Like the first Pencil, it communicates via Bluetooth, but, in addition to the touch-sensitive tip, it has a tap-sensitive area on the barrel that can be programmed to perform specific functions in various creative apps. The Apple Pencil 2 was also subtly redesigned: it’s the same diameter and weight as the first-generation device, but 10mm shorter (166mm versus 176mm).
It also has a flat section running along its length, which stops it rolling across your desk and provides a surface for “docking” with the magnetic edge connector on compatible iPads. These features aren’t unique to Apple Pencil or iPad, so they’re worth looking out for whichever tablet and stylus combination you’re buying. Its siblings each share a density of 264ppi which, although enough to make individual pixels imperceptible in regular use, is still 20% down on the iPad mini. The ninth-generation iPad has what Apple calls a Retina display, which is a term it introduced with the iPhone 4 to describe any screen on which it’s impossible to spot the pixels at average viewing distances.
In this case, the 10.2in panel uses an LED-backlit display with IPS technology to deliver an sRGB image with 500 nits maximum brightness. The 12.9in iPad Pro is the odd one out, having a Liquid Retina XDR display, which achieves a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 with 1,000 nits of full screen brightness.
Best iPads for Drawing of 2023
The iPad Mini’s smaller screen (8 inches diagonally) means it’s not as well suited to larger drawings, but its compact size makes it perfect for travel and use on the go. If you want a tablet that is super responsive and can perform detailed editing tasks quickly, get an M2-based model and as much RAM as you can afford. Battery life and charging options: All the latest-generation iPads have the same battery-life rating from Apple at 10 hours. The newer M1 and M2 processors are incredibly efficient, but their added power means that sustained high load will drain your battery faster than sporadic, lightweight tasks on older iPad designs.
That may not be much of an issue if you have older iPhones with Lightning connectors and have lots of handy chargers, but if you’re trying to move all your devices to USB-C, it won’t do.
The 5 Best iPads for Drawing in 2023 (October) – Artlex
Best Overall iPad Pro 12.9” 5th Gen The ultimate choice for artists with exceptional display quality, powerful M1 Chip, and Apple Pencil 2 compatibility, but at a higher price. Best Value iPad Air 5 A value-for-money iPad with significant upgrades like M1 Chip, 8GB RAM, and Apple Pencil 2 support, delivering an experience close to Pro versions. Best for Beginners iPad 9th Gen : A budget-friendly yet competent choice for beginners with a great display, extended battery life, and access to popular drawing apps, though RAM is average.
Though artists could draw using a laptop and a graphic tablet or a small-sized pen display, it was still too much of a hassle to carry everything around, practically impossible to draw on the go and the few models (Wacom companion) that were portable were too chunky and way too expensive to even consider.
Since styluses were pretty common, some beginner artists opted for using them with their normal tablets and mobile drawing apps for fun, however, in 2015, Apple launched the Apple Pencil, the first pressure-sensitive stylus that could be used with the iPad and it was sensational. Having the ability to draw on a portable device, without having to be sitting on a desk, having the option to work on your art in any place of the world, at any time and for extended periods was the dream of every artist.
The introduction of the Apple Pencil 2 and the latest iPad Pro along with the app optimization for iPadOS and Procreate made art more accessible than ever. There was no longer the need of getting a PC, laptop, and a pen display to work in your art, every artist with an iPad and an Apple Pencil is now able to create high-quality art and immediately post it on social media, share it to other devices, or even submit it for work!
If you’re getting an iPad to draw and work on your art, you have to know what app you’re going to use beforehand, if you’re a beginner and plan on using Procreate, then there will be no issue, however, if you’re a seasoned artist and are used to work in Photoshop, Krita or Paint Tool Sai, then you must know that the iPad OS is not compatible with any of that software.
Photoshop was released not so long ago as a compatible app for the iPad, however, it is very limited and lacks too many functions. Other professional software like Clip Studio Paint, Adobe Fresco, and Sketchbooks are available and fully compatible with any iPad model, yet some of them have an additional cost or need a subscription service. There are plenty of free apps for drawing and painting, however, it will depend on you as an artist to choose the best match for you and your art.
