7 Best Tablets for Cricut Design Space in 2023 [Expert Choices]

Need a tablet that works smoothly with Cricut Design space? Whether you’re a beginner or DIY mommy, or into crafting, or run a business, the tablets I’ve listed below are among the best devices to use with Cricut.

It doesn’t matter whether you use the latest Cricut Explore Air 2/3, Cricut Maker or Cricut Joy machines, the mentioned tablets tend to work smoothly with the Design Space and are highly compatible with all the machines. Some of them also work with other electronic cutting machines, so if you switch to a different machine you don’t have to worry about buying a new tablet.

The Cricut Design Space is compatible with most traditional computers, but when dealing with arts and designs, having a touch screen device that is light, portable, and powerful enough to handle the app, is better than a laptop.

I did in-depth research while writing this guide, I found out that everyone’s use-case when it comes to a Cricut compatible tablet is different. That’s why it’s a challenge to find the right device that’ll suit the use-case. Since I understand it, I made the below list in such a way that — no matter what your use case is, you’ll find a tablet that’ll take care of your Cricut Design space requirements.

Also, when buying a tablet for Cricut or other digital artwork apps, you need to consider certain parameters such as chipset performance, display quality, and wireless capability. In this article, I have compiled a detailed analysis of the 7 best options.

7 Best Tablets for Cricut Design Space in 2023

To make things more transparent for you, I tested more than 15 popular tablets to analyze the performance in crafting and uploading designs from Pinterest.

I also considered other important parameters such as display, build quality, and battery life. After immense testing, I prepared this list of 7 handpicked tablets compatible with Cricut Design Space.

• Best Overall: Microsoft Surface Pro 7
• Best Android Tablet for Cricut: Samsung Tab S8
• Best iPad for Cricut: Apple iPad Pro
• Best Under Budget Up: Microsoft Surface Go 3
• Best for Cricut Maker: CHUWI Ubook X
• Best For Beginners: Lenovo P11 Plus
• Best Cheapest Option: Nokia T20

1. Best Overall: Microsoft Surface Pro 7

It’s not a tablet, it’s a 2-in-1 tablet PC, but to access all the features of the Cricut Design Space, this is the best option! However, it’s a bit larger than usual tablets. Highly suitable for businesses, individuals, crafting enthusiasts, t-shirt makers.

Powered by Intel’s powerful Core i5 processor, the Surface Pro 7 is a 2-in-1 tablet PC that was launched back in 2019. It offers slightly better connectivity options and better overall performance than its predecessor, Surface 6. The device is well capable of handling most complex tasks such as graphic designing, photo editing, and more.

Although Microsoft has launched an upgraded Surface Pro 8 with minor enhancements, it all comes down to your budget. While you can go for Surface Pro 8 for the latest connectivity and advanced camera setup, rest assured you won’t be missing out on much with the Pro 7 model.

Why is it suited for Cricut Design Space?

When it comes to Cricut Design Space or other designing applications like Adobe Lightroom, Microsoft Paint, and Adobe Illustrator, the Pro 7 is well-equipped to handle all of them without a hiccup. For starters, it comes with a large 12.3-inch PixelSense display at a resolution of 2736 x 1824, giving you a sharp screen to work on.

The colors are punchy, and viewing angles are better than cheaper Windows tablets and laptops. To aid further with designing, it supports a Surface Pen so that you can be precise with your designs. Moreover, with 400 nits of brightness,  the display is perfect for outdoor usage as well.

Wireless Connectivity

The Pro 7 is jampacked with the latest connectivity options, including a Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax that supports up to 600 Mbps wireless speeds. There is also Bluetooth 5.0 technology available if you want to connect external devices such as speakers, earphones, or keyboards.

Hardware & Performance

It is a powerhouse in terms of performance, thanks to its Quad-core 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G4 processor coupled with Intel Iris Plus Graphics. The 8GB RAM is sufficient to handle all your multitasking and to run the device smoothly in most cases.

