Styluses, for most people, are more just as an accessory, but there are ones who find it as a necessity – especially students and artists.
It takes you further if you are an artist and you take a lot of drawing, sketching, or modeling. The modern device with a good stylus is even better than paper and pen, there are some certain features that just can make your drawings and notes stand out. So what are the things that you should look at when you’re looking for a tablet with a stylus? Making the lists we consider many factors that make the tablet the best in this specific category such as – pressure sensitivity, available size, resolution, price, and of course the overall experience.
We know statistics and numbers aren’t everything. We’re big fans of Apple products, but if we compare it to Windows and Samsung devices it often is behind these brands, but the overall experience is just so much better. Why? Because the device is built differently, not just from a marketing perspective, but the parts they have used in their devices and how they communicate to each other, instead of passing stuff around, like Androids. Does it matter how much RAM you have on your device? Kind of, but if the overall experience is weaker then it loses the point, this is why we always consider overall experience, not just pure specs.
Let’s review all the devices that are great with the stylus and let’s see if the stylus is included in the price.
1. Apple iPad Pro 2021 12.9-inch model #Best-Apple-Device-With-Stylus
Has the new iPad Pro 2021 raised the bar? Sure has.
Let’s decode the elements that make it the best Apple tablet with a stylus.
From easy pairing to convenient charging, we’re all aware of how efficient the second-generation Apple Pencil is, and when coupled with the 2021 released iPad Pro, you can expect some high-end performances. Although you’ll need to get the pencil separately.
Whether you plan to grab your iPad Pro for a quick note-taking session or challenge your artistic creativity, the low latency precision writing and drawing of the Apple Pencil and fastest processing tablet together will ensure you do it the most promising manner. The new model has improved their display the new Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display with 1000 nits and M1 chip is truly impressive and of course, there are other specs that have improved, but has the note-taking experienced changed? Sort of. When you put both iPads next to each other you won’t feel much of a difference when taking notes, drawing, but the colors are a bit more vivid on the latest iPad Pro, let’s just say it’s a bit better than its predecessor. It’s better but your hand and eye won’t feel the difference, not really. Unless you’re planning to work a lot with colors, you might notice a difference.
Should you upgrade from 2020 to 2021 iPad Pro purely for the reason to take better notes and experience a better performance? We would say – there’s no reason to, but surely overall the device is better than its predecessor, and the note-taking and drawing experience is still amazing.
Check: Full iPad Pro 2021 Review
Specification 🔧
- OS: Apple iPadOS 14
- Processor: Apple M1 Silicon
- Storage: 128GB up to 2TB
- RAM: 8GB and 16GB
- Camera: Wide: 12MP, ƒ/1.8 aperture, Ultra-Wide: 10MP, ƒ/2.4 aperture and 125° field of view
- Display: 11-inch, 12.9-inch
- Resolution: 2732×2048-pixel resolution at 264 pixels per inch (12.9-inch), 2388×1668-pixel resolution at 264 pixels per inch (11-inch)
- Weight: For 12.9-inch: 1.51 lbs., For 11-inch: 1.03 lbs.
- Port: USB-C port
- Battery: up to 10 hours
- Apple Pencil: Sold Separately
S Pen 🖊
Just like the 2020 variant, buying an iPad Pro 2021 will not include an Apple pencil; you’ll need to buy it separately. That’s an important thing to consider. The device isn’t cheap, and it’s the most expensive tablet out there. If you decide to get it, the only option is going for the Apple Pencil 2nd generation. The second-generation Apple Pencil works fine with both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch variants of the 2021 iPad Pro.
In case you already own a first-generation Apple Pencil, I’m worried you’ll need to upgrade. But trust me, thanks to all the new features that the second-generation Apple Pencil bags in, spending every money on this device is worth it.
