Last Updated on August 19, 2023 by Best Vlogging Camera
How to choose the Best Tablets for Photo Editing
Over time, the tablet industry has populated with multiple options, all of which can take amazing photos while presenting astonishing photo editing capabilities. Given the previous information, there are certain factors you should consider before purchasing a tablet to be used for photo editing.
Display
Regardless of the presence of a display on the tablet, the chosen tablet must have the potential to render images privately. For tablets for photo editing that contains a screen, one must pay attention to the color gamut. The color gamut must be wide. It is also important that it also judged the contrast ratio and the brightness.
For tablets for photo editing that do not contain a screen, it is important to ensure that the tablet is optimized to stylus touch.
Processing Power
The tablet must have the right amount of processing power. Like video editing, photo editing also requires much power. Therefore, make sure that the chosen tablet has enough processing power to handle the editing software with ease.
Storage
Photo editing files, especially files with a higher resolution consume a lot of space. To avoid the event of running out of space, it should be ensured that the chosen tablet does not run out of storage space, and more importantly, it has the availability of a micro SD card that gives the tablet the ability to expand its storage capacity.
If the chosen tablet checks the criteria for display and has the large processing power and ample amount of storage with increased access, it is an excellent choice. We have tested and compiled a list of the top 10 tablets for photo editing available in the market.
1. iPad Pro 12.9″ (2021)
The iPad pro contains an apple new M1 chip. This implies that the CPU inside this beast which was already 8 cores is now at a 50 percent greater capacity than its predecessor. And it does not limit this to the processing power but also to the graphics which are also 40 percent faster than the previous generation.
Furthermore, the iPad Pro also contains a storage space of up to 2 TB, this is enough to store and edit your entire photo album and still has space left enough for more. There are a few drawbacks that come with the iPad Pro, firstly the accessories provided on the iPad can be expensive.
Furthermore, like other Apple products, the iPad does not come with a micro SD card slot. The iPad has a True Depth camera system which features an ultra-wide camera with a Center stage and can stay connected to an ultrafast Wi-Fi network. This is a huge advantage for photo editing as it makes the photo optimized enough to allow for lesser content to be edited.
2. Huion H430P
It might occur that the Huion H430P might not be the best choice for video editing, especially since the tablet does not have a display. However, contrary to intuition, this tablet can change perceptions. First, the Huion is available at a very affordable price which makes it very budget-friendly for the specs that are offered.
The tablet has a wide active area of 4.8 x 3 inches. It offers an astonishing resolution of 080 LPI and can accommodate both Windows and MacOS. The tablet comes with the PW201 digital pen which is battery-free. It has amazing 4096 levels of pressure with a sensitivity of 233 PPS which gives the user a natural drawing and handwriting experience.
The tablet weighs only 135 grams (about half the weight of a large grapefruit) with a 6.3 mm thickness, making it very portable and ergonomic.
Although the editing area might be smaller than what is preferred, the stylus given with the tablet covers up for sensitivity. This tablet is an excellent product to get one started in the journey of photo editing.
3. Wacom Intuos Pro Medium
A wonderful way to consider the importance of this product is by comparing it to the iPad. Where the iPad takes the lead on the best photo editing tablet with a screen, the Wacom Intuos Pro takes the lead on the best photo editing tablet without a screen. It contains all the features that photographers and photo editors are looking for. The surface of the tablet gives a very tactile feel of paper.
The tablet provides 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity which is also backed by the software and the stylus technology which allows the user to make each edit as accurate as possible with a built-in tilt support system. It provides not only Bluetooth connectivity but also supports both macOS and Windows making it extra compatible according to the user’s choice of the operating system.
The Wacom Intuos Pro also offers multi-touch gestures, radial menus and easy to use side switches, customizable short keys, and more. The few drawbacks this tablet has are that it does not come with a screen and the driver may have a few issues from time to time.
4. Microsoft Surface Pro 7
This product is a go-to product for photo editors who do not prefer Apple products. In the photographer’s community, the Surface Pro is often referred to as the anti-iPad. This tablet has the processing power of a laptop. It features a 12.3-inch PixelSense display that is supported by a battery life that is astonishing compared to its competitor products.
You can easily consider the Surface Pro 7 one of the best photo editing tablets for photo editing available today. The tablet comes with the latest multicore processors so you have no limitation on which kind of software you prefer to run your machine on.
It comes with additional features which make it more attractive and aesthetically pleasing including an illuminated keyboard and an accurate pressure-sensitive stylus. The Surface Pro takes the lead when it comes to its processing power, battery life, and high precision whereas the only area where users might find a disadvantage is that the accessories that the Surface Pro 7 comes with are not budget-friendly.