You get 256GB SSD as onboard storage, which can be further expanded up to 2TB with a micro SD card, thanks to a dedicated card slot. The device comes with preloaded Windows 10 Home with a possibility to upgrade to Windows 11.

Design & In-Hand Feel

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Surface Pro 7 has the same magnesium alloy unibody design as Surface Pro 6 with a few alterations. Instead of Display Port on the side, you get a USB-C port for data syncing and charging. The device also comes with a full-size USB Type-A port and traditional Surface dock connectors.

The power button and volume control switches are located on the top, while on the bottom, you get a Surface Type Cover port to connect with the surface keyboard. The device comes with a built-in kickstand, allowing you to use it at your favorite angle with the surface keyboard.

The standard measurements of the device are 11.5 x 7.9 x 0.33, and it weighs just 1.7 lbs, meaning even when you are using it only as a tablet, it’s pretty comfortable to hold. The magnesium finish gives the device a premium and elegant look that you rarely find on a tablet device.

Cameras, Mic, and Speakers

There are no surprises in the camera department. You get an 8MP rear-facing camera with a 1080p video recording capability. There is a 5MP front shooter which can also take 1080p videos at 60fps. The cameras are not made to produce studio-like pictures, but they are good enough for video calls and presentations. You can also use a front-facing camera for Windows Hello authentication.

The device is equipped with extraordinary Dual far-field Studio Mics that record crystal clear sounds without noise. You also get 1.6W dual stereo speakers powered by Dolby Audio, producing clear sound with enough bass and details.

Battery & Charging

The Pro 7 comes with a 5702mAh non-removable battery that promises to give you 10.5 hours of screen time. However, under realistic circumstances, you get around 7-7.5 hours of battery life after a full charge over USB Type-C. However, there is a 45W quick charge support, meaning you can get your 80% battery charge in around 1 hour.

Conclusion

Surface Pro 7 is undoubtedly the best tablet for Cricut Design Space, with an elegant design and a full-flagged Windows OS. If you are looking for a business tablet where you can make your digital drawings and designs, the Surface Pro 7 would be my top pick.

2. Best iPad for Cricut: Apple iPad Pro

Do you want to experience the Cricut design space on an iPad? The M1-powered iPad Pro is your best bet. I paired this device with the Cricut Maker and Explore Air 2 and I was quite amazed by the smooth performance. Also, there’s Apple Pencil compatibility which makes it best among graphic designers, drawing enthusiasts.

The new iPad Pro shines in terms of performance and takes a huge leap from previously-released A14 Bionic-powered iPads, credit to the powerful M1 processor. While the Apple iPad Pro is more than capable of handling even some of the most complex applications, the well-known Retina HDR display offers a viewing experience like no other product on the market.

Why is it suited for Cricut Design Space?

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The iPad Pro comes with an 11-inch Liquid Retina display with 2388 x 1668 pixels resolution. It’s an IPS LCD panel with HDR10 that gives you a great immersive viewing experience, whether you are watching a movie, working on your Cricut designs, or digital drawings.

The device has a maximum brightness of 600 nits, making it one of the brightest displays on a consumer product ever. The viewing angles are absolutely fantastic, and the device is perfect for outdoor usage as well.

Wireless Connectivity

It comes with the latest wireless technology, such as Wi-Fi 6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, along with dual-band support. This allows you to connect to the wireless network with speed up to 600 Mbps, meaning faster downloads, 4K video calling, and less battery consumption. In case you want to hang on to the traditional Bluetooth for file transfer, there is Bluetooth 5.0 available for you.

Hardware & Performance

The iPad Pro is powered by an Apple M1 Hexa-core processor that is by far the fastest in recent times. It can handle pretty much every application smoothly. Thanks to 8GB of RAM, you don’t see any performance drop even during heavy multitasking, HD calling, or gaming on a tablet.

128GB of onboard storage should be sufficient for most people to keep the files and media. Unfortunately, there is no SD card support to expand the storage, and you rely only on external storage or cloud storage in case you need more memory. The device runs on iPad OS 14.5.1, which can be upgraded to 15.4.1.