For something around $125, you’ll get introduced to the features that can not only help you with note-taking but also take your artistic creativity to the next level. It doesn’t require a separate charger or anything, you just stick it at the side of your iPad, and it will start charging. The pressure sensitivity is incredible; you don’t feel a lag or anything; it’s just like you’re drawing on a piece of paper, being more precise – unlimited pieces of paper. Good for the environment. To improve your experience while drawing/writing we suggest you check out paperlike screen protector.
Note Taking Apps 📒
Although you’ve Apple’s official Note app, the basic functionality restricts certain advanced activities. However, the best thing is that many efficient note-taking apps can generate next-level utility within a brief period.
When we talk about the best note-taking apps available for iPads, we recommend using Notability & Goodnotes. Both the apps load with multiple features, which list them as a flexible solution. Other apps, namely Evernote, Nebo, Notepad+, Whink, also deserve your attention. From handwriting to text conversion, from multiple input formats to cloud sharing, get ready to access everything you can ask from a note-taking app.
read more on Best Note-Taking Apps for iPad
1.1 Apple iPad Pro 2020
The cool feature is a magnetic holder for a pencil on edge of the iPad and wireless charging. The screen is brilliant, the colors are vibrant. It works great with an Apple pencil, as always – fantastic. It’s great to draw with it, it’s incredibly accurate, it’s crisp and pressure sensitivity feels amazing. Just remember that pencil does not come with iPad Pro and you could buy it separately. And please don’t buy the cheaper styluses, they are laggy and frustrating. Apple pencil is the only iPad stylus that is worth using.
One downside for drawing on iPad is that it has a big glass screen and the Apple pencil is plastic kind and on-screen it feels slick with a little resistance than on paper and gives you less drawing control, it takes a bit of time to get used to it. On the good side, you can put a matte screen protector on your iPad and give a more paper-like drawing experience.
I personally myself use iPad Pro for note-taking, presentations, and whiteboard creations and I got myself a screen protector – Paperlike.
It just makes the overall experience so much better, can’t really imagine my iPad without it anymore, it feels like you’re writing on paper, a huge difference.
Specification 🔧
- OS: Apple iPadOS 13.4
- Processor: A12Z Bionic
- Storage: 128GB up to 1TB
- RAM: 6GB
- Camera: 12MP wide (f/1.8), 10-MP ultra-wide (f/2.4)
- Graphics: Apple A12Z Bionic GPU
- Display: 11-inch, 12.9-inch
- Resolution: 2732 x 2048 pixels
- Size: 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm (9.75 x 7.03 x 0.23 in), 280.6 x 214.9 x 5.9 mm (11.05 x 8.46 x 0.23 in)
- Weight: 1.04lbs, 1.41lbs
- Port: USB-C port
- Battery: up to 10 hours 16 minutes
- S pen: sold separately
S Pen 🖊
When you buy iPad Pro 2020, it’s not going to include an Apple pencil in the price, you will have to buy it separately. That’s an important thing to consider, the device isn’t cheap, it’s actually one of the most expensive tablets out there.
If you decide to get it, we recommend buying Apple Pencil 2nd generation with it. It goes for ~$120. It can take your note-taking and draw to the next level. It doesn’t require a separate charger or anything, you just stick it at the side of your iPad and it will start charging. The pressure sensitivity is incredible, you don’t feel a lag or anything, it’s just like you’re drawing on a piece of paper, to be more precise – unlimited pieces of paper. Good for the environment.
Note Taking Apps 📒
With Apple devices for note-taking, we recommend using Notability & Goodnotes. Due to the fact that they capture your handwriting a bit better and the pressure sensitivity is on the point. You can also use Evernote, Noteshelf, Apple Notes, Microsoft OneNote. You can convert your handwriting into text, if necessary.
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7/S7+ #Best-Andriod-Tablet-With-Stylus
Recently, Samsung announced the release of its newest table - Samsung Galaxy Tab S7/S7+. It is a much-improved version of the previous Galaxy S6 tablet. It's not only better than Galaxy Tab S6, but it's also better than most of the tablets, depending of course on your needs. This release made us recategorize most of our lists. What every blogger and product reviewer loves about Samsung Galaxy Tab's is that they include the S pen in the pricing, you don't have to spend extra in order to get this crucial accessory.
