7 Best Tablets for Photoshop in 2023 [Expert Picks]

Did you recently pick up a designing gig but are unsure about your availability? Or, did your company cite some pressing requirements despite you having plans to explore the hills over the coming weekend. Well, mobility and availability shouldn’t be massive concerns for the designer in you, if you look at the Photoshop compatible tablets.

But why just Photoshop! Often considered the gold standard of creative designing applications, Adobe Photoshop requires considerable computing resources and hence a powerful tablet. For a handheld tablet to be good enough to run Photoshop, it must feature a color-accurate display, adequate processing setup, a portable design, and a competent battery module.

Other feature-specific requirements, including connectivity suite, OS, and more, depending on the profession you are in and the skill level you are on. You can be a tattoo artist, logo designer, photo editor, or blog creative head. Regardless, you will always need Photoshop and, therefore, a compatible tablet.

But then, not every tablet is suitable for Photoshop and professional photo editing needs. While some might promise decent TFT screens, octa-core chipsets, and even slimmer bezels, they often fail to impress the creative bone within. And to save you from picking the wrong device, I have prepared a list of tablets that can run Photoshop with considerable ease.

7 Best Tablets for Photoshop in 2023

In the subsequent sections, I shall enlist 7 of the best Photoshop-friendly tablets that are sequenced based on the specs sheet, power under the hood, and obviously, the pricing. And don’t get led into believing that I only tested 7 devices for you.

On the contrary, I subjected close to 25 tablets to rigorous testing parameters, connected with experienced and loyal photoshop users, and even personally edited close to 1000 RAW images to get a first-hand experience of the interface and the concerned tablet.

So let us dig right into the reviews and find you the tablet that you have been looking for:

1. Best Overall: Microsoft Surface Pro 7

If you want to run Photoshop on a tablet, you simply cannot forego the all-inclusive Microsoft Surface Pro 7. And if you have been using the Pro 6, you might want to invest in this new model that comes equipped with a Type-C port for faster data transfers, unlike the predecessor.

Why is it suitable for Photo Editing?

The Pro 7 sets the record straight as one of the best photo editing tablets ever, courtesy of the 12.3-inch PixelSense display. And what sticks is the ability of the screen to display colors to perfection. The existing panel exhibits an overall resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels, followed by a standard 69% DCI-P3 color gamut.

However, the 102% sRGB color gamut is what makes it the best bet for running a full-fledged Photoshop application. The absolute color accuracy relevant to the screen is yet another feather in the Pro 7’s cap when photo editing performances are concerned.

The processing setup is worth the hype with the Pro 7 running a 10th gen Intel Core i5 processor, ably assisted by the Iris Plus GPU. Microsoft even stacks in 8GB that helps you handle multiple photoshop modes, tasks, and effects concurrently. And storing processed images and designs is hardly an issue with a 256GB SSD module in play.

But that’s not all. The Pro 7 boots up the Windows 10 OS in virtually no time and ensures that not only Photoshop but every photo editing app like Lightroom, Topaz Studio, and Canva runs without any hassle.

Design & Connectivity

The Pro 7 is aesthetically superior as compared to some of the other picks on the list, courtesy of the magnesium-clad form factor. It weighs 1.70 pounds and measures 11.5 x 7.9 x 0.33 inches. While it might not be as sleek as, say, the iPad Pro, it manages to put together a decent connectivity suite in Type-C, Type-A, and Surface Connect port, and Wi-Fi 6 standard.

Battery & other Features

The 10.5-hour battery backup is worth peeking at, followed by a reasonably collated specs sheet involving a 5MP selfie shooter and an 8MP rear camera. Also, this product works in tandem with the S-pen and the Type-Cover keyboard to achieve its peak potential.

Conclusion 

Overall, Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is one of the best Windows tablets to run Photoshop without cutting corners. And when it comes to comparing it with other products around, the graphics-optimized Intel processor steals the show.