Design & In-Hand Feel

When it comes to the build quality, the device has an aluminum unibody design with extraordinary precision. It measures 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.23 inches and weighs just around 1.03 lbs, making it comfortable to work on, even for long hours. Apple is known for its beautifully designed products, and the iPad Pro successfully follows the trend.

There is the power button on the right and volume controls on the left, as we’ve seen in previous generations of iPads. On the bottom, there is a magnetic port to connect to the magic keyboard. Furthermore, there is a USB Type-C 4 (Thunderbolt 4) port and a display port to connect your tablet to a bigger display such as a monitor or television.

Cameras, Mic, and Speakers

The iPad Pro comes with a 12MP dual-pixel autofocus camera along with a 10MP ultra-wide lens which is capable of recording incredible 4K videos at 60fps. On the front, you have a 12MP camera with face detection and HDR capability. The front camera can also record 4K at 60fps, qualifying it as the best tablet for video recording.

There is a quad-speaker set up with a couple on top and bottom of the device. The speakers are loud with punchy sounds. There is no 3.5mm jack for your traditional earphones. The device has advanced noise-canceling mics to record clear audio for your videos or video calls.

Battery & Charging

This model is packed with a 7538mAh battery which Apple claims will give you an entire day of backup. However, the device lasts for respectable 9-10 hours, which is better than most competitors. There is an 18W quick charge support which is lower compared to market standards for the flagship tablets. It takes 2.5-3 hours to charge the device completely.

Conclusion

The iPad Pro costs higher than Samsung Tab S8 and Surface Pro 7. But, you can hardly find any false notes in terms of performance and display quality. If you are looking for the best iPad for Cricut Maker, this is it. It offers top-notch performance, premium look, great cameras, and long battery life.

3. Best Android Tablt for Cricut: Samsung Tab S8

A massive upgrade over the previously launched Tab S7, Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 offers a variety of new features such as a 120Hz refresh rate, a flagship Snapdragon processor, and the latest Wi-Fi 6E. In terms of performance, it’s the only machine that can compete with the mighty iPads.

Why is it suited for Cricut Design Space?

Samsung Tab S8 comes with a stunning 11-inch TFT LCD screen with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 and an aspect ratio of 16:10. The display is sharp with over 275 PPI density and reflects crisp colors. It is perfect for designing in Cricut and other graphic designing applications.

Samsung has skipped on the AMOLED screen; however, this LCD has a high 120Hz refresh rate. You get a smooth and fluent experience while scrolling through your apps. Pair it with the bundled S-Sen and work on your designs with extremely high precision.

Wireless Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, Samsung has left no stoned unturned. Tab S8 comes with the industry’s latest Wi-Fi 6E with dual-band support, enabling you to enjoy ultra high-speed downloads. You can also connect the tablet to a bigger screen like a TV or monitor using Samsung Dex.

Hardware & Performance

Tab S8 is powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, one of the fastest Octa-core processors ever put on Android tablets. For storage, you get 128GB onboard along with a huge 8GB of RAM. The RAM management is excellent, and it can hold up to 15 applications in the background without any issue.

To further extend the storage, there is a dedicated micro SD slot that takes up to 2TB, making sure you don’t run out of space. The device runs on Samsung’s One UI 4.1 on top of Android 12. Overall, it is the best tablet to use with Cricut Maker, which also fares well with day-to-day tasks, including video calling, web browsing, and taking pictures.

Design & In-Hand Feel

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Samsung has gone all-in with the design of this model. The back panel is made of heavy-duty brushed metal, which gives a premium feel to hands. The rounded corners with very thin bezels around the display make the device look attractive from the front.

The S8 has measurements of 10 x 6.5 x 0.2 inches and appears solid, thanks to the uniform weight distribution. The weight of 1.1 lbs makes it extremely comfortable to hold and use for long durations. Due to its lightweight, you can easily carry it in your hands or a backpack.

On the bottom, you get a magnetic connector to connect the keyboard. On the side, you have volume rockers and the power button, which also serves as a fingerprint scanner to unlock your device and authorize payments. You also get a USB Type-C port for charging and data syncing.