Another great thing about the Stylus pen that comes with the tablet it's multi-functional. It's also gesturing responsive, you can increase volume on your tablet just by waving the pen upwards. Works as a remote for your tablet. Comes in handy when you're presenting.
When it comes to note-taking the latency is perfect. There's absolutely no delay. You can't see it, you can't feel it, feels like writing on a real paper.
Galaxy Tab S7 is an 11-inch screen tablet, making it perfect for travel, note-taking, drawing, routine tasks, and everyday use. It has a beautiful and sleek-looking design since it has an all-aluminum build that comes in three different colors. That is mystic bronze, mystic black, and mystic silver. Therefore, you have the option to choose which tone will suit your style the most.
Specification 🔧
- OS: Android 10, One UI 2.5
- Processor: Octa-core (1×3.09 GHz Kryo 585 & 3×2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4×1.8 GHz Kryo 585
- Storage: 128GB up to 512 GB
- RAM: 6GB – 8 GB
- Camera: Back – 13 MP, f/2.0, Front – 5 MP, f/2.2
- Graphics: Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865+
- Display: 11-inch, 12.4-inch
- Resolution: 1600 x 2560, 1752 x 2800
- Size: 9.99 x 6.51 x 0.25 in, 11.22 x 7.28 x 0.22 in
- Weight: 1.1lbs, 1.27lbs
- Port: USB-C port
- Battery: up to 9.5 hours
- S pen: included in the pricing
S Pen 🖊
Yes, a Stylus pen is included in the packaging when you buy Samsung Galaxy Tab S7. The S Pen stylus has been improved from the previous version. The latency of the stylus has been cut down to just 9ms, which is great news. This will provide a more life-like experience while writing or drawing with the stylus. Additionally, it has a specifically designed plate at the back and it can be magnetically attached to the back of the tablet which will ensure automatic charging. Therefore, you will not have to worry about either losing the stylus or charging it.
Note Taking Apps 📒
We recommend using Samsung Notes, Microsoft OneNote, Squid, and Noteshelf for note-taking. You can convert your handwriting into text, if necessary.
Full - Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Review
2.1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 came out and left S6 in the shadows. Which is fair, that happens to the technology over time, a new product comes and replaces the older version, but still to this day, it’s a great tablet with high-end performance and it still receives a lot of demand.
It’s a good device if you want to be flexible. The attachable keyboard makes it possible to use it as a laptop. The stylus pen makes it possible to draw, sketch and takes notes, and all this on a premium level. No lags, no interruptions, no headache. If you want an Andriod tablet, but S7 is a bit out of your price range, this is just as a good pick. If the price is not an issue, of course, S7 is a more advanced and improved model and overall a better device.
Specification 🔧
- OS: Samsung One UI based on Android 9.0 Pie
- Processor: Qualcomm Octa-core Snapdragon 855 processor
- Storage: 128 GB/ 256 GB
- RAM: 6 GB
- Camera: 12MP rear webcam resolution
- Display: 10.5 in
- Resolution: 2560×1600 pixels
- Size: 0.22 x 6.28 x 9.63 inches
- Weight: 0.92 lbs
- Ports: USB-C (2.0)
- Battery: Up to 10 hours
- S pen: included
S Pen 🖊
S Pen is included, it’s an active pen. Of course, it is pressure sensitive and you can even change the tip. If you draw lighter, it draws a lighter line, if you draw harder, it draws a darker, thicker line. It is made of plastic and has one button. It connects by Bluetooth and needs to be charged. You can charge it wirelessly on the back of the tablet, it holds magnetically. It charges fast and is not a problem.
A most important feature is Air commands, there are different kinds of shortcuts to apps and settings. It just makes your experience easier and faster. For example, you can create a note in every moment with transparent background with no disturbance.