At this moment in time, there are many iPad models to choose from, and after the latest Apple event, the list just keeps growing. If you have an older model or are planning on getting one, check this list for the Apple Pencil 1 compatibility devices: When talking about tablets in general, the biggest perk has to be the portability, the most powerful Apple iPad, the iPad Pro 12.9” is carryable but not the best option for portability, the 11” seems to be a perfect size, however, the price is still on the expensive side. The best price-value model regarding size, power, and affordability is without a doubt the iPad Air 5th generation, 10.9” of Liquid Retina Display (Same as the Pro 11”) and the M1 chip make the best combination. Another important matter to consider, especially if you’re an artist is the resolution and color accuracy, and the indisputable winner in this aspect is also the most expensive iPad model, the iPad Pro 12.9 5th generation with its XDR Liquid Retina and up to 1600 nits of brightness, however, Apple has always been known for having some of the best quality displays in the market, so even the most basic iPad will have a better display quality than most devices. The A14 chip is indeed very powerful and enough for running drawing apps and handling multitasking, nevertheless, it’s prone to crash if the canvas we’re using is too big or if we’re using too many layers.
Simple, if you’re going to use your iPad for school, streaming, and gaming, besides drawing, getting +128 GB is what would suit you best. If you’re going to use your iPad for video editing, heavy illustrations, animations, and work, then getting +512 GB is better. The 120Hz of refresh rate delivers an outstanding drawing experience and in our opinion, better than the best pen displays in the market. The con, is it’s quite expensive and can’t fully run some of the most used professional software, but that’s an issue with all iPads and tablets and I believe it can be fixed in later updates. If you’re on a budget but still want to have the ultimate drawing on the go experience, then this iPad is for you, for $479 only you get access to most drawing apps and Procreate, though the RAM is not the best, it still allows decent levels of multitasking and the screen is quite bright in comparison to more expensive devices. The battery of this model lasts up to 3 hours more than any other iPad, that’s a great perk for the price.
Apple’s last event was a surprise for all of us, we knew the iPad Air was going to have some changes, but no one expected the amazing upgrade it had, going from 4 to 8 GB of RAM was already a big change, however, the integration of the M1 chip took this device even closer to the Pro version. This iPad Pro model has most of the benefits of the 12.9 without the elevated price tag, the size is great for note-taking and carrying it around on a bag, it’s compatible with the Apple Pencil 2 and the refresh rate is the same as the 12.9 model, providing the ultimate drawing experience. The model we choose doesn’t have Cellular connectivity and only has 128GB of RAM which is enough for a great performance and a tight budget. This small yet powerful iPad is the best option for portability, its 8.3 inches allow you to carry it everywhere, and can even fit in your back pocket. The CPU is only second to the latest M1 Chip, and the USB C connectivity opens the doors to faster charge and Thunderbolt 3 support. The 4GB of RAM is great for drawing apps, streaming, and multitasking and the WiFi 6 support only enhances the experience. Having the right tools is very important for every artist, and Apple has brought us some of the most reliables devices for us to grow our abilities and careers, though some might consider them pricey, some of these devices fulfill the task that laptop and a pen display can do for the same amount of money, adding the bonus of portability, extended battery life and the reliability Apple has always offered to their users. I hope you’ve found this article useful and that you can choose the best iPad for you, thank you for reading.
The Best iPad for Procreate in 2023 — Brooke Glaser
You DO NOT need to get the newest, fanciest (or most expensive) iPad to make stunning digital art in Procreate. The video is very in-depth and covers a lot of ground, so if you don’t have time to watch the whole thing, read on to get all the same info in written form!
