can be data-intensive, so having ample external storage (hard drives or SSDs) for backups and additional space is important.
- Scanner: If you work with traditional artwork or need to digitize sketches, a scanner can be a valuable tool.
- High-Resolution Camera: For projects involving photography or capturing real-world elements, a high-resolution camera can be beneficial.
The best devices for a graphic designer depend on individual preferences, budget constraints, and the specific demands of their work. It’s important to invest in tools that align with your workflow and allow you to express your creative vision effectively.