Cameras, Mic, and Speakers

On the rear, you get a 13MP autofocus camera and a 6MP ultra-wide telephoto lens with f/2.2 making it a tablet with the best camera. The picture quality, as you’d expect from Samsung, is stunning. The cameras also can record 4K video at 60fps. For selfies, you get a 12MP single autofocus snapper which can also record 4K at 60fps, providing you great quality.

Tab S8 has a powerful quad-speaker setup that is powered by AKG. The device also supports Dolby Atmos, and the overall sound performance is fantastic. It has a very loud yet crystal clear sound output while watching movies or playing your favorite games. Plus, a couple of noise-canceling mics are available that capture crisp sound with a high amount of detail.

Battery & Charging

A massive 8000mAh battery fuels the Tab S8. Samsung promises a staggering 14 hours of screen time, which is a bit ambitious, to be honest. The device manages to clock 10 hours of Screen Time after a full charge. Moreover, there is 45W fast charging support which can fully charge your device in around 1.5 hours.

Conclusion

If you are looking for the best Android tablet for Cricut Design Space, the Galaxy Tab S8 has everything you can ask for. Combining an S-Pen and a 120Hz display works like magic with designing applications. You also get a powerful processor with a nearly flagship-like camera experience. Not to mention One UI with tons of valuable features.

4. Best Runner Up: Microsoft Surface Go 3

Microsoft’s Surface Go 3 is an upgrade to the company’s previous Surface Go 2 with a faster i3 processor and the latest wireless connectivity standards. The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a more affordable version of the flagship Surface Pro 7 with a slightly lower quality yet decent display.

Why is it suited for Cricut Design Space?

Surface Go 3 comes with a gorgeous 10.5-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 1920 x 1280. The display is sharp with decent viewing angles making it comfortable to use in various positions using the kickstand. The display has 402 nits brightness and a 1500:1 contrast ratio, meaning you can view the colors and designs easily, even on the go.

Whether you are using the Cricut Desktop version, Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or any other digital designing resource, the display quality is decent enough to show your share images, deep blacks, and punchy colors. Moreover, the display also supports the Surface Pen, which allows you to be more accurate with your designs and paintings.

Wireless Connectivity

As far as connectivity options are concerned, the device is packed with all the latest wireless technology, including Wi-Fi 6 with IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax standards, enabling you to connect to faster networks. Additionally, there is Bluetooth 5.0 available to connect your speakers, keyboard, or other wireless peripherals.

Hardware & Performance

The 2-in-1 device is powered by Intel’s Dual-Core 10th Gen Core i3-10100Y processor, which offers decent processing power. Coupled with an extensive 8GB RAM, the processor does a decent job handling majority of the taste, such as photo-video editing, digital drawing, etc. Of course, it is not made for heavy gaming, but it will handle all your day-to-day tasks.

For storage, there is a 128GB SSD available which is traditionally known for speeding up the device, including boot time, app opening time, etc. You can further expand the storage using a micro SD card, thanks to a dedicated card slot.

Design & In-Hand Feel

The device is primarily made of high-class aluminum alloy, giving it a premium look. Although the device weighs only 1.2 lbs, it feels sturdy in hands due to good weight distribution. The measurements are 9.65 x 6.9 inches meaning despite having a 10.5-inch display, it is considerably small and easy to carry around.

The power button and volume controls sit on the top, while on the bottom, there is a Surface Type cover port to connect to the keyboard. On the side, there is a USB-C, an SD card reader, and traditional Surface connectors to connect to the surface port. Plus, there is an in-built kickstand in the back, allowing you to use the device at different angles with the surface keyboard.

Cameras, Mic, and Speakers

You get an 8MP autofocus camera that can take 1080p videos at 30fps. The picture quality is okay, exactly how you’d expect from a professional tablet. There is a 5MP front-facing camera that can also take 1080p videos. The front camera also works as a Windows Hello authenticator to unlock your device. The front camera performs rather well for video calls.