It has a Translate application. Every word you hover, you get translated and can listen to the pronunciation. Another cool feature is, that you can take notes on a locked device with a black screen. Just press the S Pen button, double tap on the screen, write and save.
You can use Pen as a remote device to take the photo or flip cameras and also change photo modes. In Microsoft PowerPoint, S Pen could be used as a remote controller to change slides forward or backward. And drawing experience, of course, is amazing.
Full – Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Review
3. Apple iPad Air (2020)
Also, a device that 2020 brought us. The new A14 Bionic process has made this one of the most powerful devices. It's so powerful that it's even competing with Apple's premium iPad Pro. The design is almost identical. It's really complicated to describe what's it better than the rest of the devices on the list, but when you hold it in your hands when you use it - surf the internet, watch videos, movies, etc. You realize - it's just so enjoyable. The colors, the design, it's important, when you're a power user, that cares about specs, you often forget about these things, but for the majority of the people - it's important.
The one thing that has changed - the touch ID sensor is on the side of the iPad. You can't just tap it and release it, you have to push it down in order to unlock the device.
When it comes to drawing and note-taking experience the pressure sensitivity is very accurate even when you are using Apple Notes. Feels like writing on paper, no lag, nothing. Works flawlessly.
Specifications 🔧
- OS: iOS
- Processor: A14 Bionic processor
- Storage: 64GB, 256GB
- RAM: 4 GB
- Camera: back – 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3″, 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, front – 7 MP, f/2.0, 31mm
- Display: 10.9-inches
- Resolution:1640 x 2360 pixels
- Size: 9.75 x 7.03 x 0.23 in (247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm)
- Weight: 1.04lbs (471g)
- Ports: USB Type-C + magnetic connector
- Battery: Up to 10-hours
- S pen: sold separately
S Pen 🖊
For iPad Air, the stylus is not included in the packaging. You have to buy it separately. With the new Apple iPad Air works only the second-generation Apple Pencil or Apple Pencil 2. To pair it with your iPad you just have to attach the pen to the side of the iPad. The reason you can't pair it with the first generation Apple Pencil is due to the fact that Apple iPad Air doesn't have a thunderbolt port anymore, they replaced it with USB-C.
Note Taking Apps 📒
With Apple devices for note-taking, we recommend using Notability & Goodnotes. You can also use Evernote, Noteshelf, Apple Notes, Microsoft OneNote. In our experience, Notability & Goodnotes have a better way of capturing your handwriting and they deal better with pressure sensitivity. You can convert your handwriting into text, if necessary.
4. Microsoft Surface Pro 7 #Best-Microsoft-Tablet-With-Stylus
It is Windows 10 powered. Tablet has type C port for a big variety of connections. You can use it as a tablet or a laptop, the keyboard is easily attachable to the tablet. The display is big and bright and working in Photoshop will be a great experience. Especially when using Surface Pen. We can't say that it beats Apple Pen, but it has its own features that distinguish it from others: You can use the back of the pen as an eraser and you can click it like a button to open the note-taking app - the whiteboard.
There are more models for your needs and price tags. If you will use the tablet for daily use with documents or school, or business occasions, you could take with i3 and 4 GB of RAM, but if you need to use it with more powerful software, applications than you can choose model up to i7 Intel core processor, with 16GB of RAM and expand storage to 1 TB.