The best iPad for drawing in December 2023
But it’s worth making the effort, because modern iPads are a great choice for creating digital art. Its compatibility with the Apple Pencil 2 means you get one of the best styluses available right now, while the display’s refresh rate of 120Hz ensures excellent responsiveness. One small thing to consider is the size – the 12.9-inch offering is the largest in the iPad range and can feel pretty bulky if you’re not used to it. Unless you’re going to be doing a lot of professional drawing, it is probably more computing and display power than you need, and so a cheaper tablet on this list will likely be a better choice. While the Pro models still reign supreme in terms of performance and display quality, the iPad Air has closed the gap by incorporating the same M1 chip found in the Pros, making it a powerful and more affordable option for digital artists. He noted that the screen resolution is comparable to the Pro models, and the backlighting is even and colour-accurate, making it a great choice for visual creative work, including drawing. And some artists swear by a completely different drawing experience away from the bigger (and more expensive) iPad Pros. This model boasts a small but perfectly formed 8.3-inch Liquid Retina screen, which offers an impressive resolution of 1488 x 2266 pixels.
In short, if you’re looking for a good-quality compact tablet for digital drawing, you won’t find a better option. Matthew also reviewed this one, writing: “It’s powerful enough to handle pretty advanced creative work, yet fits in a coat pocket,” which is just what some on-the-go artists need. Apple gave the basic iPad a refresh in 2022, upgrading the chipset for better hardware for better performance and adding an improved rear camera. Much like the more expensive iPad models, this tablet includes True Tone support, which is Apple’s technology that adjusts colour balance depending on the quality of light in the room.
Battery life is generally pretty good, and the new A14 chip provides a small but noticeable speed boost in operation. Whilst this slightly older model doesn’t sport the shiny new M2 chip, the M1 still packs a punch and can easily handle intense creative programmes.
In our iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M1, 2021) review our writer goes into more detail, and summarises by explaining how this tablet, “offers one of the best screens ever made, and as much power as a desktop PC. In personally prefer the larger screen for artwork, but accessories like the Astropad Slate can be used to expand the drawing area. Our expert review: Average Amazon review: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Specifications Stylus support: Apple Pencil 2, Apple Pencil 3 Screen size: 12.9-inch Resolution: 2732×2048 pixels Weight: 641 g Dimensions: 280.6 x 214.9 mm OS: up to iPadOS 17 CPU: A12Z Bionic chip Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB Rear cameras: 12MP, 10MP, TOF 3D LiDAR Front camera: 7MP, 1080p video Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon View at Studio Reasons to buy + Still powerful and fast for most art apps + Can use Apple Pencil 2 + Display remains excellent Reasons to avoid – You may need to buy refurbished – Cameras feel dated At the time it felt underwhelming but in hindsight it’s a solid release that remains a powerful and fast tablet. Its lack of ambition on release actually ensures it’s a competent device in 2023, because Apple needed to get as much out of its A12Z Bionic chip as possible. It runs the latest operating system, iPadOS 17, and can support all of the leading iPad art apps.
If so, I’d recommend buying from Apple directly as they offer the same one-year warranty as a brand-new iPad, along with a new battery and outer shell and all the manuals. Ultimately, the best iPad for drawing is going to depend on the individual needs of the artist, and there’s no objectively right or wrong answer. Processing power: Newer iPads have faster processors, and are capable of handling more complex tasks without stutter or slowdown. Drawing is not the most intensive task that an iPad can perform, so this may well not be a factor – however, if you are working with super-high resolution files, then it’s going to be very important that your tablet can load and display them correctly.
If price is an issue, I’d recommend the older iPad Pro 12.9 inch (2020), which lacks the new M-chips but regardless is a solid tablet with a large display, runs the new iPadOS and supports Apple Pencil 2. This may mean using an iPad to sketch and create ideas before finishing in Photoshop or one of the best digital art softwares.
My personal favourites are the Astropad Slate, a large drawing stand that the iPad sits into to give it a larger work area, and secondly is Rock, Paper, Pencil (also from Astropad), this textured display cover offers a paper-like feel, protects your iPad screen and comes with hard-wearing Apple Pencil 2 nibs. I’d suggest at least 128GB of storage, which means you can create large high-res files and ensures all apps can be used, from Procreate to Illustrator and ArtRage.
