Best tablets for designers are choosing tablets as their main creative tool. They are lightweight, easy to carry, and powerful enough to replace a laptop for drawing, editing, and design work. Among all the options in the market, three tablets stand out this year — the Apple iPad Pro, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, and the Lenovo Tab P12.
Each tablet is strong in different ways, so choosing the right one depends on your budget, your apps, and how you work. Here is a simple, clear, human-friendly news report comparing the three.
iPad Pro (2025): The First Choice for Professional Creators
Apple’s iPad Pro continues to lead the creative market in 2025, especially among professional designers, illustrators, and digital artists. The tablet is powered by Apple’s fast M-series chip, which gives it laptop-level power. Whether you work with large Photoshop files, advanced 3D models, or high-resolution illustrations, the iPad Pro handles everything smoothly without slowing down. join now
Its display is another highlight. The 120 Hz ProMotion XDR screen is bright, sharp, and extremely responsive. Colors look natural and accurate, making the tablet ideal for artists who need precision. Every stroke feels smooth and instant.
The Apple Pencil is still considered the best stylus in the world. It is incredibly accurate, sensitive, and comfortable to use for long hours. Apps like Procreate, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Fresco, and Affinity Designer run beautifully on the iPad Pro, giving designers a professional-grade experience.
However, the iPad Pro is also the most expensive tablet of the three. The Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard are sold separately, which increases the overall cost. But for many professional designers, the performance and software quality make it a worthy investment.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9: The Best All-Round Android Tablet for Design
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 is the strongest Android competitor to the iPad Pro. It comes with a stunning Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which also supports 120 Hz refresh rate. This display is known for deep blacks, vibrant colors, and sharp details — something designers and photo editors truly appreciate.
A big advantage of the Tab S9 is that the S Pen comes free in the box. The pen feels smooth, fast, and extremely comfortable for drawing. It also supports pressure sensitivity and tilt, making it reliable for digital art.
The tablet runs on a fast Snapdragon processor, giving quick performance in most creative apps. It may not match the iPad Pro’s extreme power, but it is strong enough for drawing, UI/UX work, video editing, and multitasking.
Samsung also includes DeX Mode, a desktop-style interface that helps designers work with multiple windows, drag-and-drop files, and use a keyboard like a laptop. This makes the Tab S9 a great hybrid device for work and creativity.
Overall, the Galaxy Tab S9 offers excellent value for money, especially since the stylus is free.
Lenovo Tab P12: A Budget Tablet With a Big Screen for Beginners
The Lenovo Tab P12 is designed for students, beginners, and casual artists who want a large display without spending too much. It features a 12.7-inch screen, making it the biggest display among the three tablets. This extra space is very useful for drawing, studying, reading, and keeping reference images open while working.
However, the display uses a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is not as smooth as the iPad or Samsung. This means you may feel a slight delay in fast strokes while drawing. Still, for basic sketches, notes, and light creative tasks, it works well.
The performance is decent for everyday use. The tablet is not made for heavy Adobe files or advanced graphics work, but it is perfect for classroom tasks, concept art, color practice, and digital sketching.
Lenovo offers optional accessories like the Precision Pen and keyboard, making it a flexible and affordable large-screen option for new designers.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Category | iPad Pro | Galaxy Tab S9 | Lenovo Tab P12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | Best quality, brightest, most accurate colors, 120Hz smoothness | Best contrast and rich colors with AMOLED + 120Hz | Largest size but only 60Hz (less smooth) |
| Stylus | Apple Pencil: Most precise (sold separately) | S Pen: Excellent and included free | Lenovo Pen: Good for beginners, not ideal for advanced art |
| Performance | Fastest and strongest for all creative workloads | Powerful and reliable for most tasks | Good for light/medium work, not heavy apps |
| Budget & Value | Premium and expensive; best for professionals | Great value, strong performance, free stylus | Most affordable; ideal for students and beginners |
Which One Should Design Users Buy in 2025?
The final choice depends on the type of designer you are:
✔ iPad Pro – Best For Professional Designers
If your work involves large projects, complex layers, or advanced design software, the iPad Pro is the most reliable option.
✔ Galaxy Tab S9 – Best For Android Lovers & Multitaskers
If you prefer Android, want a stunning screen, and love multitasking features like DeX Mode, the Tab S9 is perfect.
✔ Lenovo Tab P12 – Best For Students & Budget Users
If you want the biggest screen at the lowest price, and your work is simple or medium-level, the Tab P12 offers great value.
Final Thoughts
All three tablets are excellent in their own space. The iPad Pro leads the premium creative market, the Galaxy Tab S9 brings incredible Android features, and the Lenovo Tab P12 makes digital art accessible for beginners. No matter which one you choose, each tablet has the power to support creativity, learning, and professional growth in 2025.