Specification 🔧
- OS: Windows 10 Home
- Processor: Dual-core 10th Gen Intel® Core™ i3-1005G1 Processor, Quad-core 10th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-1035G4 Processor, Quad-core 10th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-1065G7 Processor
- Storage: SSD 128GB – 1TB
- RAM: 4GB – 16 GB
- Camera: 5.0MP front-facing camera with 1080p full HD video, 8.0MP rear-facing autofocus camera with 1080p full HD video
- Graphics: Intel® UHD Graphics (i3), Intel® Iris™ Plus Graphics (i5, i7)
- Display: 12.3-inch
- Resolution: 2736 x 1824
- Size: 11.5” x 7.9” x 0.33” (292 mm x 201 mm x 8.5 mm)
- Weight: 1.70 lb (775 g)
- Port: USB-C port
- Battery: up to 10.5 hours
- S pen: sold separately
S Pen 🖊
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 does not include an S Pen in the package. It's sold separately. There's a new pen they released with this tablet - Microsoft Surface Slim Pen. Completely redesigned with a new look, wireless. Exceptional pressure sensitivity with no virtual lag. Takes your sketching game to the next level. It feels good in the hand and has a good button placement and most of all it's enjoyable.
The stylus is performing great, writing resistance feels more natural, more realistic, and overall the writing experience is phenomenal.
Note Taking Apps 📒
With Microsoft Surface Pro 7 we recommend using Microsoft OneNote. Your notes will sync with all your devices. It's also free for all users. Another alternative to that would be Plumbago, which also is great for taking notes, but in our experience OneNote just felt a bit more comfortable to use.
Full - Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Review
5. Apple iPad 8 (2020) #Best-Budget-Apple-Device-With-Stylus
This is not the Apple iPad Pro or iPad Air, it's just the iPad. Apple iPad 8th Gen. It was released in 2020, September. Did you know a lot of students don't own a laptop and they choose an iPad or tablet instead? And a more fun fact did you know they choose the iPad? It makes sense, you're students, you can't afford the premium class devices and you go with the budget one, but it's not the only reason of course - it can handle schoolwork perfectly and be an entertainment device as well.
The screen is bright and colorful but it does not have anti-reflection and it also doesn't have a laminated display, so what does it mean? It's going to feel a bit more glossy and reflective than iPad Air or Pro and it also means that there's a small gap between the glass and the display which gives you the feeling that there's a bit of a lag, especially when you're using Stylus.
Specifications 🔧
- OS: iOS
- Processor: A12 Bionic processor
- Storage: 32GB / 128GB
- RAM: 3GB
- Camera: Back – 8 MP, f/2.4, Front – 1.2 MP, f/2.2
- Display: 10.2-inch
- Resolution:1620 x 2160 pixels
- Size: 9.87 x 6.85 x 0.30 in (250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 mm)
- Weight: 1.08lbs (490g)
- Ports: Lightning, USB 2.0
- Battery: Up to 10 hours
- S pen: sold separately
S Pen 🖊
The Apple Pencil isn't included in the packaging. The new Apple iPad (8th gen) is only compatible with the Apple Pencil 1st gen, not the 2nd. It works great with Notability and Goodnotes. You might see a very small lag due to the non-laminated display, but it shouldn't ruin your experience.
Note Taking Apps 📒
If you want to get the most out of your note-taking we recommend - Goodnotes & Notability apps. You can also use Evernote, Noteshelf, Apple Notes, Microsoft OneNote. In our experience, Notability & Goodnotes have a better way of capturing your handwriting and they deal better with pressure sensitivity. You can convert your handwriting into text, if necessary.
6. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
Overall it's a budget-friendly tablet, sort of a cheaper version of Samsung Galaxy Tab S6, for users that don't need the high-demanding apps. It's a 10.4-inch display and 2000x1200 resolution makes it a treat to use it. The colors are great, the responsiveness with the pen is great. Do we recommend it for Photoshop users? No. It's a budget class tablet and it won't be able to run such a high-demanding app. For note-taking - yes, for presentations - yes, for video calls to point out details with the pen - yes.
It also has a 13-hours battery life, on average 10.5-hours so it makes it very attractive.
