Contents
We have come a long way from pad and pen to the powerful Android tablets for drawing we have today. While you used to have to look for an Apple product to merge art and technology many options are currently available. Purchasing an Android tablet for drawing has quickly become popular due to their affordability and versatility. Not every Android tablet can be used for drawing, however, so it’s important to know what to look for.
The perfect tech gadget can do nearly everything so it never hurts to be highly educated as well. Taking the step from traditional methods to an Android drawing tablet can revolutionize your productivity. At the same time some tablets are more trouble than they’re worth. We will fill you in on all the tips and tricks to make sure your drawing tablet fits your needs.
Best Android Tablet For Drawing
Best Android Tablet For Drawing Comparison Table
- Huion H610 Pro
- Active Area: 12.1"
- Screen Resolution: -
- Levels of Pressure: 8192
Price Scale
Our Rating
- XP-PEN Artist 12
- Active Area: 11.6"
- Screen Resolution: 1920x1080
- Levels of Pressure: 8192
Price Scale
Our Rating
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
- Active Area: 10.5"
- Screen Resolution: 2560 x 1600
- Levels of Pressure: 4096
Price Scale
Our Rating
- Wacom Cintiq 22
- Active Area: 21.5"
- Screen Resolution: 1920x1080
- Levels of Pressure: 8192
Price Scale- Our Rating
- Wacom One
- Active Area: 13.3"
- Screen Resolution: 1920×1080
- Levels of Pressure: 4096
Price Scale
Our Rating
Best Android Tablet for Drawing Reviews
There are plenty of options when it comes to great drawing tablets with a wide array of features to choose from. We tried to make your journey a bit simpler with a few of our favorite options. Each of these has different price points and reasons to enjoy that make them worth a look. You might not find your eventual pick here, but you should at least have a decent grasp of what to look out for in different price brackets. You can find more in-depth reviews on these products and others throughout the site.
Galaxy Tab S6
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 is a great drawing tablet solution for those looking for a tablet that can do much more than draw. Capable of functioning as a PC this tablet has plenty of power and features to take over your tech arsenal. The intuitive S pen allows for superb drawing with the features you can find with a bit of pressure. You can even interact with this tablet from a distance with the help of the S pen. A 2,500 x 1,600 resolution allows you to accurately translate images to any screen.
This tablet also has an ultra-wide dual camera setup that allows you to capture footage up to 123 degrees. An attachable keyboard allows you to move smoothly between creating graphics and performing as a normal PC workstation. With a 10.5-inch visible screen and incredibly thin, and light profile this is an impressive piece of hardware. With the power to handle your graphic work offering much more, few find issues with the Galaxy Tab S6. Read full review.
- Incredibly versatile with graphics, a personal computer, and high-quality image capturing
- Powerful hardware gives you plenty of potential
- Light, thin, and great for multitasking
- Price could be considered high from the $500-600 range
- Not tailored especially towards graphic design as a jack of all trades
Wacom Cintiq 22
In search of the true professional, the Wacom Cintiq 22 is a terrific buy for anyone trying to produce high-quality professional artwork. A dream choice for aspiring artists and an adequate mainstay for professionals the Cintiq 22 offers a 21.5-inch screen so you can perform large natural strokes. With a 1920 x 1080 resolution, you can get the full HD experience without any of the zooming smaller options require.
It also comes with its own adjustable stand when smaller models might just have foldable legs. The pro pen gives you over 8,000 levels of sensitivity for the perfectionist at heart. It can connect easily to any Windows or Mac computer with its anti-glare glass surface with a paper-like feel. You pay for the size and clarity though with a price around $1200. It doesn’t quite have the features of the pro series but it should be fine for anyone sharpening up to make that next jump. Read full review.
- 21.5-inch screen gives you plenty of space to mimic actual drawing motions
- The high degree of sensitivity and adjustable stand allows for considerable customization
- Glass screen has an authentic paper-like feel
- A $1200 price tag limits it to only the serious artists
- Doesn’t have the studio level features of the pro series
- Cintiq 16 has a 15.5 inch screen for a bit over half the price
XP-Pen Artist 12
If you don’t mind a smaller surface the XP-pen Artist 12 has just about everything else you might ask for. You have the connectivity with all the USB cables included for hooking up to a computer. You can see everything you create perfectly fine on the display with 1920 x 1080 resolution. The 12-inch size can be an issue as the larger surfaces are usually more comfortable to work with.
