WordofMany

Tablets

top 5 tablets for graphic design (updated march 8 2025)

By Ricardo Santos

Published: 08 Mar 2025

My Accidental Dive into Graphic Design

Let me start with a confession: I wasn't planning on becoming a graphic design enthusiast. It all began with a disastrous attempt at creating a birthday card for my niece. I thought, 'How hard can it be?' Spoiler alert: very hard. The result was a lopsided, color-clashing monstrosity that made a Picasso painting look like a masterpiece. But that epic fail lit a fire. I was hooked! The challenge of making something visually appealing and communicative sparked something within me. The hunt for the perfect tablet to help me along began, and it wasn't easy.

person frustrated with a lopsided birthday card | Image: Supplied

The iPad Pro: Powerhouse for Professionals (and Aspiring Ones!)

The iPad Pro immediately jumps to mind. It's a powerful machine that handles complex design software with ease. The Apple Pencil's responsiveness is simply divine—I haven't experienced anything quite like it. For serious work, it's a top contender. The only downside? It's pricey. But if you're serious about graphic design, or even just thinking about it, you won't regret the investment. It's so intuitive, even I could design something not completely terrible!

iPad Pro being used for graphic design | Image: Supplied

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra: Android's Answer to the iPad Pro

Samsung's Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra isn't far behind the iPad Pro in terms of performance. It's got a gorgeous screen, excellent battery life, and the S Pen stylus is surprisingly accurate. If you prefer the Android ecosystem, this is a very strong choice. Plus, I found some really cool Android apps for design that aren't available on the iPad. I have to admit though, I did miss the effortless intuitiveness of the Apple Pencil sometimes.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra being used for graphic design | Image: Supplied

Microsoft Surface Pro 8: The Windows Tablet for Seamless Workflow

For those who prefer the familiarity of Windows, the Surface Pro 8 is an excellent option. It's highly versatile and functions both as a tablet and a laptop. The integration with other Microsoft products is seamless; I can easily switch between design programs and other tasks, all without skipping a beat. It feels like a supercharged sketchbook! However, its battery life could be better, that’s my only gripe about it.

Microsoft Surface Pro 8 being used for graphic design | Image: Supplied

Wacom One: A Budget-Friendly Option for Beginners

Let’s face it, not everyone wants to break the bank on a tablet. That's where the Wacom One comes in. It's a more affordable option that still provides a fantastic drawing experience. The pen is super precise and the screen is easy on the eyes. I honestly used this before I moved on to the more expensive tablets, and I learned a lot with it. It’s perfect for those just starting on their design journey. If you want to dip your toes in and see if you really like digital art, this is the best way to do it!

Wacom One being used for graphic design | Image: Supplied

Lenovo Yoga Duet 7i: The 2-in-1 Choice

The Lenovo Yoga Duet 7i is a hybrid tablet that cleverly blends the best of both worlds. It can be used as a tablet with a detachable keyboard, offering flexibility for various design tasks. This is perfect for those that like a tablet but also need a proper keyboard. Its portability was a huge plus for me. It's great for taking your creative projects on the go. However, it might not be as powerful as some of the dedicated graphic design tablets.