The best pen displays, like the Wacom MobileStudio Pro 13, are close to iPads in that they can run software natively.
Best iPad for Drawing: Top 5 Devices for Creatives in 2023
Picture this: You’re an up-and-coming artist looking for the perfect digital partner to explore your illustrative talents. iPad Pro is the star of the show with features you can’t ignore, but it comes at a premium. iPad Air packs a punch without emptying your pockets, making it an excellent middle-ground option. So, aim for something like the A14 Bionic chip or above; it keeps you in the fast lane, making sure your imagination doesn’t get stuck by tech limitations.
But, if you’re the coffee shop doodler or the on-the-train sketcher, maybe the iPad Mini’s more compact size is your match. So, aim for that high ppi (pixels per inch) to keep your art as crisp as a winter morning.
Pay attention to features like True Tone and brightness levels so your artwork looks like your iPad’s creation once printed. Before we begin, the table below shows a quick insight into the tablets we’ll look at and the best-suited artistic level.
The iPad Pro flexes its muscle with an M1 chip, elevating your drawing experience to a realm you’ve only dreamt about.
Apple Pencil 2 Support: This isn’t just a stylus; it’s a magic wand that pairs perfectly with the iPad Pro.
The stylus responds to pressure and tilts like a dream, turning your tablet into a true canvas. Screen Magic: The liquid retina display on the iPad Pro is nothing short of a visual feast.
When Portability Meets Power: For the artists always on the move, size and weight are no trivial matters. We’re talking heavy lifting on digital art projects, snappy animations, and zero time wasted on slow iPad.
So, you don’t have to fork out extra for the Pro model just to experience the pencil’s tip-top responsiveness and precision. Artists and creators who need a digital notebook for on-the-fly inspiration will find a worthy sidekick in the 2021 iPad Mini. A Canvas in Your Pocket: the iPad Mini offers an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone and P3 wide colour. With its high refresh rate, it’s nimble, responsive, and ready to tackle your most complex Procreate layers. If you’re thinking of jotting down quick notes or sketching out rapid doodles, this could be the tablet for you. To sum up, the 2021 iPad Mini doesn’t skimp on features, proving that dynamite often comes in small packages. It’s the perfect partner for spontaneous creativity, offering the power and features that artists crave, minus the bulk. Similar to the iPad Mini 6, Think of it as the perfect middle ground—robust enough for demanding tasks but not so over the top that you’re dishing out extra cash for performance.
Memory Matters: 4GB of RAM keeps everything smooth, whether you’re multitasking or fine-tuning details in your digital masterpiece. If your wallet’s feeling a bit light but you’ve got heavy-duty illustration ambitions, the iPad 9th Gen is your go-to guy.
It’s the blue-collar hero of the iPad family, offering solid features at a friendly price point. A Palette of Pixels: Coming in with a 10.2-inch LED-backlit display, the screen size is ample but not extravagant. Artist concerns: Although this tablet is great for beginners, the screen veers towards a bluish tint, which is far from ideal for detailed, colour-sensitive work.
It lets you toggle between your creative apps and type up those essential notes without breaking your flow. Now, grab that Apple Pencil, slap on a glove, and let your creativity run wild.
Best iPad for artists 2023
Sure, any iPad is great for watching your favorite streaming content, sending emails, reading books, and surfing the web. Depending on what sort of art you create, an iPad might even be a better choice than the best MacBook, since it’s so portable and has a highly responsive touch screen that works beautifully with the Apple Pencil.
Our team of Apple experts have years of experience testing all kinds of tech and gadgets, so you can be sure our recommendations and criticisms are accurate and helpful. It’s the most powerful tablet Apple has made so far, offering an even better display than before, M2 SoC, Face ID support, and plenty more. The iPad Pro’s 12.9-inch display is a great canvas size for your art, whether you’re sketching, painting, or editing photos — all while still letting you be mobile. In our iMore review, we noticed that the Liquid Retina XDR display in the 12.9-inch iPad Pro offers incredible color accuracy and shows off HDR images and video in all of their glory.