Surface Go 3 comes with a 2W dual-speaker setup powered by Dolby audio. The sound output is clear with enough details to enjoy your movies or games. Dual far-field Studio Mics work brilliantly to record your voice without any noise.

Battery & Charging

Microsoft claims 11 hours of battery life from the 6000 battery onboard. But under standard usages such as web browsing, photo editing, and video calling, the device lasts around 7 hours. Thankfully, the device supports 45W Quick Charge 3.0, meaning you can get your device fully charged in around 1.5 hours.

Conclusion

Surface Go 3 costs around $100 less than the Surface Pro 7. It offers an elegant design, decent camera performance, and snappy multitasking, thanks to the Core i3. The device carries most of the features of the Surface Pro 7, and if you are looking for a good tablet for Cricut Design Space, the Go 3 is the right one for you.

5. Best for Cricut Maker: CHUWI Ubook X

Although, it’s not the Cricut Machine such as the Cricut Maker or Explore or Joy that matters when it comes to choosing tablets, but if you are a Cricut Maker owner, this one is really going to impress you with its performance when using the Design Space.

This convertible from Chuwi is a great Windows tablet that bundles a stylus and keyboard at a reasonable price. Although the company has opted for the same processor as its predecessor, Ubook, the CHUWI Ubook X features a slightly larger and sharper display and a new and lighter design factor. Let’s check if the Ubook X is worth your time and attention.

Why is it suited for Cricut Design Space?

Ubook X has a stunning 12-inch 2K IPS display with 2160 x 1440 pixels resolution and a 3:2 aspect ratio. The overall viewing experience is great, and you will have no issues while working on your Cricut designs and other crafting, editing, or drawing tools.

The display has a maximum brightness of 340 nits which is just fine considering the price bracket. The display also supports the pen input, and it’s one of the few tablets that come with a stylus. The combination of a 2K display and a digital pen will work brilliantly with your drawings and designing applications.

Wireless Connectivity

This model includes Wi-Fi 5 technology with a good range, meaning you can detect the networks from any corner of your house or workplace. To connect your wireless peripherals, there is a Bluetooth 5.0 available.

Hardware & Performance

Chuwi UBook X is powered by an Intel Celeron N4100 chipset which is a quad-core processor built on 14nm architecture and turbo boost up to 2.4 GHz. Although the processor is slightly outdated, it’s coupled with a large 8GB DDR4 RAM and a faster 256GB SSD. The combination can handle the majority of your personal and professional tasks with ease.

There is a dedicated MicroSD card slot that supports up to 128GB if you want to increase the storage further. The device comes preinstalled with Windows 10 OS with a possibility of further Windows 11 update. It’s one of the few tablets that run MS Excel and other Microsoft software such as Office, Skype, Paint, and so on.

Design & In-Hand Feel

At first glance, the device appears premium and expensive. The entire body is made of high-quality aluminum, and it weighs just around 1.7 lbs, making it comfortable to use and carry around. The device measures 11.5 x 8.1 x 0.3-inch, which is relatively standard for a convertible 2-in-1 device.

On the right side, you get a USB Type-A 3.0 port, a USB Type-C port, a microHD port, and the socket for the power supply. The power button and volume controls are located on the upper side, while on the left side, you get a microSD slot and a 3.5mm jack.

On the bottom, there is a standard magnetic connector to connect the keyboard panel. There is also an in-built stand that lets you set the device at your desired angle when writing or designing the crafts.

Cameras, Mic, and Speakers

There is not much to talk about the cameras. You get a 5MP rear camera that takes good photos and records standard-definition video. There is a 2MP front camera which is okayish for video calls. I advise you to use an external camera if you want to make HD calls.

There are 2 stereo speakers located behind the frame, and once you open the frame to use it with the keyboard, you get to experience the full potential of the speakers. Although the audio lacks bass, the overall sound quality is satisfactory without distortion. A couple of noise-canceling mics are available that work just fine for video calling.

