A tablet with a stylus can replace a graphics tablet, a notebook, and some tools for mobile work. But if you need a device for professional illustration, design, or video editing, not only pen precision and display quality matter. Performance, color accuracy, support for specialized apps, and multitasking capabilities also play a major role. We have selected four flagship models from Apple and Samsung — from versatile devices to tablets with huge displays for graphics work.

Under $1,000: Flagship-Level Options for Professionals

This category features tablets for those who regularly work with digital art, graphics, documents, and other demanding tasks. Apple focuses on the performance of M-series chips and its own app ecosystem, while Samsung offers bright high-refresh-rate displays, an included stylus, and expanded Android capabilities.

Apple iPad Air with M4

The iPad Air with M4 is suitable for illustrators, designers, and anyone who needs a versatile tool for graphics work. The tablet is available in 11-inch and 13-inch versions. The Liquid Retina IPS displays support the wide P3 color gamut and True Tone technology, which adapts the screen’s color temperature to ambient lighting. However, the refresh rate is limited to 60 Hz, so in terms of scrolling smoothness and interface responsiveness, the device falls behind models with 120 Hz displays.

The tablet is powered by the Apple M4 processor, paired with 12 GB of unified memory. Storage ranges from 128 GB to 1 TB. Support for Apple Pencil Pro is especially important for artists: the stylus recognizes pressure and barrel rotation, and also provides haptic feedback. Combined with apps like Procreate, this allows the tablet to be used for полноценной цифровой иллюстрации.

The 12 MP rear camera can record 4K video, while the 12 MP front camera with Center Stage is located on the horizontal edge of the device, making it more convenient for video calls. The claimed battery life reaches about 10 hours.

The main compromise of this model is the lack of a high-refresh-rate display. If that is not a dealbreaker, the iPad Air remains a versatile option for drawing, image editing, and everyday work.

Price: about $1,000 for the 13-inch version. Apple Pencil Pro is sold separately.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11

The Galaxy Tab S11 is a compact Android flagship for drawing, handwritten notes, and working with documents. Its 11-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display has a resolution of 2560 × 1600 pixels, supports a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, and reaches a peak brightness of 1600 nits. The high refresh rate makes scrolling and stylus interaction look smoother than on a 60 Hz screen.

Performance is handled by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400+. The tablet is offered with 12 GB of RAM and 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB of storage — configuration availability depends on the market. If needed, storage can be expanded with a microSD card of up to 2 TB.

The S Pen, which recognizes pressure sensitivity, is included in the box. The body and stylus are protected against water and dust to the IP68 standard. Additional features include four speakers, Galaxy AI functions, and DeX mode, which lets you use the tablet with an interface resembling a desktop computer.

The 8,400 mAh battery supports charging at up to 45 W. The 13 MP rear camera records 4K video, and the 12 MP front camera is suitable for video calls.

The Galaxy Tab S11 is worth considering for those who need a relatively compact tablet with a bright screen, an included stylus, and expandable storage. Compared with the iPad Air, it offers a higher display refresh rate, but the choice between the two devices will largely depend on your preferred operating system and the apps you use.

Price: about $830, with the S Pen included.

Under $1,500: Ultimate Graphics Workstations

This category includes devices with large screens and high performance, designed for complex projects, professional apps, and working on several tasks at once. In certain scenarios, they can become a mobile alternative to a graphics tablet or laptop, although app capabilities and peripheral support still depend on the operating system.

Apple iPad Pro with M5

The iPad Pro with M5 is aimed at professionals who need high performance and a high-quality display for illustration, image processing, and video editing. The model is available with 11-inch and 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR displays. They use dual-layer Tandem OLED technology, and the adaptive ProMotion refresh rate varies from 10 to 120 Hz. The displays support the P3 color gamut and peak brightness of up to 1600 nits when showing HDR content.

For configurations with 1 TB or 2 TB of storage, nano-texture glass is available to reduce reflections. This version can be useful when working in bright lighting conditions, although the choice of finish should be weighed against personal preferences and usage conditions.

The Apple M5 processor delivers the performance required for demanding tasks. Versions with 256 GB or 512 GB of storage come with 12 GB of unified memory, while 1 TB and 2 TB models have 16 GB. The Thunderbolt/USB 4 port allows connection to an external monitor with up to 6K resolution at 60 Hz.

For graphics work, support is provided for Apple Pencil Pro, which recognizes pressure and barrel rotation and provides haptic feedback. Face ID, professional drawing and editing apps, a 12 MP rear camera with a LiDAR scanner, and a 12 MP front camera with Center Stage are also available.

Despite their large screens, the tablets remain very thin: the 11-inch version is 5.3 mm thick, and the 13-inch version is 5.1 mm thick. This makes the iPad Pro convenient for mobile work, although for extended drawing sessions you may need a stand or a separate keyboard.

Price: starting at about $1,100 depending on screen size and configuration. Apple Pencil Pro is sold separately.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra

The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is a large-format Android tablet for those who need the maximum amount of workspace. Its 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display has a resolution of 2960 × 1848 pixels, supports a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, and reaches a peak brightness of 1600 nits. An anti-reflective coating helps when working with the screen in bright lighting.

The device is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor. Buyers can choose configurations with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB or 512 GB of storage, as well as a version with 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage. Additional space can be added with a microSD card of up to 2 TB.

The large screen size is convenient for working with multiple windows, documents, and graphic editors. The S Pen for drawing and handwritten notes is included, while the One UI software offers multitasking tools and Galaxy AI features. At the same time, the included stylus does not support Bluetooth or Air Actions gesture controls.

The rear camera setup includes 13 MP and 8 MP modules, while the 12 MP ultra-wide front camera is suitable for video calls. The 11,600 mAh battery supports charging at up to 45 W.

Despite its nearly laptop-sized screen, the body is only 5.1 mm thick. The tablet is also protected against water and dust to the IP68 standard. However, before buying, it is worth considering the dimensions: the large display is convenient for desk work, but the device is less practical for use on the go than compact models.

The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is a good fit for those who prefer Android, often work with several apps at the same time, and want the most spacious screen possible without switching to a laptop.

Price: about $1,280 depending on configuration and market. The S Pen is included.