Samsung Galaxy Tab S series notes

Overview

The Samsung Galaxy Tabs S series of tablets with the and the Samsung S Pen can play the role of drawing tablets very well and are a compelling alternative to Apple iPads.

If you are exploring options for this category of devices, see: Pen-enabled mobile device recommendations

Models

There are many models available over the years, so it is likely you can find something that works for your budget. Below are three that I have personal experience with. But many others might suit your needs.

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE

    • ($350 to $520) excellent mid-budget option

    • HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Great value at reasonable cost.

    • my notes on Tab S9 FE

    • There are two versions:

      • 6GB RAM + 126GB storage ($450)

      • 8GB RAM with 256GB of storage ($520)

      • Both will work, but I always recommend getting more RAM for drawing apps.

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 LITE

    • ($240) is a good a low-cost option for beginners.

    • RECOMMENDED as great BUDGET choice for esp. for beginners. Performance is a but sluggish compared to other models but is enough for basic drawing.

    • There are different editions based on year

Size

The Samsung Galaxy Tab series has many models that span a wide range of sizes.

Size has a huge impact on how the tablet feels to use especially with the 16X9 aspect ratio of these tablets. So put careful thought into picking the appropriate size for you.

  • The size of the S9 FE is compact which makes it portable but big enough for me to draw on the couch and in bed and when I am travelling.

  • The S8 Ultra is very big. This works great when using it like a laptop, but it's size with its 16x9 aspect ratio can a bit just too much to deal with when holding close to drawing.

Included pen

Samsung Galaxy Tab S devices come with the Samsung S Pen: My notes on the Samsung S Pen

Compatible pens

These tablets are also compatible with a few the second generation of UD EMR pens

More here: UD EMR Pens 2nd gen

In particular you should think about using the Wacom CP-913 instead of the Samsung S Pen: Upgrading from the Samsung S pen to the Wacom CP-913 pen

Specific examples of compatible pens are:

  • Wacom One pen (CP-913) - Some people prefer to use the CP-913 with Samsung Tablets instead of the S pen. My notes on the CP-913

  • Wacom One Pen (CP-923) - This pen is trash. Avoid it. my notes on CP-923

Pointer lag

RATING: Very good

All three exhibit very low pointer lag. A bit more than the apply pencil, but less than even high end pen displays such as a Wacom Cintiq Pro.

System lag

  • The S8 and S9 are incredibly responsive and I don't notice much lag. They seemed almost as responsive as an iPad.

  • The S6 LITE is a little laggy when scrolling and using apps, but for basic line art with the Infinite Painter app I felt it was responsive.

Apps

As for software here are the apps I use with it. Stars indicate the apps I use most often with a Samsung Tab S device.

More here: Applications

Something similar procreate

A common question from people considering the Samsung Galaxy tab series is whether the procreate app works on these tablets.

Procreate is iPad-only.

The closes you can come to Procreate on a Samsung device is HiPaint.

Versus the Apple iPad

You might be interested in the Tab S series as an alternative the Apple iPad. If so, go here: 7P notes: Apple iPad versus Samsung Galaxy Tab S

Using a Galaxy Tab S tablet as an external monitor via USB-C

This means sending a display signal from a computer to this tablet. These tablets have no built in way to act as a monitor for your PC via USB-C.

Some people report that they can use software called SuperDisplay to make this happen, but I have not tried it.

Using an external monitor via USB

This means sending a video signal from the tablet to an external monitor. Whether this works depends on the model involved. My understanding is that only the Galaxy Tab S Ultra series can do this.

In my testing

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra- can use an external monitor

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE - can not use an external monitor

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 LITE - can not use an external monitor

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