The Best Android Tablet for drawing with a Pen

What is the Best Android Tablet for drawing? If you have been seeking the answer to these questions and more this article is for you.

There are a lot of fully dedicated tablets for drawing available. However, most of them will only have drawing tools such as a screen and pen but no internal computer functionality.

This means that you have to connect to a computer to use them. Android tablets on the other hand come with a computer, screen and a stylus pen.

If you are looking for drawing tablets similar to Android tablets but from different brands, check out our previous articles.

What is the best Android tablet for drawing?

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is the best overall pick for drawing. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra has the largest screen and is the closest in terms of performance to an iPad Pro. However, it still falls short when compared.

If you are on a budget but still need a good drawing tablet, we recommend the Simbans Picasso tab or Samsung Galaxy S6 Lite.

Most Android tablets come with a free professional S Pen and a full touch AMOLED display that is good for digital art.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A is the cheapest Samsung tablet that you can buy. It features a 10.5 inches screen size with 1920 x 1200 Pixels resolution. The quad-core processor and 2 GB RAM are good for drawing but not the best for Photo editing or Video editing.

The 10 best Android tablets for drawing

  1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: best Android tablets for Drawing overall
  2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+: Editors Choice
  3. SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra – Best Large Screen
  4. Samsung Galaxy Tab A: Cheapest Option
  5. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite: Best Budget
  6. Simbans Picasso -Best Budget Alternative
  7. Ugee M708 Best for Beginners
  8. Lenovo M10 Tab – Best Lenovo Beginner Tablet Alternative
  9. Huawei Mediapad M5 lite – Best tablet for note-taking
  10. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ – Best Samsung drawing tablet

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: best Android tablet for Drawing overall

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is the best and most powerful Android tablet made yet. It comes with a large 14.6-inch AMOLED display screen with ‎2560 X 1600 Pixels resolution.

The 120 HZ refresh rate on the screen allows quick responsiveness for gaming screens. If you intend to perform professional tasks the tablet is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and 12 GB or 16 GB RAM.

Finally, the tablet has a long ‎24 Hours battery life and light weight build is perfect for artists who like working on their travels.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+: Editors Choice

  • Screen Size: 12.4 inches,
  • Resolution: 2800 x 1752 Pixels
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
  • Connectivity: Dual sim
  • Storage: 128GB
  • Back Camera: 13 MP + 6 MP
  • Selfie Camera: 8 MP
  • Body Colors: Pink Gold, Silver, and Graphite

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ has a lovely working space that is large at 12.4 inches in size.

Additionally, it has a high 1752 by 2800 pixels resolution that will ensure you will view your work in crisp, clear, and rich detailed color.

One unique feature of the S8+ is the super AMOLED display technology that is integrated into the screen to provide that multi-touch effect with a quality viewing experience.

The screen is strong and durable thanks to the Corn Gorilla Glass 5 technology, which protects it making it hard and able to survive extreme applications of pressure.

Samsung S8+ comes with a free S8+ pen that interacts with your screen to provide a natural pen-to-paper-like feel when drawing.

The tablet only weighs 567g with a panel size of 11.22 by 7.28 by 0.22 inches. I found this to be quite lightweight, and portable despite its large size.

When it comes to the processor, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ is run by Octa-Core Cortex processors, which are both fast and effective.

It is further empowered by 8GB or 12GB RAM that ensures no lags when multi-tasking or running complex programs.

best android drawing tablets
Best Android Tablets for Drawing

Pros

  • High levels of RAM and internal storage
  • Quality screen features
  • Accurate stylus
  • Responsive and powerful processors
  • Latest OS version
  • Portable and easy to move around with
  • Large working area
  • Lovely premium design
  • Value for money

Cons

  • Accidental touches due to narrow bezels
  • It lacks a headphone jack

SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra – Best Large Screen

  1. Screen size: 14.6 inches
  2. Resolution: 2960 x 1848 pixels
  3. Pen: Comes with S-Pen
  4. Processor: Snapdragon8 Gen1
  5. RAM: 12 GB
  6. Storage: 256 GB Expandable to 1 TB
  7. Battery Life: Around 7 hours

If you prefer a large drawing screen, then the SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is your best pick. It is the only Android tablet that comes close to the Apple iPad Pro in terms of power and features.

The tablet features a large 14.6-inch screen with 2960 x 1848 pixels. This Super AMOLED screen display will allow you to draw on a stunningly large area that is comfortable and clear.

Inside the sleek aluminum body of the tablet, you will have a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen1 processor and up to 12 GB RAM for smooth multitasking even when working with complex programs.

To install programs and save your files, you will have 256 GB storage space which is expandable up to 1 TB with a micro SD card.

Although the SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra has a decent 7-hour battery life, the large size will limit its portability. Additionally, you will need to include a tablet stand for comfortable drawing on this large tablet.

The Samsung S pen comes in the box with the tablet so you will not have to buy it separately. This pen is standard for drawing and will interact with the sensitive screen to create perfect strokes when drawing.