Specifications 🔧
- OS: Android 10
- Processor: octa-core 1.7 GHz Samsung Exynos 9611 processor
- Storage: 64 GB/ 128 GB
- RAM: 4 GB
- Camera: 8MP rear webcam resolution/5MP front camera
- Display: 10.4 inches
- Resolution: 2000 x 1200
- Size: 243 x 159 x 7.1mm
- Weight: 1.02lbs|459g
- Battery: Up to 13 hours
- S pen: included
S Pen 🖊
Yes, when you buy Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite you will also find a stylus pen in the packaging. Which is really nice for all of the Samsung Galaxy Tabs. The pressure sensitivity for the pen is good, you don't feel much of a lag when writing notes. It's also capable of recognizing your palm when you're using the stylus pen, which is a nice feature to have on a budget tablet. It's great for some remote work, you can easily capture a screenshot with the device and write over your notes. (That's a feature for all Galaxy tablets)
Note Taking Apps 📒
We recommend using Samsung Notes, Microsoft OneNote, Squid, and Noteshelf, Nebo with Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
Full - Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite Review
7. Microsoft Surface Go 2
Microsoft Surface Go 2. Who is it for? It's good for school work, it's good for families, people that are always on a go and like to bring their device with them. Is it for power users? No. It's a budget-friendly tablet and it can't really compete with iPad Pro or Galaxy Tab S7 or even Surface Pro 7. It's a 10.5-inch tablet with 1920x1280 resolution, which makes it great to use it as a second computer and as a device on which you can take notes and do some sketching when the inspiration strikes.
We don't recommend using it for Photoshop or even Lightroom, it won't be enjoyable. For note-taking it's more than enough.
Specification 🔧
- OS: Windows 10 Home in S mode
- Processor: 8th Gen Intel Core m3 – Intel Pentium Gold Processor 4425Y
- Storage: 64GB – 128GB SSD
- RAM: 4GB – 8GB
- Camera: 5MP front-facing with 1080p Skype HD video, 8MP rear-facing with 1080p HD video
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 615
- Display: 10.5-inch
- Resolution: 1920 x 1280
- Size: 9.65 x 6.9 x 0.33 inches (245 x 175 x 8.3 mm; W x D x H)
- Weight: 1.22 lb (553 grams)
- Port: 1 x USB-C®, 3.5 mm headphone jack, 1 x Surface Connect port, Surface Type Cover Port⁶,MicroSDXC Card Reader
- Battery: up to 10-hours
- S pen: sold separately
S Pen 🖊
Unfortunately, the S pen is not included and is sold separately. If you plan on taking notes on Surface Go 2 we recommend getting - Stylus pen. If you have the first version of Microsoft Go, it will work with that device as well. It has 1024 pressure points that will respond to the lightest touch. It's a good tablet with a good pen, but if we are being fair and comparing these setup with any of the previously mentioned picks - it's a bit weaker, when you use it, you can feel a bit of a lag. You can still take notes and enjoy it, but if you will downgrade from S7 or iPad Pro or even the new Apple iPad Air, you will notice the difference straight away.
Note Taking Apps 📒
Just as for Microsoft Surface Pro 7, nothing changes for Windows ecosystem products - we recommend using Microsoft OneNote. It's simply the best note-taking app for your Surface Go 2 and you can sync it will all the other devices.
Full - Microsoft Surface Go 2 Review
8. Lenovo Chromebook Duet
Lenovo Chromebook Duet running Chrome OS a budget class tablet that somehow keeps finding its way into our lists because it's a good device and performs well. If you want to get it to work with Lightroom, Photoshop, and other high-demanding apps - don't. If you need an additional tool to take notes - it's a good pick. If you're a person that makes presentations or have a lot of Zoom, Skype video calls, it's a nice accessory to have.