2. Best iPad for Photoshop: Apple iPad Pro

If you are an Adobe Creative Cloud user, Apple iPad Pro 12.9 is arguably the best tablet for running Photoshop. Also, I tested it extensively against the Apple Bionic Chip variant, only to realize that the M1 is a lot faster when it comes to handling multiple photo editing tasks at once.

Why is it suitable for Photo Editing?

Adobe CC users can make great use of the 12.9-inch Mini-LED Liquid Retina display that promises exceptional color clarity, courtesy of almost 123% sRGB color gamut. Plus, the screen size is close to that of the new MacBook Air M1, which offers enough real estate to aspiring and professional designers.

What stands out, though, is the stylus or Apple Pencil 2nd gen compatibility, thereby adding to the sketching and scribbling experience.

From a processing perspective, it is the well-known M1 chipset. And it works miraculously well with 8GB RAM. Despite the non-upgradable architecture, the 128GB storage module is more than adequate. The iPadOS 16 platform is one of the most interactive ones, especially if you are into designing and photo editing.

Design & Connectivity

Internals aside, the iPad Pro M1 is also one of the better-looking tablets around. The aluminum-clad layout is enviously sleek at 11.05 x 8.46 x 0.25 inches and weighs a manageable 1.5 pounds. The connectivity suite is worth paying attention to, courtesy of the Wi-Fi 6 standard for faster internet, Type-C Thunderbolt support for fast charging, and other perks.

Battery & other Features

Apple stands by the 10-hour battery backup promise and even packs a wide range of shooters for you. If you are into specifics, there is a 12MP camera at the front followed by a three-camera setup with PDAF at the rear.

Conclusion 

Overall, the M1 chipset relevant to the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 is what makes it a better bet as compared to any other device in the existing space. Plus, the cumulative specs sheet also deserves a second round of applause.

3. Best for Portability: Microsoft Surface Go 2

Professional photo editors and designers need to move around a lot, and this is where a reliable, Windows-powered tablet comes into play. The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is fast, efficient, and one of the few products to offer a full-fledged Photoshop experience without compatibility issues. 

And when compared with the older Surface Go, the Go 2 offers better wireless internet connectivity, courtesy of Wi-Fi 6 support.

Why is it suitable for Photo Editing?

What works for persistent Photoshop users is the resourceful 10.5-inch PixelSense panel that also promises a brilliant 107% sRGB gamut for improved color fidelity. Plus, the full HD resolution even takes good care of sunlight visibility and issues related to viewing angles.

The Pentium Gold processor doesn’t consume much power, despite working closely with 8GB RAM. Therefore, you can be mightly sure about the brilliant multitasking performance and that too without compromising the thermal sanctity of the same. Adding to this is a fast 128GB SSD and the power-efficient S-Mode of the Windows 10 operating system.

Design & Connectivity

Microsoft ensures that the Go 2 feels lighter than some of the other tablets on the list, owing to its relatively sleek design at 9.65 x 6.90 x 0.33 inches. And while the thickness might be comparable to the Pro 7, the Go 2 is way lighter at 1.20 pounds.

Wireless connectivity is analogous, though, with BT 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 leading the charts. 

Battery & other Features

This efficient 2-in-1 tablet promises 10 hours of backup. Plus, it accommodates a sharp 8MP rear shooter and an average 5MP selfie camera for you to stay connected with a team, assuming you prefer working with one.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a smallish Windows tablet that can easily double down as an ultraportable tablet. However, it is the magnesium casing and an Intel-powered processing setup that makes it a better bet than other 10-inch tablets in the market.

4. Best in terms of Storage: Apple iPad Air (4th Gen)

Apple’s iPad Air is one of the most promising tablets that run Photoshop, especially if you want to use features like compositing, layering, and more. Also, this is the 4th Gen iPad Air that bests the 3rd gen model in terms of display size and processing power.

