Choosing the best drawing tablet for animation is essential for artists looking to bring their creations to life with precision and ease. With so many options available, especially from popular brands like Apple and Samsung, it can be challenging to find the perfect device that fits your needs and workflow.
In this article, we’ll focus on the top iPads and Galaxy Tabs that excel in animation, highlighting their features, performance, and compatibility with leading animation apps. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional animator, understanding these tablets will help you make an informed decision.
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Best Drawing Tablet for Animation: Top iPads and Galaxy Tabs
iPad Pro and Galaxy Tab models both offer powerful, standalone drawing tablets with built-in screens. These rival classic options like the Wacom Cintiq 16. You get pro-level features and portability, plus apps like Procreate that make animation a breeze.
Apple iPad Pro with Procreate
The iPad Pro really shines for digital artists after professional results. Its M2 chip breezes through complex animation projects—no lag, no drama.
Key Features:
- Display: 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR screen with 2732 x 2048 resolution
- Performance: M2 chip with 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU
- Storage: Options from 128GB to 2TB
- Apple Pencil: Second-generation with pressure sensitivity and tilt detection
Procreate pairs perfectly with the iPad Pro for 2D animation. You get onion skinning, frame-by-frame controls, and export options for pro workflows.
The 120Hz ProMotion display cuts down input lag, so drawing feels immediate—almost like pen and paper.
Battery life? Up to 10 hours, even with heavy animation sessions. You won't need to hug a power outlet all day.
Apple iPad Air for Animation
The iPad Air delivers solid animation performance for less money. It's a great pick for beginners or intermediate animators.
Technical Specs:
- Screen: 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display
- Processor: M1 chip
- RAM: 8GB unified memory
- Compatibility: Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
This tablet runs Procreate smoothly for most projects. If you push it with really complex files, you might notice some slowdown.
The screen's smaller than pro tablets like the Cintiq 22, but it's easier to carry if you're always on the move.
It's priced right for students. You get serious tools without paying iPad Pro prices.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra brings the biggest screen in the lineup. Its 14.6-inch display gives you tons of space for detailed animation.
Display Features:
- Size: 14.6-inch Super AMOLED
- Resolution: 2960 x 1848 pixels
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- S Pen: Included with 4096 pressure levels
This tablet runs Android animation apps like FlipaClip and RoughAnimator. The S Pen feels snappy and accurate—great for detail work.
That big screen almost feels like a desktop setup. You get way more room than on smaller iPads.
DeX mode lets you turn the tablet into a laptop-like workstation. Handy for juggling multiple files or using desktop-style apps.
Battery life holds up for 8-10 hours of animation. The S Pen never needs to be charged, which is a relief if you forget cables.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+
The Galaxy Tab S7+ strikes a nice balance between screen size and portability. It packs pro features at a more reasonable price.
Core Specifications:
- Display: 12.4-inch Super AMOLED
- Processor: Snapdragon 865+
- RAM: 6GB or 8GB options
- S Pen: Included with low latency
This tablet handles most animation apps without breaking a sweat. The Snapdragon chip manages layers and effects just fine.
The 12.4-inch screen gives you more space than a standard tablet, but it's still light enough for travel.
S Pen latency clocks in at just 9ms. Strokes feel instant, which matters when you're working on timing.
It usually costs less than similar iPad models, but you get nearly the same animation power—and Android flexibility.
Key Features to Look for in iPads and Galaxy Tabs for Animation
iPads and Galaxy Tabs both bring unique strengths for animators. Their touchscreens and mobile OS make them super versatile, and when you pair them with the right stylus, you get pressure sensitivity, sharp displays, and great app support.
Stylus Precision and Pressure Sensitivity
Apple Pencil and S Pen both deliver top-notch precision for animation. Apple Pencil supports up to 4,096 pressure levels, and the S Pen matches that sensitivity.
Both styluses offer tilt recognition. You can shade and vary your lines just by changing the angle. The Apple Pencil Pro even adds barrel roll detection for extra control.
Latency performance really sets these apart from cheaper tablets. iPad Pro models get latency as low as 9ms with the Apple Pencil. The S Pen on Galaxy Tabs stays just as responsive.
Palm rejection works great on both. You can rest your hand on the screen without making accidental marks.
Display Quality and Screen Size
Screen size changes your whole animation workspace. iPad Pro comes in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, while the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra stretches out to 14.6 inches.
Color accuracy is a big deal for animation. iPad Pro covers 100% of sRGB and supports the P3 wide color gamut. Galaxy Tab S9 series hits 120% of DCI-P3 color space.
Resolution matters for detail work. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro gives you 2732 x 2048 pixels. Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra goes up to 2960 x 1848.
Brightness levels help if you work in different lighting. iPad Pro tops out at 1000 nits, while the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra hits 930 nits at peak.
Animation Apps Compatibility
Adobe Animate runs natively on iPadOS and gives you full timeline editing. Galaxy Tabs can use Adobe Animate through cloud streaming.
Toon Boom Harmony has an iPad version with core features. Android versions on Galaxy Tabs offer similar tools.