That’s particularly useful when working with the Apple Pencil, as it means your strokes appear on the screen near-instantly, just like if you were using a real piece of paper. The 2022 iPad Pro works beautifully with the second-generation Apple Pencil when it comes to digital sketching, painting, and other artistic projects. The second-generation Apple Pencil will recognize things like tilt and any pressure applied to the tip, also supporting palm rejection. It also has a small gesture area on its flat side, so you can double-tap to switch between your two most recent tools quickly. If you’re seeking an iPad as a supplement to your Mac rather than as a primary artistic tool, a smaller size might suit your needs better. The 11-inch 2022 iPad Pro is, predictably, similar to its larger counterpart, but we’ve split them into two entires as the size and display make them a bit different.
The 11-inch sticks with a regular Liquid Retina display, so the larger model offers slightly better quality when it comes to HDR content, vibrant hues, and deeper blacks. However, the regular Liquid Retina display is still great and a valid choice for artists on the move. In an ideal world, we’d go with the bigger screen but if portability is important to you, this remains an excellent and powerful choice.
When we reviewed the iPad Air 5, we found the 10.9-inch screen to be a good size for drawing and painting, while also being appropriate for photo editing. It remains a powerful processor that ensures the iPad Air 5 is extremely responsive and speedy, no matter what you’re using it for. That means you gain a display of better overall quality than a non-laminated one, with better images and a more vibrant range of colors.
That means flat edges, smaller bezels surrounding the delightful 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, USB-C charging, and no more Home button. The volume buttons have moved because the iPad mini 6 now supports the Apple Pencil 2, with the stylus magnetically attaching to the right side of the device. Apple Pencil 2 support means you get pressure sensitivity and a double-tap for changing tools.
Other new features include better cameras, now with Center Stage support for video calls, 5G connectivity on the cellular model, and the A15 Bionic chip that’s similar to that seen on the iPhone 13 lineup. Perfect for travel while still allowing you plenty of flexibility with your sketches, the Apple iPad Mini 6 is the little tablet that truly could. It also has the A13 Bionic chip under the hood so it’s plenty powerful for basic drawing, sketching, along with watching videos, reading, writing, and other things.
The tablet offers a beautiful 10.2-inch LCD Retina display with incredibly sharp and detailed graphics and text. The big, beautiful Liquid Retina XDR display is not only the largest but also the most advanced in Apple’s lineup.
It has the important features you’ll want, such as tilt and pressure sensitivity, palm rejection, double-tap to change tools, and Apple Pencil hover.
Best iPads for Drawing of 2023
The iPad Mini’s smaller screen (8 inches diagonally) means it’s not as well suited to larger drawings, but its compact size makes it perfect for travel and use on the go. If you want a tablet that is super responsive and can perform detailed editing tasks quickly, get an M2-based model and as much RAM as you can afford. Battery life and charging options: All the latest-generation iPads have the same battery-life rating from Apple at 10 hours. The newer M1 and M2 processors are incredibly efficient, but their added power means that sustained high load will drain your battery faster than sporadic, lightweight tasks on older iPad designs.
That may not be much of an issue if you have older iPhones with Lightning connectors and have lots of handy chargers, but if you’re trying to move all your devices to USB-C, it won’t do.
Best Apple iPads in 2023
They’re lighter and as capable as most computers, can connect to external mice and keyboards and work better for multitasking, note-taking and drawing when compared to a phone. No matter which iPad you pick, you’ll be getting one of the best tablets, with a slim form factor, a clear multi-touch display, a front and rear camera, a decent amount of storage space for your files and photos, support for wifi and Bluetooth, and solid all-day battery life to keep you going for at least 10 hours of internet browsing.
Which iPad is best for drawing?
In this article, we’ll explore the top options, considering features like Apple Pencil compatibility, processing power, and display quality to help you find the best iPad for your artistic endeavors. Additionally, the compatibility with the second-generation Apple Pencil provides precise input and low latency, making it a top choice for professional artists and illustrators.