Why is it suitable for Photo Editing?

The new iPad Air promises the highest possible levels of color fidelity, all thanks to the P3 color gamut and the top-shelf sRGB palette. Plus, the 10.9-inch, bright screen boasts liquid retina technology followed by an overall resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels.

While Photoshop usage is being talked about, I was particularly impressed by how the iPad Air handled the likes of Fresco and Procreate.

The processing setup, led by the A14 Bionic processor, deserves a segment of its own. Plus, there is 4GB RAM and 256GB of storage support in play that is instrumental in loading most apps and the iPadOS 16.6 in virtually no time.

Design & Connectivity

The metal-clad iPad cannot get any lighter at 1.01 pounds. And, it is a tad sleeker than the iPad Pro at 9.75 x 7.03 x 0.24 inches. On top of that, you get access to Wi-Fi 6 standard and a fast yet efficient Type-C slot.

Battery & other Features

With 10 hours of battery backup, the iPad Air comes across as one of the more reliable tablets for photo editing. And if you fancy a decent camera setup, the Air doesn’t disappoint and makes way for a 7MP front and a 12MP rear shooter.

Conclusion 

The Apple iPad Air is one of the more portable Photoshop tabs which outpaces other products on the list in terms of aesthetics and even processing power. However, if the 4th Gen iPad Air seems a tad pricey, you can even opt for the 10.2-inch, 4th Gen iPad, which still boasts an excellent processing setup, courtesy of the A13 Bionic chipset and a 64GB storage module.

And while the 10.2-inch screen feels a bit smaller on the iPad, the Touch ID support and True Tone technology more than compensate for the same.

5. Best Drawing Tablet: HUION Kamvas Pro 16

If you have a penchant for drawing in Photoshop with a tablet device, nothing can beat specialized drawing tablets like HUION Kamvas Pro 16. What makes it a preferred choice for drawing enthusiasts and artists is a bigger, brighter, and color-accurate display followed by a super-responsive pen.

Your search for the best drawing tablet for Photoshop should end here with the HUION Kamvas Pro 16. Even if you plan on picking up the HUION Pro 12, the Pro 16 seems like a better choice, courtesy of the better real-estate and improved resolution.

Why is it suitable for Photo Editing?

While there can be many reasons for persisting with the Kamvas Pro 16, nothing feels better than having a massive, 16-inch screen with full HD resolution and a 120% sRGB color gamut. Adding to the outdoor performance is the IPS screen and the 92% aRGB color palette.

And while it doesn’t feature a processing setup of its own, it can be paired with Windows, Mac, and even Chrome-powered devices, without any hassle whatsoever. 

Design & Connectivity

As expected, the Kamvas Pro 16 is on the thicker side at 17.2 x 9.9 x 0.45 inches. And it weighs 2.98 pounds, making it a tad chunkier than usual. Coming to the connectivity suite, this product boasts a Type-C and an HDMI slot.

Other relevant specs include a bundled stylus pen with EMR charging technology and a peak pressure sensitivity level of 8192. 

Battery & other Features

The Kamvas Pro 16 uses the power of the host to stay charged. Plus, there are several on-device buttons to help you use the device as an inclusive design resource. 

Conclusion 

While standalone drawing tablets are highly resourceful, Kamvas Pro 16 makes the cut due to its massive screen size, excellent color fidelity, and multi-OS compatibility, making it the best tablet for drawing in Photoshop.

6. Best Pen Tablet for Photoshop: CHUWI Hi10 X

Here is one of the more affordable Windows tablets that is a good choice for mid-level freelancers. I even tested it against the ever-reliable UBook, only to find the CHUWI Hi10 X slimmer than the predecessor.

Why is it suitable for Photo Editing?

Chuwi’s 10.1-inch IPS screen is adequately bright and one of the sharpest panels in play. With a color gamut of 97%, you can expect the colors to be at their accurate best. The full HD display, courtesy of 1920 x 1200 pixels, ensures excellent viewing angles and reliable outdoor performances.