Specification 🔧
- OS: Chrome OS
- Processor: MediaTek Helio P60T
- Storage: 64 GB / 128 GB
- RAM: 4 GB
- Camera: 2 MP front and 8 MP rear camera
- Graphics: ARM G72 MP3
- Display: 10.1-inch
- Resolution: 1920×1200
- Size: 9.6 x 6.7 x 0.7 inches
- Weight: 430g / 0.94 lb (tablet only) 920g / 2.03 lbs (with full cover & keyboard)
- Port: USB-C Type
- Battery: up to 13 hours
- S pen: sold separately
S Pen 🖊
There's no S pen included when you buy Lenovo Chromebook Duet. You have to buy it separately. Unfortunately, there is no dedicated S pen for Chromebook Duet. We recommend getting an HP USI pen. It's compatible with Lenovo Chromebook Duet and other devices. You can sketch with it, you can draw with it, you can take notes with it, you can use it for presentation, you can use it with screen sharing and pointing out details, and even zoom in on things. It's not nearly as good as it's competition, but we're talking about budget tablets, so it's understandable that the experience won't be as good as with premium devices.
Note Taking Apps 📒
We recommend using OneNote, Nebo, Squid, Noteshelf which can also convert your handwriting into text if needed.
Full - Lenovo Chromebook Duet Review
9. Remarkable 2
This is not really the typical tablet we're reviewing. This tablet is not made for multi-tasking what so ever, it doesn't even have time on it. It's purely made for taking notes. Remarkable 2 is incredibly close to the paper, it's one of those devices you don't know that you need until you have tried it out. It's also the thinnest tablet - 0.19-in (4.7 mm ), we're not sure what it's worth, but it is the thinnest for sure.
It costs $399 and it solves one specific problem in your note - you won't have to buy another piece of paper in your life. Potentially. But that's it, it's purely created to take notes, if you want to check the time, surf the internet, send a message to friends and family, watch a movie - you can't do it. Although you can create a note and send it through email.
For who is it made? Is it good for students? Well in our opinion students require flexibility and often they require a quick google search or to send an email and many other things, but this device is purely made for taking notes. It has an amazing battery life of up to 14 days of usage.
If you're the type of person who likes to get off the grid and just turn everything off and write something down, do some sketching, it might be a suitable pick, or if you're a student that just wants to replace your notepad.
Specification 🔧
- WiFi: Yes
- OS: Codex, a custom Linux-based OS
- Processor: 1.2 GHz dual-core ARM
- Storage: 8GB
- RAM: 1GB
- Display: 10.3-inch
- Size: 7.4 x 9.6 x 0.19 in (188 x 246 x 4.7 mm)
- Weight: 0.89lbs (403g)
- Port: USB-C
- Battery: up to two weeks.
- S pen: sold separately
- Palm rejection: yes
Why the Apple iPad Pro 2020 is better than the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7/S7+ when we talk about tablets for note-taking?
When we talk about productivity, there is no denying that the 2021 model Apple iPad Pro, Samsung Galaxy S7, and S7+ bring in the built and performance that you can ask for. However, the larger screen size of the iPad Pro (2021) does come with an advantage factor when you wish to get most of your work done, mainly thanks to the Apple Pencil, which connects your device conveniently.
Like the devices, the respective styluses are also efficient in every manner. Still, somehow, Apple Pencil seems to bring the better built. Although both the styluses are made of plastic, thanks to the slightly textured body, the Apple Pencil feels a bit more solid in hand. Moreover, we get to see the touch-based shortcut button on the Apple Pencil, which again rewards it a point for convenience over its competitor, the S Pen, which features a physical shortcut button.
Shifting towards the performance sector, the devices are built to deliver promising results. Whether we consider the palm rejection, the accuracy, or the fast response rate of 9ms, both Apple Pencil and S Pen are equally capable. However, if you plan to go for an older variant of the S pen, experiencing a comparatively slower response rate and a poor palm rejection is inevitable.
In simple words, The S Pen is more like a pen for tablets that loads high technology. At the same time, the Apple Pencil firmly sits on the fundamentals of providing a spectacular feel and performance.
Guide to buy a tablet with Stylus for Note-taking
Keep in mind that S Pen & Keyboards are being sold separately. Except for Samsung tablets.
