Are you a professional architect or a standard architecture student who wants to get a reliable tablet for construction planning and digital designs? Irrespective of what you seek, suitable tablets for architects aren’t easy to locate. And if you are serious about them, the OS, screen size, and battery life show up as the major aspects.
Standard drawing tablets often fall short if you plan to draw floor plans, review checklists, and sync pictures on the go. Instead, you should consider Stylus compatible tablets that offer decent sunlight visibility and can support relevant apps like Procreate, Cedreo, and more. If you are a top-level professional who believes in inspiration, tablets with 3D scanners can be useful.
Regardless of your preferences, architecture tablets are meant for 3D rendering, sketching, CAD designing, etc., and can be tricky to purchase. You might end up getting a visually alluring display but at the expense of stylus quality. Or you might find a product with massive storage and RAM, but the processor hardly lives up to the multitasking needs.
Considering these pain points and the architecture-relevant requirements, I have finally taken on myself to prepare a list of top tablets that fit. And the best part is that each tablet responds to a particular need and justifies its presence on the list.
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8 Best Tablets for Architects in 2023
As mentioned, not every tablet is good enough for an architect. If you are one, you would want to look at tablets that are particularly useful as interactive drawing surfaces. Plus, battery life, connectivity, storage, and hardware setup would also come into play.
Keeping all these factors in mind, I have put together 8 relevant tablets, which can be useful to architects in several ways. The selections are hardly random as I tested each device for over two weeks, deploying it across a wide range of relevant apps. Plus, I even corroborated evidence by talking to professionals and students.
So let us dig right into the discussion:
1. Best for 3D Modeling: Microsoft Surface Pro 5
Despite being a dated device, the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 continues to be regarded as a cornerstone 2-in-1 when it comes to accommodating architectural designs. And when compared with the Surface Pro 4, the Pro 5 comes across as a more powerful device, courtesy of a bigger battery and a seasoned processor.
Why is it suited for Architects?
The 12.3-inch PixelSense display stands out, courtesy of the multi-touch support and an overall resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels. Plus, the LCD panel ensures stylus compatibility for drawing, provided you plan on investing in some resourceful architecture-specific apps like AutoCAD, Sketchup, Graphisoft BIMx, and more.
Powering the same is a 7th Gen Intel Core i5 processor followed by 8GB RAM. This powerful hardware setup lets you handle hyper modeling, BIM designs, and other relevant tasks with ease. Presentations, construction designs, and building plans can be stored in the 256GB SSD module. And the storage unit also boots up the Windows 10 OS in virtually no time.
Design & Connectivity
As far as dimensions are concerned, the magnesium-clad Pro 5 measures 11.5 x 7.9 x 0.33 inches. Moreover, it weighs a significant 1.70 pounds, making it a tad heavier than expected. No punches are pulled when it comes to connectivity as Microsoft brings in a USB 3.0 port, Mini DisplayPort, Wi-Fi 5, and more.
Battery & other Features
The Pro 5 trumps even some of the latest variants when battery life is concerned. You get 13.5 hours of backup to show for, followed by a standard 5MP selfie shooter and an 8MP rear-facing camera. Plus, the Dolby Audio speakers add to the overall immersive experience of the tablet.
Conclusion
Overall, the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 is one of the best tablets for construction relevant tasks. And while the Pro 7 is already available, the battery life and the price-to-productivity ratio of this 2-in-1 make it stand out among other products on the list.
- Fast SSD
- Excellent display
- Reliable processor
- A sizable chunk of RAM
- 7th gen processor isn’t future-proof
- Lacks Wi-Fi 6 support
2. Best iPad for Architects: Apple iPad Pro
If you extensively use the Morpholio Trace Pro or any other application for architecture requirements, you simply cannot ignore the Apple iPad Pro. I compared it with the older variant and experienced better speeds, courtesy of the M1 chipset and additional RAM.
Why is it suited for Architects?
What makes the iPad Pro worthy for architects is the 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display. This is also one of the largest tablets in the market, with a native resolution of 2048 x 2732 pixels. Not to mention the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil allows you to draw models and stencils with ease.
Powering the same is the M1 chipset that works in tandem with 8GB RAM. You can store your designs and creatives in the 128GB storage module. As far as the operating system is concerned, the iPad runs iPadOS 16 right off the bat. And if you want to analyze the overall performance, the feature-packed iPad runs Graphisoft BIMx, Procreate, and more.