Battery & Charging

The device holds a 5000 mAh battery and claims an all-day battery life. However, it only manages 5-6 hours of standard usage, which is still acceptable considering it’s basically a portable laptop. There is no quick charge available, and you are stuck with a traditional laptop-style power cable. This Cricut tablet will take more than 3 hours to charge completely.

Conclusion

Chuwi hit big with the Ubook X, which is capable enough to take on some of the well-established manufacturers. With just over $450, you get 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD, and a stunning 2K display which is a delight to work on. Overall, it is one of the best tablets for Cricut Maker with a slight compromise in processor.

6. Best Tablet For Beginners: Lenovo P11 Plus

I tested this tablet with the Cricut Explore. Although, I’m not a fan of the Mediatek chipsets, but the way it handled the Design space is comparable to the top-rated tablets. Not only that, the battery life is best for DIY people who often forget to charge the batteries.

Carrying the same beautiful design factor from its predecessor, Tab P11, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus comes with a slightly better processor. You also get a great on-screen working experience with a stunning 2K display and stylus support, all at a sub $300 price. Overall it is one of the best mid-range tablets that run Cricut Design Space.

Why is it suited for Cricut Design Space?

Display plays a huge role when working with Cricut on a tablet, and Tab P11 Plus doesn’t disappoint you at all. It comes with a gorgeous 11-inch 2K IPS with 2000 x 1200 resolution and a 5:3 aspect ratio. Although the pixel density is just 221 PPI, the texts and images appear extremely sharp.

With 400 nits brightness and decent viewing angles, the P11 Plus is also comfortable to use outdoors. Moreover, there is Lenovo Precision Pen support which is exactly what you need for Cricut.

Wireless Connectivity

The device has the necessary wireless capabilities, including the latest Bluetooth 5.1 to seamlessly connect your speakers, keyboard, and other external peripherals. You also get Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band and Wi-Fi direct support. You can, of course, use it as a wireless hotspot for other devices.

Hardware & Performance

As for the performance, P11 Plus performs brilliantly thanks to the Mediatek Helio G90T Octa-core processor and Mali-G76 MC4 GPU. The 4GB RAM might not sound enough in 2023, but it’s capable of handling a majority of activities such as video calling, photo editing, and web browsing efficiently.

There is 128GB of internal storage, which should be enough, barring you are using the device to store designs from Pinterest. But there is also an SD card slot that supports up to 2TB for storage expansion. The device runs on Android 11 and has no unwanted applications except Lenovo utilities. The stock Android runs smoothly since there is no custom UI.

Design & In-Hand Feel

Tab P11 has an Alimunum back with a rubberized texture on the back, giving it a premium look with a better grip. The product measures 10.17 x 6.42 x 0.30 inches and weighs around 1.08 lbs meaning it’s not big and bulky, and you can easily hold it for long hours.

The power button is located on the top of the device, while the volume controls are on the side. On the bottom of the device, you get a USB Type-C port for charging and data syncing. You also see the magnetic connectors on the side, which allow you to connect to the Lenovo keyboard and use it as a laptop.

Cameras, Mic, and Speakers

You get a 13MP wide-angle autofocus camera that takes decent pictures and can record full HD 1080p video at 30fps. Image and video quality are exactly how you expect from a mid-range offering. There is an 8MP selfie camera that takes 1080p videos at 30fps. The overall camera quality is decent but not great. However, you get a good video conferencing experience.

The device houses a quad-speaker setup that is powered by Dolby Atmos. The audio output is surprisingly very loud and clear. Expect a flagship-worthy sound quality on this device when watching movies or playing your favorite games. The mic quality is also great, and it captures all the details while cutting the noise.

Battery & Charging

The device features an incredible 7700mAh battery that promises a 15-hour-long battery life. However, under realistic circumstances, the device manages the 10 hours of web browsing, multimedia consumption, photo editing, etc. There is 20W quick charge support, but it takes around 2.5-3 hours to charge your device completely.