There is no perfect tablet, but you can definitely find a tablet that's the best for your needs, expectations, and budget. If you are thinking of buying one, this guide might be quite helpful before your final decision, we try to provide guidance to know what factors to consider and the models available in the market.
If you're looking for a tablet/iPad purely to take notes, then the list above you fits perfectly. Especially the top 3 tablets. If you might feel like you need to know more about what these devices can do - dive deeper with us.
What to consider when choosing a tablet
Screen: size, resolution, and panel type
The screen of a tablet inevitably conditions our experience with this device. In this sense, it is important to be clear about what we want to do with it and how long we will be in front of its screen.
Thus, we will not look for the same if we are going to use it to solve specific doubts and navigate while we are on the couch as a work tool or if it will be our device to consume content. In this regard, we will pay attention primarily to the size, resolution, and type of panel.
In the market, we find alternatives that range from 8 inches to over 12 inches. However, the bulk of models is usually around 10 inches by offering an interesting balance between lightness and comfort (in hand) that provides a content panel compared to the versatility and comfort (for the view) of larger screens.
It is no coincidence that in the high range of tablets, we find models with both OLED panels and LCD, so our recommendation is that before buying a tablet, you experience live how is the visualization of contents.
Resolution is a very important parameter in tablets because of how close we place the screen of our eyes. However, rather than considering it alone, we will have to look at the relationship between the resolution and the size of the screen, that is, the density of dots per inch.
A good starting point for moderate use is 300 dpi. Although our eyes allow us to perceive higher densities, it is from this point that the level of detail will be sufficient, and our experience will be positive.
LTE or not LTE?
To choose the right tablet model taking into account connectivity, we must be clear where we want to use it: at home or in the office or in mobility.
The easiest connectivity we find on a tablet is Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. However, even in these technologies, the standards are different: the most ambitious and current offer Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi type 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac, with greater range and data transfers. Besides, in the case of Wi-Fi AC, we can use the 5 GHz bands of the router, less saturated.
And if we are going to use the tablet in mobility, some versions of tablets offer the option of LTE connectivity that supports 4G, which allows us to access the internet from anywhere, as long as we have our own data rate. If you plan to use the tablet as a primary device we would recommend LTE tablet.
Design and materials
Although the pace of renewal and innovation of tablets is lower than that of smartphones, the tendency to reduced edges seems to have reached the tablets, something that we see in the new iPad Pro. Regardless of the subjectivity of its attractiveness, it is undeniable that the use of its dimensions is superior.
The material used in the chassis has an important impact on both the durability of the tablet and the cooling of the internal components. In the market, it is usual to find aluminum in the most premium tablets and polycarbonate in the medium and low ranges.
Although aluminum at a glance gives it a luxurious finish, it is properties such as lightness, rigidity, and its high coefficient of thermal conductivity - which favors heat dissipation - which makes this material one of the most used in consumer electronics.
Final Words
This article revolves around the best tablets with stylus and best tablets for note-taking, at the beginning we planned to create two individual articles for each topic but concluded that the list is identical.
Of course, tablets on our list are multi-purpose, there are not just devices you can use to draw, sketch and take notes, we concluded the list based on the primary need, but other features are also important, such as display, sound, quality, hardware, processor and even storage.
There's a trend and people are going paperless and throwing out their old notebooks and taking notes on their iPads and Tablets, thus Stylus can no longer be treated are just an accessory, it's sort of a must-have when getting a tablet. I myself have done it. The way I take notes has changed and for the better, if I ever will change my iPad for something else, Stylus will be a must. All the unthinkable has made possible, the note-taking and drawing community is changing. The range of artworks you can create with these devices is astonishing.
The stylus is a crucial factor for the new tablets whether it's sold separately or is included, owning it can change your experience and bring back meaning to tablets.
We hope this gave you a better insight on the subject and if you've any comments, let us know in the comments below we're always open to questions and feedback.
You also might be interested:
Best Drawing Tablets
Best Drawing Tablets with Screen
Reasons To Buy iPad
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