Design & Connectivity
Here is a metal-clad tablet that weighs close to 1.50 pounds and measures 11.05 x 8.46 x 0.25 inches. As expected, the iPad is easily one of the sleekest tablets around. As for connectivity, there is Wi-Fi 6 to work with, followed by a Thunderbolt 4 powered type-C port.
Battery & other Features
The iPad promises and delivers 10 hours of backup, irrespective of the usage patterns. Next, you have a three-camera setup with 3D expertise to help you with AR and VR stuff. Plus, there is a reliable selfie camera followed by fast charging utility.
Conclusion
Apple iPad Pro 12.9 is arguably the best tablet for architects, provided you are comfortable in the Apple ecosystem. Also, the stylus quality followed by the brilliant processing setup makes it a better bet than other products in play.
But then, if the price seems a lot overwhelming, you might even consider the 10.9-inch iPad Air as your go-to tablet for design. And while it misses out on the M1 chipset, it manages to offer a P3 color gamut, touch ID support, Wi-Fi 6 support, and 256GB of storage space.
- Stellar display
- Top-shelf stylus
- Ultra-fast processor
- A sizable storage module
- Excellent battery life
- Stylus needs to be purchased separately
- Pricey
3. Best Tablet for Sketching: Samsung Tab S7 FE
The Galaxy S7 FE is one of the better Android tablets that an architect can use, especially when it comes to running apps like MagicPlan and more. When compared with the S6, the Tab S7 FE brings along a better and sharper display.
Why is it suited for Architects?
The 12.4-inch screen is a pleasure to work with if you plan on drawing floor plans and sketching live walkthroughs. The overall QHD resolution in 2560 x 1600 and S-pen compatibility make it the best design tablet. Next, you have a TFT screen that might not promise the best outdoor experience but lets you get the true pictures, estimates, and floor plans out.
The octa-core chipset and 8GB RAM work in tandem to help you manage multiple apps concurrently. Starting from reviewing checklists to syncing massive datasets over the cloud, it ensures zero lags. And storing data, reports, and images offline is way easier with the 256GB expandable storage unit in play.
The Android 11 OS loads quickly, and every other app like Autodesk Formit and MagicPlan exceeds expectations.
Design & Connectivity
As far as the aesthetics are concerned, this tablet comes across as a sleek one, at 11.21 x 7.28 x 0.25 inches. While the slimness of form is at par with the iPad Pro, the S7 FE even weighs the same at 1.50 pounds. As far as wireless connectivity is concerned, you get access to Wi-Fi 6 standard followed by a Type-C 3.2 slot, supporting fast charging and quick data transfers.
Battery & other Features
The 13-hour battery backup is best-in-class, followed by the existence of an 8MP rear and a 5MP front shooter. And on top of that, the S7 FE also houses AKG-tuned powerful speakers.
Conclusion
Suppose you are an architect who wants to try out something akin to a smartphone. In that case, the Galaxy Tab S7 FE is one of the best Samsung tablets for drawing, more so with the responsive stylus and excellent battery life outpacing most of the other picks.
- Large screen
- Massive storage space
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Responsive S Pen
- The TFT screen isn’t known for the outdoor performance
- Contains some bloatware
4. Best for Interior Design: Microsoft Surface Go 2
The Go 2 is the second Windows-powered 2-in-1 on the list. And it even trumps the Pro 5 when the value for money is concerned. For architects, the Surface Go 2 is a better bet compared to the Go, courtesy of faster internet speeds and improved cloud syncing.
Why is it suited for Architects?
The Surface Go 2 brings forth a reasonable, 10.5-inch screen. Coming to the resolution, Microsoft exhibits 1920 x 1280 pixels. Complementing the same is the Gorilla Glass panel that offers protection against drops and bruises.
What matters most is the Intel 4425Y, a power-efficient chipset. The SoC paves the way for excellent multitasking performances, in case you want to sketch models and sort reports at once. The 128GB SSD is worth applauding as it loads the Windows 10 OS and the designing apps in a heartbeat.
Design & Connectivity
Microsoft ensures the best-ever aesthetic setup, with the magnesium being the basic structural material in play. As far as design and dimensions are concerned, this tablet measures 9.65 x 6.90 x 0.33 inches. Coming to the connectivity part, this 1.2 pound 2-in-1 makes way for high-speed wireless internet standards, Type-C port, Surface Connect port for pairing a backlit keyboard, and the functional 3.5mm jack.