Some standout apps by platform:
- iPad: Procreate, FlipaClip, RoughAnimator
- Galaxy Tab: Clip Studio Paint, OpenToonz, TVPaint
Cross-platform options like Adobe Fresco and Autodesk Sketchbook work smoothly on both iPad and Galaxy Tab.
Portability and Battery Life
Weight makes a difference if you draw for hours. iPad Pro 11-inch weighs 1.03 pounds, the 12.9-inch is 1.5 pounds, and Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is about 1.6 pounds.
Battery life depends on how hard you push the tablet. iPad Pro gets 8-10 hours of animation time. Galaxy Tab S9 series keeps up under heavy use.
Charging speed matters if you're always moving. iPad Pro supports fast charging up to 30W. Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra charges at 45W—pretty speedy.
Storage ranges from 128GB to 2TB on both. Cloud storage helps if you’re juggling huge animation files.
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Choosing the Best Drawing Tablet for Animation: iPads vs. Galaxy Tabs
Comparing iPads and Galaxy Tabs for animation? It really comes down to your budget, the software you like, and how the device fits your creative habits.
Budget and Value
iPad Pro gives you top performance, but it's pricey. The 11-inch starts around $800, and the 12.9-inch is even more. The Apple Pencil tacks on another $130.
Galaxy Tab S4 is a better deal. The S Pen comes in the box—no extra cost. The tablet itself is much cheaper than an iPad Pro.
If you're new to animation, the Galaxy Tab is a smart entry point. You get pro-level drawing features without a huge investment. Plus, the S Pen never needs charging and works just as well for most animation as the Apple Pencil does.
Despite the price gap, the drawing experience is pretty similar. You can get pro results with either, especially if you're budget-conscious.
Software Ecosystem and App Support
iPad apps include favorites like Procreate and Clip Studio Paint. These are built for iPad and run super smoothly. The App Store just has more high-quality animation apps, honestly.
Android tablets have solid apps like Sketchbook and Infinite Painter. There aren't as many premium choices, but what's there handles most animation needs.
iOS usually gets new animation apps first. Developers tend to launch iPad versions before Android, so you get the latest tools sooner if you go Apple.
Both platforms support layers, pressure sensitivity, and frame-by-frame animation. Your pick really comes down to which apps you prefer.
User Experience and Workflow Preferences
iPad Pro has a 120Hz display that makes drawing feel silky smooth. The Apple Pencil supports tilt in most apps, so you get a natural sketching vibe.
Galaxy Tab S4 uses a 60Hz AMOLED screen with rich colors and deep blacks. It looks awesome, but drawing doesn't feel quite as fluid as on the iPad Pro. The S Pen offers tilt support in some apps.
iPad Pro's M2 chip handles big, complex animations with lots of layers better than the Galaxy Tab's older Snapdragon chip. For basic 2D animation, though, both do the job.
The Galaxy Tab supports Samsung DeX mode. You can hook up an external monitor and use your tablet like a drawing pad while seeing your work on a bigger screen. That's pretty handy.
Safeguard your iPad Pro while creating animations—explore our iPad Pro M4 Case collection for reliable, lightweight protection.
Conclusion: Best Drawing Tablet for Animation
Choosing the best drawing tablet for animation depends on your needs, budget, and workflow. Whether you prefer the portability of an iPad or the versatility of a Galaxy Tab, both offer powerful tools to bring your animations to life. Focus on features like stylus precision, screen quality, and app compatibility to find the perfect fit.
With the right tablet, you can create smooth, professional animations anywhere. Ready to enhance your digital experience further? Check out our guide on the best iPad for note-taking to find the perfect device for your creative and productivity needs.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Drawing Tablet for Animation
What tablet should I buy for animation?
Your budget and experience will guide your choice. Beginners can start with affordable basic pen tablets that offer good pressure sensitivity. Professionals often prefer pen display tablets with high-resolution screens for direct drawing. For portability, the iPad Pro with Apple Pencil is a great option, running apps like Procreate anywhere. Prices range from budget-friendly to premium models costing over $2,000.
How to do animation for beginners?
Start with simple 2D apps like Procreate or Adobe Animate and learn keyframes and timing basics. Practice animating simple shapes like bouncing balls to understand spacing. Use onion skinning to view previous frames and keep your animation smooth. Begin with short clips (2-3 seconds) and animate at 12 frames per second, drawing on every other frame to save time.
What do animators draw on?
Many animators use pen tablets or pen displays for precision and control. Pen tablets require you to look at a separate screen while drawing, while pen displays let you draw directly on the screen for a more natural experience. Portable devices like iPads with Apple Pencil are popular for sketching and rough animation. Traditional animators still use light tables and paper before digitizing their work.
Is an iPad good for animation?
Yes, especially the iPad Pro with Apple Pencil, offering great pressure sensitivity and powerful performance. Apps like Procreate and Clip Studio Paint provide strong animation tools that are user-friendly. While iPads can’t run full desktop software like After Effects, their portability and battery life make them perfect for sketching and rough animations on the go. Many animators use iPads alongside their main workstations.