Next in line is the credible processing set up, led by Intel’s N4120 processor and 6GB RAM. There is a 128GB solid-state storage module in play that is fast and ensures minimal Windows 10 boot-up times.

Design & Connectivity

Apparently, it is the aesthetic presence that makes the Hi10 X stick. Firstly, it weighs a respectable 1.15 pounds, and secondly, the dimensions hint at sleekness at 10 x 6.72 x 0.26 inches. Connectivity-wise, you get access to Wireless AC standard and an extensive set of ports, including HDMI, Type-C, and Type-A.

But that’s not ever the fun part. The Hi10 X is one of the few tablets that bundle a stylus pen that’s efficient for the designers, followed by an ergonomic and durable, attachable keyboard.

Battery & other Features

The 6-hour battery backup isn’t exactly revolutionary. Also, the 5MP rear and 2MP front shooter setup only meets expectations but caters rather perfectly to your professional requirements.

Conclusion 

Overall, the CHUWI Hi10 X is a reliable tablet for running Photoshop and other photo editing apps. And what sets it apart is the inclusion of accessories at such a pocket-friendly price point.

7. Best Budget Tablet: Vastking KingPad M10

Although Android tablets can’t run the full-fledged version of Adobe Photoshop, your photo editing needs can be attended to with perfection if you use Photopea Online Editor or Photoshop Express, a variant devised precisely for mobile photo editors.

Well, I have finally listed an Android-powered tablet for your photo editing requirements. However, before going right for it, I would ask you to consider a few important aspects relevant to compatibility and usage. Plus, the KingPad K10 Pro was also on my list of probable, but I chose to persist with the Vastking KingPad M10 for its 2K display.

Why is it suitable for Photo Editing?

What makes it good enough, though, is the 10.3-inch 2K IPS screen with a resolution of 2000 x 1200 pixels. Coming to the color gamut, Vastking has kept the details clandestine to be exact but the visual presence hints at a 100% sRGB palette. Leading the processing consortium is an AI-powered T618 chipset, working in tandem with 4GB RAM. Storage-wise, there is a 128GB unit that can be upgraded by 2TB, if needed.

Design & Connectivity

Despite the sleek form factor, the M10 comes across as a metal-clad device, weighing 0.99 pounds, to be exact. The tablet is also on the sleeker side, with dimensions fixed at 9.7 x 6.1 x 0.3 inches. Next, you have the connectivity suite led by Wi-Fi AC support, LTE connectivity, and a Type-C port.

Battery & other Features

Vastking promises 12 hours of extended battery backup followed by a 13MP rear shooter. And if you are into regular video calls, there is an 8MP front camera to help you connect.

Conclusion 

What stands out is the ability of the Kingpad M10 to run several photo editing apps in addition to the Photoshop Express. And what sets it apart is the effective pricing, making it the best budget tablet for Photoshop that can also put some of the most competitive tablets to shame.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

Photoshop tablets aren’t easy to find as you often need to weed out popular android variants due to compatibility issues. The list, therefore, makes a lot of sense and helps you pick a product that aligns with your needs. And just to make life easier, here are some of the handpicked options that stand out:

• If you want a laptop-like experience that lets you use Photoshop in a full-fledged way, there isn’t a better pick than the Microsoft Surface Pro 7.
• As a premium user, you might want to invest in the Apple iPad Pro if you are more into illustrations, compositing, and all-inclusive Photo editing.
• In case you are only interested in a glorified drawing pad, the HUION Kamvas Pro 16 is the best drawing tablet for Photoshop.

And while these selections are worthy of accolades, you can always consider other tablets and their alternatives if you prefer keeping multiple options available. And if you read through all the reviews, you can, most certainly, pick the best tablet PC for Adobe Photoshop that resonates with your exact needs and budget.