Pros

  • Large screen size and resolution
  • 16:10 aspect ratio screen
  • Expandable storage
  • Comes with S-Pen

Cons

  • Short Battery Life

Samsung Galaxy Tab A: Cheapest Android Tablet for Drawing

  • Screen size: 10.5 inches
  • Resolution: 1920 x 1200 pixels IPS LCD
  • Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:10
  • Storage: 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB
  • Processor: Unisoc Tiger T618
  • RAM: 3 GB and 4 GB
  • Battery Life: 8 Hours

Samsung Galaxy Tab A is one of the Cheapest Android Tablets for Drawing. It comes with a 10.5 inches screen with 1920 x 1200 pixels resolution. This is ideal for drawing.

The IPS LCD screen type and 60 Hz refresh rate is fast and will draw lines in real time as you stroke with the pen.

It features a 16:1 aspect ratio instead of 16:9, which makes it seem bigger than it actually is and allows users to use it comfortably in portrait and landscape orientation.

To save your files and install applications, you will have a choice between 32 GB, 64 GB or 128 GB space.

These are okay but not the best for powerful software such as photoshop. We recommend increasing the storage space to 1 TB using an external MicroSD card.

Similarly, the Unisoc Tiger T618 processor and 3 or 4 GB RAM is not the best but is good enough for the price low range.

Simbans Picasso: Best Budget Android Tablet for Drawing

When it comes to budget-friendly Android drawing tablets with a stylus, Simban’s released the Simbans Picasso which tops this list for the cheapest Android drawing Tablet.

The tablet has a 10.1-inch screen size and 1280 by 800 pixels resolution although it is lower than more expensive tablets, it is okay for drawing and you will barely notice the difference especially if you are a beginner.

This ensures maximum outdoor use eliminating confinement to the desk and expanding your creative space. The AAA battery-powered stylus on the Picasso Tab is made to fit an actual office pen description and with a pen pressure sensitivity of 1024, you get an impressive experience, although other tablets on our list may exhibit higher pen pressure sensitivity levels.

Furthermore, the tablet comes with a professional faux leather case that also acts as a pen holder. Although the cover does not offer auto capability, the magnet attraction provides comfortable portability.

Having a standalone tablet as the name suggests means you don’t require a computer for your day-to-day activity including storage.

The internal storage of 32GB ensures ample space for storing your work and a long-term memory reference. You can also expand your memory space with a micro SD card for larger storage space.

Connection to a monitor or a TV is made easy by an HDMI cable and the presence of a USB-C connection to a computer is quick and easy.

The tablet is also WIFI and Bluetooth enabled giving you access to network connection and exchange of files with other Bluetooth-enabled devices.

The Android 7 Nougat operating system is up to date and combined with Quad Core 1.3GHZ/Core processor the tablet is quite impressive and user-friendly.

The tablet’s RAM of 2GB may prove a disadvantage when it comes to speed. Samsung Galaxy S6 lite, the alternative budget option, is a better option with a better S Pen and 4 GB RAM.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly price
  • The size offers ample space for a working area yet is quite small for portability.
  • High-quality pens bring about a great working experience
  • Long-hour battery life brought about by a large capacity battery.

Cons

  • Low levels of pen pressure sensitivity may be a problem for most designers.
  • Small internal storage space.

Lenovo tab M10 – Best Beginner Alternative

The Lenovo M10 is a standardized quality portable tablet with a user-friendly embedded Android 9 Pie operating system. In addition, with a MediaTek Helio P22T Tab, octa-core processor the performance in this gadget is fast and effective.

The screen size of 10 inches with a Full HD resolution of 1920 by 1200 pixels is quite large and offers a clear high-definition display of colors while a 10 multi-touch technology offers a 10-point simultaneous touch detection for a quality experience.

It has a good internal storage of up to 128GB and 4GB RAM storing large files in history while efficiency and the operation speed are enhanced by the RAM.

You can also add a MicroSD card to upgrade your storage to up to 256GB for more space. The M10 battery with a capacity of 5000mAh offers a life of 8 to 10 hours of use, giving you a great outdoor experience and away from your desk for more creative conditions.

Connection to networks is easy as the tablet is WIFI enabled while wireless connection via BlueTooth is fast and efficient.

Camera time is great as the tablet’s front camera offers 5 megapixels of quality and the rear is worth 8 megapixels. This provides you with quality Facetime clarity for e-learning or conversing with friends.

Additionally, various protection measures have been put in place starting with a face lock security system, eye protection technology, and a kids mode for your kids to enjoy using with full protection from harmful content.

Connection to your computer is made possible by a USB-C type cable while powering the tablet is made possible by a 10W adapter.

Huawei Mediapad M5 lite

Huawei is known to produce quality products at an affordable price tag compared to other similar products for other companies.

The Huawei Mediapad M5 lite is one of those products, posing a challenge to the Samsung Galaxy drawing tablets series.

It comes with a standard diagonal screen size of 10.1 inches, and a portable panel size of 9.58 by 6.93 by 0.3 inches.