Battery & other Features
Coming to the battery life, the Go 2 promises 10 hours of backup. On top of that, you get access to standard rear and front snappers and S-Pen compatibility, provided you are willing to pay additionally for the same.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is an excellent tablet for architects. And the excellent outdoor color fidelity and the top-of-the-line battery backup make it stand apart from other options on the list.
- Fantastic screen quality
- SSD storage
- Ultrafast chipset
- Supports secure boot ups
- Thick
- Accessories attract an additional cost
5. Best for Construction Use: Lenovo Tab P11 Plus
If you prefer a tablet with excellent battery life, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus is the one to pick. And this tablet even trumps the older M10 Plus, which falls behind in almost every aspect.
Why is it suited for Architects?
The brilliant and sharp, 11-inch 2K display cannot get any brighter for the given price. The resolution at 2000 x 1200 pixels is perfect for outdoorsy conditions, followed by a peak brightness level of 400 nits that explains the color clarity. Also, you can pair any third-party active pen, making it a good tablet for construction drawings.
The processing setup is also worth applauding, with the Helio G90T working alongside 4GB RAM. Storing data, photos, and reports is not easier than ever with the 128GB storage unit in play. Plus, this device runs Android 11 right out of the box and works well with some of the more dependable apps like the Planimeter and more.
Design & Connectivity
This tablet might not be the sleekest at 10.17 x 6.42 x 0.30 inches, but it manages to weigh a standard 1.08 pounds. And while that makes it easy enough to carry across the town, the tablet even makes way for Wi-Fi 5 standard and a Type-C slot for improved connectivity.
Battery & other Features
The Tab P11 Plus trumps some of the other picks when battery life is concerned. While it promises 15+ hours of backup, it even manages to put together a 13MP rear and an 8MP front snapper.
Conclusion
The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus runs almost every Android application without lags. However, if I were to pick one, the 15-hour battery life stands out and makes it one of the best battery life tablets. The 2K display, aluminum-alloy design, quad speakers with Dolby Atmos makes it a better bet as compared to other products on the list.
- Steller 2K display
- Powerful mid-range processor
- Upgradable storage module
- Best-in-class battery life
- Cost-effective
- Thick
- Doesn’t come with a built-in stylus
6. Best Drawing Tablet: Huion Kamvas Pro 16
Are you in search of the best drawing tablet for architecture? I promise that Huion Kamvas Pro won’t let you down. The 15.6-inch display with 120% sRGB and 92% aRGB color gamut truly shine for construction drawings and interior designs.
If you do not want to get hold of a standalone tablet as you already have a MacBook or a powerful Windows laptop by your side, the HUION Kamvas Pro 16 seems like a decent tablet for interior designers. I even analyzed it against the Pro 12, but the Pro 16 appropriately blew the former away in a whiff, courtesy of the bigger and better screen.
Why is it suited for Architects?
As a professional architect or an interior designer, you cannot go wrong with the 15.6-inch 1080p screen. While the real-estate lets you sketch and draw to the heart’s content, the 16:9 aspect ratio, IPS paneling, and stylus compatibility further add to its credibility. Throwing light on the stylus, Huion brings in an EMR pen capable of assuming max pressure sensitivity of 8192.
The processing setup isn’t a matter of concern here as the Kamvas Pro 16 feeds off the primary Mac, Windows, or Chrome host devices. And it is OS-agnostic and is compatible with a wide range of relevant apps, including Photoshop, Lightroom, and more.
Design & Connectivity
The Kamvas Pro 16 is made of hardened plastic and weighs close to 3 pounds. From a design perspective, you get access to 6 on-device express keys followed by a touch grip and a reliable stand. Connectivity-wise, this tablet packs an HDMI and a Type-C port for letting you use it alongside the MacBooks, Chromebooks, and standard laptops.
Battery & other Features
The Kamvas Pro 16 doesn’t feature an integrated battery. Still, it most certainly packs a lot of heat, courtesy of tilt recognition support, featured side buttons, and an anti-glare screen with excellent clarity and durability.
Conclusion
There are several high-end drawing tablets available for the architects, but the HUION Kamvas Pro 16 trumps them all when screen quality and stylus support are concerned. Plus, it is also one of the cost-effective choices around.
- Anti-glare screen
- Cost-effective
- Wide-range of shortcut keys
- Reliable pen
- Not designed to work with android devices
7. Best Tablet for Digital Planning: CHUWI Hi10 X
The Surface tablets from Microsoft are exceptional, but they aren’t the most affordable ones around. This is the reason why the CHUWI Hi10 X comes forth as one of the more dependable Windows tablets, courtesy of the cost-effective price tag, bundled accessories, and a brilliant hardware setup.