Conclusion

No doubt, Tab 11 Plus is one of the best tablets for Cricut. Given the price point, the device offers some extraordinary features such as a gorgeous 2K display, a powerful Helio G90T processor, and a Lenovo Pen support for your art and design. If you are a student or a working professional looking for a good budget tablet, reward yourself with Lenovo Tab 11 Plus.

7. Best Cheapest Option: Nokia T20

Nokia is trying to remarket its presence with the launch of the affordable T20 tablet. The device is completely redesigned in terms of hardware and software compared to the previous N1 model. If you are looking for the best cheap tablet for Cricut Design Space, Nokia T20 is a perfect match.

Why is it suited for Cricut Design Space?

The T20 comes with a 10.4-inch IPS LCD panel with an aspect ratio of 5:3 and 2000 x 2000 pixels resolution. The display is exceptionally crisp and bright, with a pixel density of 224 PPI and 400 nits of brightness. The color reproduction is amazing, and you notice a significant number of details in your images and texts.

Such high details help you come up with more precise and accurate Cricut designs and other digital drawings.

Wireless Connectivity

For wireless connectivity, the device has the latest Bluetooth 5.0 that you can use to connect your wireless peripherals such as speakers, keyboard, projector, etc. There is standard WiFi 5 802.11, which we find in almost every entry-level device these days.

Hardware & Performance

Nokia T20 features one of the entry-level processors, Unisoc Tiger T610, built on the 12nm architecture. The Octa-core processor is good enough to handle pretty much every basic app you use daily, such as web browser, social media apps, editing tools, etc.

Multitasking is decent, thanks to 4GB RAM, which keeps most of your apps in the background without refreshing them. In terms of storage, you get 64GB of internal memory, which you can easily expand up to 512GB using a microSD card. The device runs on Android 11, a Stock version, meaning you don’t get any unwanted apps or bloatware.

Design & In-Hand Feel

The T20 is made of high-grade polycarbonate with a sanded metal finish on the back, giving it a premium look. The device measures  9.75 x 6.2 inches and weighs around 1.02 lbs, hence it’s highly portable and easy to carry around. The thickness of 0.3-inch and the rounded edges make the device comfortable to hold for long hours.

The volume controls are located on the right side, while the power button sits on top. They are both easily reachable when using the device in portrait mode. You get a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The 3.5mm audio jack is placed strangely at the bottom-right corner of the device, which might be annoying while you are holding your device in landscape mode.

Cameras, Mic, and Speakers

Nokia T20 offers an 8MP autofocus camera with LED flash. The camera is pretty primary and can capture HDR images and 1080p full HD videos at 30fps. For selfies, you get a 5MP front shooter, which has a face-unlock feature. The camera has basic features such as portrait mode, autofocus, etc. Overall, it is good enough for video calls and casual document pictures.

Battery & Charging

Nokia T20 rocks with a huge 8200mAh battery that is supposed to give you an entire day of battery life as Nokia claims. However, the battery lasts for 7-8 hours with standard usages such as crafting with Cricut, web browsing, and multimedia consumption. There is only a 15W fast charging support which means it will take good 3-3.5 hours to refill the battery completely.

Conclusion

Overall, Nokia T20 is the best cheap tablet for Cricut Maker. It offers some respectable features like a sharp 2K display, a fast Unisoc processor, and a clean stock Android experience. The device may suffer under heavy multitasking, but if you are a student who wants a good tablet for Cricut and some day-to-day tasks, this device is worth considering.

Cricut Tablet Buying Guide

While you can use a laptop or smartphone, a tablet is the best device for Cricut design space. Period. It’s most convenient due to its larger screen than the smartphone and light form-factor than the conventional laptops. Still, there are some other factors to consider when buying a tablet for Cricut, and we shall discuss them in detail.

Cricut Design Space Compatibility

Now, pretty much all the latest generation tablets are compatible with Cricut. However, not every single device can handle the application smoothly. It must fulfill the minimum requirement to run the program before you can start drawing on it.