This proves advantageous for both a lovely working area and ease of mobility and portability. This is made better by a lightweight build of 1.1 pounds.

Processing is fast and efficient courtesy of the Octa-Core Cortex-A73 processors delivering 4×2.2 GHz processing speed.

This is further made better by a quality RAM of 3/4 GB enabling the tablet to run and process multiple programs simultaneously.

Sadly, the internal storage size of 32 GB / 64 GB might be disappointing for most, however, you can upgrade the size to a comfy 256 GB using the expandable microSD.

Huawei Mediapad M5 lite screen is made with IPS LCD technology that sandwiches a layer of liquid crystals between two screens.

This ensures a faster response is achieved, with the colors appearing more accurate and contrasting better.

Additionally, the screen offers you a quality display courtesy of 1920 by 1080 levels of screen resolution made better by the HUAWEI ClariVu technology.

The Huawei M-Pen enhances your drawing, with an accurate and natural experience offered by a pen pressure sensitivity of 4096.

Pros

  • Mobile and portable size
  • Responsive powerful processors
  • Quality screen features
  • Quality color production
  • Accurate stylus
  • Upgradable internal storage

Cons

  • Low levels of RAM and internal storage

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ – Best Samsung Tablet

When it comes to our personal favorite best Android-run drawing tablet with a stylus, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ hands down takes the price.

This tablet is packed to the core starting with the comfortable and responsive S-pen style with the ability to lower latency down to a minuscule 9ms.

The pen further is made better by a 120hz response rate giving you an added pen feel-like experience with almost no lags.

The screen display on the S7+ is beautiful and colorful, brought about by a screen resolution of 1752 by 2800 pixels while screen detection is made better by a Super AMOLED technology that instead of a top detectable layer, the layer is integrated into itself.

The Samsung S7+ is run on the user-friendly Android 10 operating system that is upgradable to Android 11and to make the performance even better the tablet is embedded with an OctaCore processor.

Powered by a fast-charging 45W adapter, the tablet’s non-removable Li-Po 10090 mAh battery offers long working hours away from your charger due to its long life. Connection to a computer is made possible by a USB-C type cable while Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enable network connection and exchange of files respectively.

Pros

  • Quality and comfortable S-pen stylus.
  • High-quality screen display with super AMOLED technology.
  • Quality performance is brought about by quality processors.
  • Fast-charging battery with high capacity for longer life.
  • Easy connection to computer and WLAN network.

Cons

  • The price may be a problem for most people

Budget like in most commodities plays a big role in attaining a highly featured quality Android drawing tablet with a stylus. Nevertheless, there are fairly featured tablets you can get at affordable prices that will serve your purpose.

Whether you need the tablet for your designs, note-making, or online classes with careful consideration, you can choose your preferred gadget from the above Android run drawing tablet.

How can you Choose the best android drawing tablets?

If you are in search of a good Android drawing tablet, you first have to figure out the features that favor you. This

is because different tablets differ when it comes to features embedded. Some place their best features on the screen, others on the stylus among others.

We will briefly explain some of the factors to help you understand what to look at when you need to get one.

Screen display and Type

A screen size of between 10 to 12 inches is considered ideal, since a larger size may hinder portability.  A smaller size may also be another problem since you will have a small screen size and a small working area.

As for the type of screen, you are offered an option between the LCD type and the AMOLED screen. The AMOLED type is however found in expensive tablets in comparison to the tablets that feature the LCD display.

This is simply because the AMOLED display has a better presentation of colors due to the ability to perfect black colors.

Additionally, the screen consumes less power enhancing battery backup for longer battery life.

Stylus and Pen

Since drawing and writing notes are the key purpose of the drawing tablets, a quality stylus is one of the most important factors.

The pen should be able to provide authentic and reliable strokes for a natural and consistent experience.

A high-pressure sensitivity level enables the above results, making the drawing effect similar to that of a pen-to-canvas.

Moreover, additional features such as pen resolution and tilt function support make the experience better and more natural.

There are two types of pens. The Active stylus features batteries, which means you have to charge them once the charge is used up. 

As for the Passive stylus, the pen uses electromagnetic technology that enables it to function without the need to plug in a charger

Battery life

The whole point of a portable drawing tablet that is independent of a computer connection is also to use it for a long time without charging.

A poor battery performance by a tablet limits all this, especially when working outdoors. A fast-charging tablet further enables the tablet’s large batteries to be full at a faster rate.

Although most Samsung tablets are of good quality and come with an S Pen and AMOLED screen, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ is the Best Samsung Tablet for Drawing. This is because it offers a balance between premium features and very fair pricing.

FAQ for The best android drawing tablet

  1. Can you use an Android tablet as a Drawing tablet?

    Yes! Android has improved its products over the years to compete with the high-end Apple iPads.

  2. What Android tablet is best for drawing?

    Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite Simbans Picasso, Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Ugee M708, Lenovo M10 Tab, Huawei Mediapad M5 lite, Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+

  3. What is the best cheap Android tablet for drawing?

    Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite and Simbans Picasso are the best budget Android tablets for drawing.