You pay for this is in a good way though with a price tag around the $250 range. The screen is glossy though as opposed to the matte feel you’ll find in higher-end options. This can make your drawing feel a bit slippery. It also might affect your ability to make use of the 8192 sensitivity levels provided. With a bit of calibration, this model is capable of reaching solid colors and makes a solid lower range option. Read full review.
- Very solid capabilities for a lower-end price point
- Comes with all the connections you should need
- Solid build quality and design
- A glossy screen protector can lead to slipping during work
- You might need to buy a stand in order to work comfortably
Wacom One
The more casual artists among us might be inclined toward the Wacom One as an introductory step toward pressure-sensitive pens. Wacom’s entry-level display for its Wacom One pen is still quite a useful interactive display for dallying in the arts. A 1920 by 1080p resolution gives you full HD abilities though an AHVA screen replaces the common IPS.
This isn’t necessarily a step up as the fold-out legs beneath also contribute to its distinct tablet look. The Wacom pen One is capable of around 4,000 levels of sensitivity. This will disappoint the pro while the amateur barely notices. It’s easy to learn and operate but doesn’t have anything to raise it to the professional level. Read full review.
- Easy to use drawing tablet
- Price makes it affordable for aspiring artists
- Sufficient for casuals and beginners
- Limited functionality without multi-touch support
- Only 4,092 levels of sensitivity with a fairly basic stylus
- Only a one year warranty
Huion H610 Pro V2
Our most affordable option this model from Huion forgoes the pen display in regards to the more traditional graphics tablet model. This allows it to have considerable features without worrying about breaking the bank. You can find this table for somewhere around the $50 range while still producing professional work. A decent 10 x 6.25-inch drawing area allows you to accurately translate images to a display.
A total of 24 function keys also allow you to effortlessly move between roles in a project. The Huion is also very light while being surprisingly sturdy. The EMR stylus and 8192 levels of sensitivity help to round out a respectable package. Read full review.
- Affordable while still being capable of producing professional quality work
- EMR pen and high sensitivity allow you to work with minimal charging
- Solid design is light and portable
- Doesn’t have its own display
- Small size limits your artistic motion
Why an Android Drawing Tablet?
With an Android tablet and the right stylus it’s almost as if you are drawing on paper. Only this paper can be uploaded almost anywhere in seconds. Your editing abilities will also far exceed what’s possible with just a normal eraser. You can bring most of your catalog along with you to exhibit your works on-demand as well.
The benefit that Android tablets have over others only starts with their lower prices when compared to Apple. You can also find a wide range of apps to use with many more free options. Android also lets you create files compatible with Windows, the most commonly used operating system. You really can’t beat an Android tablet when it comes to creating beautiful artistic works on the go.
Different Types of Drawing Tablets
Just like different inks and papers you can also find different types of drawing tablets. While you might not find nearly as much range as paper types, each type is aimed for a specific use. Having different versions can help your productivity and increase the range of work you can create. It can also give you more options for use when you aren’t drawing as well. Knowing whether you want to diversify or search for the perfect all in one is important for many reasons.
Graphic Tablets
The most basic and original drawing tablet is great for drawing graphics but you will rarely find any on the tablet. With a commonly flat and featureless surface the graphic tablet is useless without an accompanying display. Usually paired with a computer monitor your actions on the graphics tablet are displayed on your screen. Without the need for any visuals of their own graphic tablets are usually the most affordable drawing tablet option. Some people don’t like how you don’t get the instant visuals on the tablet’s surface. While most users get over this relatively quickly it is the main downside for graphic tablets.