	Windows	iPad	Android
OS	Windows 10 or higher	iPadOS 14 or above	Android 9.0 or higher
CPU	Intel/AMD Dual-Core processor or higher	Performance varies depending on CPU	Performance varies depending on CPU
RAM	4GB	4GB	4GB
Storage (Internal)	2GB	2GB	2GB
Display (Min)	1024×768 pixels	1024×768 pixels	1024×768 pixels
Ports	USB port/Bluetooth 5.0	USB C/Thunderbolt, Bluetooth	USB/Bluetooth
Internet Speed (Min)	3 Mbps	3 Mbps	3 Mbps

• Cricut Design Space is not supported by Chromebooks.
• The performance varies according to the Processor type.
• Cricut Design Space can be used offline on Windows Tablets and iPads only.

Display

When it comes to designing and drawing, display quality is the most important factor to consider. The sharper the display, the more precise your designs will be. Pretty much all the tablets come with a Full HD panel these days. The tablet touch screen adds more functionalities, such as a digital pen/Stylus support that makes you feel as if you are drawing on an actual paper.

IPS LCD screen is the most popular choice of manufacturers due to its affordability, brightness, and great viewing angles. You need decent viewing angles to be able to work on it. Although there is no match for an AMOLED screen in terms of color representation and deep blacks, an IPS display gives you enough to work on with Cricut Design Space.

Hardware & Performance

The hardware, usually the combination of Processor, GPU, and RAM, is crucial to run any application on a tablet or any other device. And when you are working on your designs, you usually need to flick through different screens while having multiple apps opened in the background.

A good processor ensures the smooth running of apps, while a good amount of RAM helps to keep the apps in the background without killing them for the time being. This usually is assisted by the OS the device is running. Some are more suitable for multitasking than others.

If you want to store a lot of data, make sure you pick one from the tablets with an SD card slot.

The majority of tablets come with Octa-core chipsets, which are sufficient to handle day-to-day tasks, including web browsing, social media, applications, and classic gaming. For advanced usages such as Cricut design, photo/video editing, and gaming, you need a powerful processor along with a decent GPU engine.

Design & Connectivity

Companies have started to put a lot of effort into the design and build quality these days. When you work for long hours, you need a lightweight machine that is comfortable to hold. You don’t want any awkwardly positioned power button or volume controls and the connectivity ports.

All the devices come with a standard Wi-Fi any that you can use to connect to wireless networks and peripherals such as a keyboard, mouse, headphones, etc. USB Type-C is a standard port these days, and it is generally used for charging and data syncing. Make sure the device supports OTG if you want to use a wired external mouse on it.

Battery & Other Features

Of course, all the features mentioned above are useless without good battery life. Now, the battery capacity doesn’t always translate into long battery hours. Battery performance also depends on the type of display, the power efficiency of the CPU, and the tasks you perform on it.

A tablet PC should give you an entire day of standard usage, including music, videos, and web browsing. If you are someone who has very little time on your hands, make sure the device has a quick charge option with at least 18W capacity.

A tablet is not designed to take pictures traditionally. However, they all come with a camera on the front and rear. These cameras are pretty standard and don’t perform like smartphones. However, the front camera, along with speakers and mic, is crucial if you attend a lot of online meetings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

I hope these detailed reviews will help you choose the right tablet for Cricut Design Space. To narrow it down even further, there are 3 main parameters to consider before buying a tablet for the given purpose, a sharp display, good processor, and connectivity support.

Here are some quick suggestions:

• If you are using Cricut on your Windows laptop but want to switch to a tablet with a similar environment, Surface Pro 7 is the best 2-in-1 tablet for you. The tablet can also be used as a laptop using the Surface cover keyboard.
• If you are not restricted by budget, get yourself the iPad Pro. It’s the best overall tablet in the market that can handle the Cricut very well, along with a bunch of other digital design and drawing apps. You also get access to the best designing app – ProCreate.
• Nokia T20 is a great option for students or freelancers who want to use Cricut on a tablet and make the best out of their artistic ideas.

All the devices mentioned above can run the Cricut Design well. Check the specifications and features of each product in detail and make sure you pay only for the features you actually need.