Ipad Pro Vs. Samsung Tab S8: Which Tablet Reigns Supreme For Drawing Enthusiasts?

When it comes to drawing on a tablet, two devices stand out as the top contenders: the Apple iPad Pro and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8. Both offer powerful hardware, stunning displays, and a wide range of drawing apps. But which one is the better choice for artists? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of the iPad Pro and Samsung Tab S8, focusing on their drawing capabilities, to help you make an informed decision.

Drawing Performance:

1. Display:

• iPad Pro: The iPad Pro boasts a Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology. It offers a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth and responsive drawing. The display is also incredibly color-accurate, making it ideal for artists who work with vibrant colors.

• Samsung Tab S8: The Samsung Tab S8 features a Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. While the colors are vibrant, the display is not as color-accurate as the iPad Pro’s. However, the Tab S8’s display is slightly larger, providing a bit more drawing space.

2. Stylus:

• iPad Pro: The Apple Pencil is widely regarded as one of the best styluses for drawing. It offers precise pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition, allowing for natural and expressive strokes. The new Apple Pencil 2 magnetically attaches to the iPad Pro and charges wirelessly.

• Samsung Tab S8: The Samsung S Pen also provides excellent pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition. It has a slightly thicker tip than the Apple Pencil, which some artists prefer for drawing. The S Pen is included with the Tab S8, while the Apple Pencil is sold separately.

3. Drawing Apps:

• iPad Pro: The iPad Pro has access to a vast selection of drawing apps, including Procreate, Adobe Photoshop, and Autodesk SketchBook. These apps are known for their powerful features and intuitive interfaces, catering to a wide range of artistic styles and needs.

• Samsung Tab S8: The Samsung Tab S8 also has a wide range of drawing apps available, including Clip Studio Paint, Adobe Illustrator Draw, and Autodesk SketchBook. While the selection is not as extensive as the iPad Pro, these apps still offer robust features and a great drawing experience.

4. Overall Drawing Experience:

• iPad Pro: The combination of the stunning display, precise Apple Pencil, and vast selection of drawing apps makes the iPad Pro the preferred choice for many professional artists. It provides an immersive and natural drawing experience that is hard to beat.

• Samsung Tab S8: The Samsung Tab S8 is a solid choice for artists who want a more affordable option without sacrificing too much performance. It offers a good display, a capable S Pen, and a decent selection of drawing apps.

Software and Features:

1. Operating Systems:

• iPad Pro: The iPad Pro runs on iPadOS, which is specifically designed for touch-based devices. It offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features tailored to artists, such as the ability to use multiple apps simultaneously and easily switch between them.

• Samsung Tab S8: The Samsung Tab S8 runs on Android, which is a more versatile operating system. It allows for more customization and flexibility, such as the ability to install apps from third-party sources. However, the Android ecosystem may not be as optimized for drawing as iPadOS.

2. Multitasking:

• iPad Pro: The iPad Pro’s powerful hardware and multitasking features allow artists to work on multiple projects simultaneously. They can easily switch between apps, drag and drop content between them, and use multiple windows side by side.

• Samsung Tab S8: The Samsung Tab S8 also offers multitasking capabilities, but they are not as robust as the iPad Pro’s. Artists may find it more challenging to work on multiple projects simultaneously or use multiple apps at once.

3. File Management:

• iPad Pro: The iPad Pro’s file management system is straightforward and easy to use. Artists can easily organize their files, create folders, and access their work from different apps.

• Samsung Tab S8: The Samsung Tab S8’s file management system can be more complex and less user-friendly. Artists may need to spend more time organizing their files and navigating through different folders.

Portability and Build Quality:

1. Weight and Size:

• iPad Pro: The iPad Pro 12.9-inch model is larger and heavier than the Samsung Tab S8. However, the iPad Pro 11-inch model is more compact and lightweight, making it easier to carry around.

• Samsung Tab S8: The Samsung Tab S8 is slightly lighter and more compact than the iPad Pro 12.9-inch model. It is also available in a smaller 11-inch size, making it even more portable.

2. Build Quality:

• iPad Pro: The iPad Pro features a sleek and premium design with a metal unibody construction. It feels solid and durable in the hand.

• Samsung Tab S8: The Samsung Tab S8 also has a premium design with a metal back and a glass front. However, it may not feel as sturdy as the iPad Pro.

3. Overall Portability:

• iPad Pro: The iPad Pro 11-inch model is the more portable option if you prioritize compactness and weight. However, the Samsung Tab S8 is also highly portable, especially the smaller 11-inch model.

Battery Life:

1. Battery Capacity:

• iPad Pro: The iPad Pro 12.9-inch model has a slightly larger battery capacity than the Samsung Tab S8. The iPad Pro 11-inch model has a smaller battery capacity than both the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and the Samsung Tab S8.

2. Usage:

• iPad Pro: The iPad Pro’s battery life can vary depending on usage. With heavy drawing and multitasking, the battery may drain faster. However, with moderate use, the iPad Pro can last for a full day on a single charge.

• Samsung Tab S8: The Samsung Tab S8’s battery life is comparable to the iPad Pro’s. It can also last for a full day on a single charge with moderate use. However, heavy drawing and multitasking may also drain the battery more quickly.

3. Overall Battery Life:

• iPad Pro: The iPad Pro and Samsung Tab S8 offer similar battery life. Both devices can last for a full day on a single charge with moderate use. However, heavy drawing and multitasking may drain the battery faster on both devices.

Accessories:

1. Keyboards:

• iPad Pro: The iPad Pro can be paired with the Apple Magic Keyboard, which provides a comfortable typing experience and a trackpad for precise cursor control.

• Samsung Tab S8: The Samsung Tab S8 can be paired with the Samsung Book Cover Keyboard, which also offers a comfortable typing experience and a trackpad.

2. Cases:

• iPad Pro: There is a wide range of cases available for the iPad Pro, including protective cases, folio cases, and keyboard cases.

• Samsung Tab S8: The Samsung Tab S8 also has a wide range of cases available, including protective cases, folio cases, and keyboard cases.

3. Overall Accessories:

• iPad Pro: The iPad Pro has a wider selection of accessories available, including keyboards, cases, and styluses.

• Samsung Tab S8: The Samsung Tab S8 also has a good selection of accessories available, but it may not be as extensive as the iPad Pro’s.

Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between the iPad Pro and Samsung Tab S8 for drawing ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a stunning display, precise stylus input, and a vast selection of drawing apps, the iPad Pro is the clear winner. However, if you prefer a more affordable option with a larger display, a capable stylus, and a decent selection of drawing apps, the Samsung Tab S8 is a solid choice.

What You Need to Know

1. Which device has a better display for drawing?

The iPad Pro has a slightly better display for drawing due to its higher color accuracy and ProMotion technology.

2. Which stylus is better for drawing?

The Apple Pencil and Samsung S Pen are both excellent styluses for drawing, but the Apple Pencil has a slight edge in terms of pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition.

3. Which device has a wider selection of drawing apps?

The iPad Pro has a wider selection of drawing apps available, including Procreate, Adobe Photoshop, and Autodesk SketchBook.

4. Which device is more portable?

The Samsung Tab S8 is slightly more portable than the iPad Pro, especially the smaller 11-inch model.

5. Which device has better battery life?

The iPad Pro and Samsung Tab S8 offer similar battery life, lasting for a full day on a single charge with moderate use.