Additionally, the larger screen sizes available in iPad Pros make them ideal as a drawing tablet replacement, offering ample space for detailed work.
True Tone technology, present in various iPad models, enhances the viewing experience by adjusting the white balance to match the surrounding ambient light.
The introduction of Center Stage, a feature available on certain iPad models, uses advanced technology to automatically adjust the camera during video calls, ensuring that the user remains in focus even if they move around. Overall, these enhancements in display technology and quality have elevated the iPad’s capabilities, making it an increasingly popular choice for digital artists seeking a versatile and high-quality drawing platform.
Artists who primarily use such applications may lean towards iPad Pro models, which offer excellent performance capabilities with larger screen sizes and high-resolution displays. The iPad Pro models, with their advanced hardware and impressive multitasking capabilities, are often favored by these artists as they can handle resource-intensive creative applications with ease. Ultimately, the artist’s choice of software and their specific performance requirements play a crucial role in determining the most suitable iPad model for their digital artistry needs. The larger screen sizes available in iPad Pros, for instance, provide more real estate for multitasking, allowing artists to have reference images, color palettes, or other tools readily accessible while they work. The latest iPad models and iOS updates have introduced significant improvements in file management, allowing artists to efficiently organize, categorize, and access their artwork and resources. iPad Pros, with their powerful processors, ample storage options, and advanced file management capabilities, provide a robust platform for artists to keep their creative assets organized.
The best drawing tablets of 2023: Expert recommended
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Best iPad for Drawing and Artists in 2023
With its stunning XDR Liquid Retina display, supported by the powerful M1 processor (5th Generation), and an impeccable overall design, this is the best art tablet on the market today. Edit 2023: If you want absolutely the newest tech to get M2 chip and use Apple Pencil hover feature, get the 2022 iPad Pro 12.9″ I suspect that Apple’s XDR (extended dynamic range) technology – which only the iPad Pro has – is the reason behind the 12.9’s incredibly accurate screen. This increase in visibility, accuracy, and expressiveness makes me work more confidently and with less strain and a more natural creative flow.
I can work in greater detail, with more precision, and much stronger and more effective control over colors and gradients, light and shadow, and even composition and relationships. Especially important to me as an artist is color accuracy – and the iPad Pro is as good as it gets in this regard – but all of these factors are ultra-important to me and my work every day.
For me, though, I find that 8GB to be plenty for even more complex artwork and larger files, but I do recommend at least a 512GB SSD drive – it is so nice to have a bit of a portable portfolio with me all of the time, as well as lots of works in progress and newly finished pieces. Alternative Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (4th Gen) Best iPad Pro alternative for drawing and Procreate Apple M2 Processor for Next-Level Performance :: 11 inch Liquid Retina Display for Superior Color, Contrast, Brightness :: Light and Extremely Strong :: Premium Fit and Finish :: Up to 10 Hours Battery Life :: Hover feature with Apple Pencil 2 Check Latest Price Latest Price UK 🇬🇧
The screen-to-pen interaction is essentially the same as with the bigger Pro, as are the anti-glare treatment and the strong, light construction of the fully laminated screen.
For commercial and fine artists, photographers, videographers, and technical artists, it is also important to note that the Apple iPad Pro 11 inch has the same configuration options as the 12.9-inch version – and, just as with the bigger Pro, I would recommend an ideal setup of 8 GB RAM and a larger 512 GB internal SSD drive, as you will find HERE . Best Value Pick Apple iPad Air 10.9″ (5th Gen) Best value iPad for drawing and Procreate M1 processor :: 10.9-inch liquid retina display for superior color, contrast, brightness :: Light & extremely strong :: Premium fit & finish :: Up to 10 hours battery life :: Early 2022 model :: Apple Pencil 2 compatible Check Latest Price Latest Price UK 🇬🇧 It is also a great way for somebody working in traditional media – like painting on canvas or drawing on paper – to transition to digital art.