Pen Displays
Taking a step up from the graphic tablets these will let you see your work as you progress. Usually consisting of a flat-screen monitor with a pressure-sensitive surface these are great for keeping you in touch with your work. With the help of a stylus you can draw directly onto a pen-displays surface. Most users enjoy the personal feel these provide without the disconnect from graphic tablets. This contributes to make this version more self-sufficient, portable, and often costly as well. The biggest issue with these comes in how much you are willing to invest. It’ll take a considerable amount to outstrip the color quality you can find in many cheaper computer monitors. Finding the right balance between looks and price can be untenable for some.
Tablet Computers
The most versatile of the bunch these take a step past graphics to providing overall utility. The right tablet computer could be the only computer you need. Regardless, their portability and abilities make them worth consideration for any artist. Making the move to spend a bit more for an iPad Pro or Samsung Galaxy Tab could be the dream scenario for many artists on the move. Most of these already come with a quality stylus as well so drawing is often as simple as choosing out an app. With the extra functionality of tablet computers they are also the best choice if you move media around multiple machines.
Important Drawing Tablet Features
Once you’ve figured out which type you want the next step is identifying your preferred features. There’s nothing worse than spending a bunch of money to find your choice missing a necessity. Drawing tablets don’t make it easy either with a wide variety of options on the market from many brands. Here you can find out what you should look for with each feature along with options on the horizon. The compatibility and functionality of drawing tablets is constantly evolving so here’s to not getting left behind!
Pen Pressure Sensitivity
You can’t complete the picture of what defines the best android tablet for artists without pen pressure sensitivity. With Photoshop being one of the most commonly used programs along with others using its functionality it’s nearly mandatory. Pen pressure sensitivity can open up a mountain of possibilities from just the pressure of your pen. With proper control and experience it will greatly increase your ability to create magnificent work on the fly.
Pen pressure sensitivity is what will transform your drawing tablet from a clunky way to express ideas. To a powerful paintbrush that can feel the pressure of your imagination as you convert it to the screen. While basic settings allow for lighter and darker lines by pressure others give you even more creative options. Customize your preferences to changes on pen rotations, or even the degree of tilt. Pen pressure sensitivity in a tablet can have anywhere between 300 and 3000 levels. Mastering pen pressure sensitivity can be one of the most useful and gratifying parts of using a drawing tablet.
Drawing Area Size
There are a few important factors to keep in mind when considering your drawing tablets area, however, all sizes have their uses. We won’t really be talking about pen displays or tablet computers much here as they’re fairly straightforward. For graphics tablets you will need to keep a bit more in mind since they’ll be projecting onto a display. Large displays will be the natural artists best friend thanks to their space for wide arm movements. Their extra space will allow you to easily translate your skill, but isn’t very portable. Having the space is great until your actual space is a bit too cluttered.
The small graphics tablets biggest benefit comes from their portability. You pay a price for this though as your screen space will be greatly scaled down. You will have to zoom in if you are looking for precision in your work. On the other hand, small graphics tablets are great for editing tools like filters, control points, and transformation handles. You don’t want to work with a display larger than 1920 x 1080 pixels with a small tablet. Medium graphics tablets fit the area in between large and small. The issue with medium tablets is finding the right resolution for your movements. The tinier movements you might need to make might mess up your overall form until you adapt.
Resolution
On the surface, finding a solid resolution seems like the easiest thing to do given the native resolutions of most graphic tablets. With some tablets reaching over 5000 dpi to dwarf even 4K displays. It’s very rare to find a drawing tablet that isn’t at least capable of the most common 1920 x 1080 resolution. Aiming for 3840 x 2160 will put you within range of 4K displays and is never a bad place to start.
Drawing tablets also have a statistic called LPI or lines per inch, which adds an alternative wrinkle to finding your display. You don’t need to worry, though as it is quite similar to dpi. The same principle applies to the higher the number, the clearer the image. With 1080 being the bar for high definition you don’t need to seek a high number here. Anything over 2000 is pushing towards a place where the visual change will rarely be worth the price increase.
Responsiveness
One of the worst issues you can have with a drawing tablet is bad response time. Your responsiveness pertains to how quickly your drawing movements show up on-screen. A tablet that is too slow will have significant delays that can ruin your work or seriously slow you down. You always want a drawing tablet with near-instantaneous drawing to maximize your productivity and ease of use. The responsiveness is going to be tied to the strength of your drawing tablet’s internal hardware. The main factors to keep in mind here are the CPU, GPU, and RAM along with the type of programs you’ll be using. More powerful programs will require stronger hardware to exhibit their potential without being bogged down by poor response times.