Also, when compared with the powerful UBook, the Hi10 X gets the nod, courtesy of the sleek layout.
Why is it suited for Architects?
The 10.1-inch FHD screen is worth investing in, followed by the availability of excellent viewing angles. Even the IPS panel complements the visuals perfectly. As far as sketching and modeling are concerned, the bundled stylus comes across as a reliable addition.
At the core, CHUWI has the powerful Intel N4120 chipset to power the tablet. You also have 6GB RAM to work with, followed by a 128GB storage unit. Not to mention, the tablet runs Windows 10 right out of the box and allows you to manage any volume of workload with considerable ease.
Design & Connectivity
Here is a great-looking metal-clad tablet that can double down as a laptop, courtesy of the bundled keyboard. Coming to the dimensions, the device measures 10 x 6.72 x 0.26 inches, which is surprisingly good considering the affordability on display. Also, it weighs 1.2 pounds and fits in an HDMI and a couple of resourceful USB ports.
Battery & other Features
At 6 hours, the battery life takes a beating. However, the HiPen stylus and the functional front and rear camera modules more than make up for this shortcoming.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the CHUWI Hi10 X is one of the most complete 2-in-1 tablets on the list that scales beyond the rest in terms of cost-effectiveness and value for money.
- Premium aesthetics
- Excellent arrangement of ports
- A massive chunk of RAM
- Bundled accessories
- Subpar battery life
8. Best in terms of Storage Upgradability: Vastking KingPad M10
The Vastking KingPad M10 is arguably the most promising tablet that a budget-specific architect can get. And while it is pretty affordable, it even manages to outpace the standout K10 Pro when visual clarity and brightness are concerned.
Why is it suited for Architects?
The KingPad M10 has everything that makes sense to an architect. Firstly, it comes equipped with a bright and resourceful 10.3-inch screen with a native resolution of 2000 x 1200 pixels. The IPS panel takes good care of the visual clarity and viewing angles.
At the core, Vastking brings in the AI-powered Unisoc T618 processor that works in tandem with 4GB RAM. Storage-wise, you get access to a 128GB module, which can be upgraded by 2TB, if and when needed.
Design & Connectivity
This tablet weighs less than a pound and measures 9.7 x 6.1 x 0.3 inches. The metal-clad form factor even makes way for Wi-Fi 5 standard and LTE support, courtesy of the dedicated SIM card slot.
Battery & other Features
Vastking even wins it in terms of battery life with 12 hours of extended backup to show for. Plus, there is a 13MP rear shooter to help you capture ideas better.
Conclusion
As a tablet, the Vastking KingPad M10 is one of the better options that an architect can pick up. And what makes it stand out is the storage upgradability that goes up to 2TB.
- Sleek and portable
- Fast chipset
- Comes with LTE support
- Extended battery backup
- Lacks Wi-Fi 6 support
- The keyboard needs to be purchased separately
Frequently Asked Questions
If you plan on purchasing a tablet for architecture, it is important to look for specific features, including a bright screen, excellent battery backup, all-round stylus compatibility, and a reliable processing setup.
Dedicated drawing tablets from Huion and Wacom are great picks as they offer a lot of real estate to use. However, their fate and performance depend on the quality of the host, which can be tricky at times.
Yes, iPads are extremely useful provided you know what you are looking for. If you prefer the Apple ecosystem, iPads are great picks as they have the best creative stylus pens to show for. Plus, the liquid retina panels are a class apart.
A4. Windows 10 is easily the best OS as it helps maintain a sense of continuity. With Windows as the go-to OS, you can access almost every application there is and work on a wide range of processes like data syncing, report handling, floor plan sketching, and more.
Verdict
Well, these are easily the best tablets that an architect can pick. But then, choosing one from a list of 8 can get confusing. Therefore, I have handpicked a few products to make it easier for you to choose:
- If you really want to get a tablet that would handle all the premiere and relevant apps like Sketch, the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 is the best option to pick.
- For Premium users who prefer the Apple ecosystem over everything else, the Apple iPad Pro is the perfect device to get.
- For users who prefer standard graphic tablets over anything else, the HUION Kamvas Pro 16 is worth looking at
- Finally, if you are looking to keep expenses to a minimum while picking a device, the Vastking KingPad M10 is worth considering.
While these choices are excellent, you can always pick the other options mentioned on the list, depending on your skill sets, budget, and specific requirements.
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