5. XP-Pen Deco 03
The XP Pen Deco is known for its convenient design that comes with six customizable buttons and a roller for quick zooming as well as shifting the size of the brush. The roller that comes with the tablet is best for digital artists, however, the shortcut keys are more used by professionals.
The tablet comes with a multifunctional Red Dia Design. It features both wired and wireless USD capability. The XP Pen Deco 03 comes with a large working area of 10 x 5. 62 inches so the user has greater space to get the work done. It has a report rate of 266 RPS, a stylus technology that provides 8192 levels of surface pressure.
Some of the big advantages of owning the XP Pen Deco are that it has a great ergonomically designed stylus and a large active area whereas the user might also see weaknesses in the tablet’s durability.
6. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ is known as the best android based tablet for photo editing. It has a 12.4-inch screen that features a 120 Hz refresh rate that allows the user to have an enjoyable and smooth experience.
This tablet is known for its PC-level performance and tablet portability combining the two to transform the tablet into a PC experience with the help of the DeX mode, optional keyboard, and expanded trackpad.
It also has an experience of cinematic viewing with larger edge-to-edge displays, a TFT LCD screen, AKG quad speakers, and the Dolby Atmos Surround. The tablet comes with a stylus with a 9 ms Pen latency and the redesigned S Pen through which the user can design, take notes, and control presentations effortlessly.
One of the biggest advantages of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ is that it has a beautiful and high-quality screen and comes with the renowned S-Pen however the user might find issues in the optimization of Android apps that are run on the tablet.
7. XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro
The Artist 15. 6 Pro from XP Pen is stabbed alone tablet. It is not only portable but also has a wide screen of 15. 6 inches. The tablet also offers pressure and tilt sensitivity and comes with a battery-free stylus.
The XP-PEN Artist 15.6 Pro comes with an 11mm profile through which you can easily access the brightness. The Red Dial interface presented by this tablet has taken the product to optimal efficiency. You can also program the tablet while being ergonomic to zoom in and out of the canvas. It supports a sixty-degree tilt function allowing it to sense quickly gesture movements.
One of the tablet’s competitive advantages is that with the features it presents it is very affordable and budget-friendly. The tablet also comes with eight shortcut keys and a red dial. However, from time to time the user might notice that there may be issues with pressure and tilt sensitivity and color calibration.
8.iPad Air (2020)
Although the iPad Pro is the best Apple product for photo editing, the main disadvantage of this product is that it is not very portable. This is where iPad Air takes the lead. Like the Pro, it also containers the M1 Chip including many features of the Pro. The A14 chipset powered it, making it able to handle any task with ease.
The iPad Air has an astonishing 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone and a P3 wide color. It also has a 12 MP back camera and a 7 MP FaceTime HD front camera. It is an A14 Bionic chip that comes with a neural engine and the tablet contains Touch ID for secure authentication and Apple Pay.
The pros outweigh the cons for iPad Air. The tablet has an all-screen design and a large amount of power capability. However, one might notice easily that this model is more expensive than the last generation Apple product. You can also see upon further use that the storage on this tablet is limiting.
9. Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3
Durability is a factor for which the Galaxy Tab Active3 is known. It features an IP 68 water-resistant rating and a drop-proof for up to almost five feet. The Galaxy Tab Active3 also includes a replaceable battery, and it also comes with an S Pen which is not sold separately unlike other Samsung products. The factor that could be improved in the tablet is its overall speed.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3 is unlocked on the go. It is compatible with Verizon, AT&T, and T Mobile networks. It has a military-grade design which also comes with a long-lasting fast charging and replaceable battery. The tablet also comes with Wireless Dex which boosts productivity and uses the Galaxy Tab Active3 as a PC. The tablet also has enhanced touch capability.
10. Amazon Fire HD 10
On first thought, the Amazon Fire HD 10 does not strike one as an investable tablet for photo editing. However, the Fire HD 10 is a very affordable tablet that can accomplish light photo editing works. The tablet also has a storage option of 32 and 64GB which can be expanded up to 256GB thanks to the microSD card slot. It comes with the Amazon proprietary Alexa voice assistant system along with multiple lightweight photo editing apps.
The tablet has a brighter display that has 2 million pixels and is 10 percent brighter than the previous generation with a 1080p full HD resolution.
Conclusion
Now you must have a clear idea of what you are looking for on a photo editing tablet. There are three essential parameters based on which you judge the photo editing tablet which are display, processing power, and storage. If your choice of tablet checks all three boxes, then you have made the right choice.
We have ensured that all the recommended tablets for photo editing successfully follow all the judgment parameters. However, even in that case, there are a lot of competitive and distinguishing advantages mentioned. While some have a price advantage others might be expensive but have amazing software or styluses. This is where you choose what suits you best and we believe the information we have provided will help you make the right decision.