This is due largely to the ideal pen-to-screen interaction you get, the always consistent and glitch-free flow of lines as your pen moves, the speed, and the total lack of problems – even with big and complex art files and images – that the M1 processor, with its lightning-fast processing speed, offers. For some, it may well be, but the iPad Pro can be configured with much more RAM memory to ensure the biggest and most complex pieces and projects can be loaded and worked on with no issues. The iPad Pro also has an internal storage of up to 2 TB, in case you’re digitally rendering, I don’t know, the entire world. In contrast, the iPad Air has a maximum internal storage of 256 GB – plenty enough for most people but a bit limiting for some top-tier professionals.
Still, like any Apple product, the iPad Air is a very well-made and reliable tablet, sure to give years of trouble-free service. Portable Pick Apple iPad Mini 6th Gen Best Portable iPad I recommend for drawing and Procreate Apple A15 Processor for Best-in-Class Performance :: 8.3 inch Liquid Retina Display for Superior Color, Contrast, Brightness :: Light and Extremely Strong :: Premium Fit and Finish :: Up to 10 Hours Battery Life :: Late 2021 model :: Apple Pencil 2 compatible Check Latest Price Latest Price UK 🇬🇧
Because the Mini has a true Liquid Retina display – not as bright as the iPad Pro tablets, but just as intense, energetic, accurate, and beautiful as the more expensive Air, and sharper than any of them! It can be considered by any artist or creator on any level – especially if you don’t need a ton of memory, if you want a very small and most portable iPad, or if you are looking for the perfect second or backup art tablet.
The touch screen works so beautifully with the Apple Pencil (which you must buy separately), with that ideal combination of effortless flow and feedback, allowing you to fall into fully natural motion and gestures when you are painting and drawing – really extraordinary expressivity and total control.
The processor is not as fast as the M1 chip in the higher-up iPad models – the Air and the two Pros – and only has 4 GB of memory, but for most artists, this is not a concern.
And even though the screen is a lot smaller with this compact iPad, it is again so incredibly bright and sharp, so alive, that it is much easier and more effective working on the Mini than on any other tablet of the same size. No, the least expensive iPad is not a match for the other Apple tablets – it has a slower processor, less memory, less color range and accuracy, and a bit less life in the displayed image.
However, it has resolution and sharpness on the level of almost any other iPad – even the Pro – and a remarkably detailed and deep touchscreen display that is easy and fun to work on and can serve even the most demanding artists quite well. Don’t forget always to check the app requirements on the developer website before you purchase a renewed iPad, though! In my experience, iPad Pro and Air models that are 2-3 years old still support Procreate and are a perfect alternative if you are on a budget! How they feel in your hand and on the screen puts them in a completely different class than any other Apple-compatible digital stylus I’ve used.
The most crucial specifications for any iPad artist are memory (RAM), storage, size, resolution, and battery. RAM, measured in gigabytes (GB), is a temporary memory used by your iPad to store data it’s working on at the moment so it can access them very quickly.
Because of my illustration process, I like to work with many layers, and the newest iPad Pro gives me a lot of flexibility and doesn’t limit me when drawing. Screenshot: Iva’s iPad Pro 12.9 with 512GB storage and 8GB RAM allows for 116 layers in Procreate in size A4 at 300 DPI – Source: ©Art Side of Life
Screenshot: Iva’s iPad Pro 12.9 with 512GB storage and 8GB RAM allows for 56 layers in Procreate in size A3 at 300 DPI – Source: ©Art Side of Life Now, storage, measured in gigabytes (GB) as well, doesn’t directly affect the drawing experience on your iPad.
I think the battery is only important if you, like me, like to draw on the go; in public transport, in a cafe, or on a hike, where you don’t have a readily available power outlet. My iPad Pro 12.9″ lasts 5-6 hours of drawing in Procreate before I need to recharge it or plug it into a power outlet!
When I think of Apple Pencil and my new iPad, I always think of one of the most memorable lines from the movie Forrest Gump: “we were like peas and carrots” 😊. Lis cet article en français 🇫🇷 Le meilleur iPad pour Procreate
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