Stylus Type
You don’t need to get too caught up with deciding your stylus type. At the end of the day as long as it feels right in your hand, they will all draw the same. With the hours you will be spending at work a comfortable grip in your hand is the most important part. Your stylus will become your ever-changing multitool with drawing programs and, you can find three main types.
Battery-Powered Styluses
These are often great for people with larger hands thanks to their additional girth. Space is needed to hold the removable batteries which are stored within the stylus. The batteries are hardly ever bigger than AA with many AAA options. You should always have extra batteries on hand in case you run out in a pinch.
Rechargeable Styluses
Without the need for a removable battery, the rechargeable stylus is often a bit slimmer. You will need to charge this stylus from an external power source in between and sometimes during use. Outside of the downtime for charging your stylus is almost always ready without extra purchases.
EMR Styluses
These are a new style that looks to circumvent the power issue altogether. EMR stands for the electromagnetic frequencies that this style of stylus uses to draw energy. This stylus gets its power directly from your tablet cutting out the need for recharging or battery removal. The wireless transfer of energy makes this style provide the most overall utility while matched with a compatible tablet.
Battery
The battery of the stylus is important but the battery of your drawing tablet will have an even bigger effect on your productivity. Portability is another aspect that can only be enhanced by long battery life. The average drawing tablet life to search for on the low end is 3-4 hours.
Expected battery life can give you a decent estimate, however, many factors can make that vary. The types of programs you are using, the age of the battery, and even local weather conditions can all have an effect on your battery life. Still with art being a rather sedentary process, this factor depends on how you want to use it.
Controls
Even though you are getting all the action done on the screen many drawing tablets have their own controls as well. Often buttons and switches located around the drawing area their overall use is to improve your productivity. These buttons are often customizable so you can adapt them to your preferences. This can save you a bunch of time or you might not use them at all. For many, customizable hotkeys can become an invaluable resource with accessing their work.
Warranty
It’s always better to be safe than sorry when you invest in any type of product. This is especially true with drawing tablets as they will cost a bit more than many household objects. Looking for a good warranty can help out in the long run. A standard manufacturer’s warranty of 1 year should be a priority when looking to make a purchase. The brand is usually the largest determining factor for the length of a warranty. Best Android tablet for drawing don’t take much damage on their own and with proper care can last a lifetime or at least until the battery runs dry.
Price
Finding the right price is what makes drawing tablets the hardest of purchases as you can find options at prices anywhere between $20 and $2000. Depending on what you are looking for a drawing tablet can do a whole lot more than draw as well. Newer artists will probably want to lean towards the lower end models. These will be graphic tablets in need of a display and often of the small variety. Their pressure levels won’t be great but they are highly portable. The high-end models blend portability, and functionality, with amazing visuals for the total package appeal.
Best Android Tablet For Drawing Conclusion
Finding the right graphic tablet for you is largely a matter of preference. The majority of drawing tablets come with a basic list of features. Look for something with an EMR pen and at least 1080 resolution to get started. Beyond that, it mostly comes down to features, design, and screen size.
You can spend a lot more on a larger screen but the freedom of motion that it provides can easily make it all worth it. You can generally scale your purchase with how serious you are about art. A small machine is perfect for casuals while the professional will likely want a larger one so their skill can easily translate.
FAQs
What is the best drawing tablet for beginners?
Of all the drawing tablets mentioned here, our suggestion for beginners is the Wacom One. It will give you a great rundown on using pressure-sensitive pens while preparing you to use more complex ones in the future. This model is a solid way to not spend too much while getting used to all the possibilities a drawing tablet could provide.
Is it hard to use a drawing tablet?
The simple answer is no. Sure a graphics tablet might be a bit more difficult due to not seeing it physically in front of you. However, in time any artist should get used to the disconnect. Eventually, a comfortable drawing tablet can easily become preferred over pen and paper or even paint.
