# 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](https://docs.thesevenpens.com/drawtab/recommendations/standalone-recs/mobile-device-recs)

## 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**&#x20;
  * HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
  * [<mark style="background-color:green;">**my notes on Tab S11 Ultra**</mark>](https://docs.thesevenpens.com/drawtab/links/drawtab-links/samsung/samsung-galaxy-tab-s-series/samsung-galaxy-tab-s11-ultra-notes)
* **Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra**&#x20;
  * RECOMMENDED. High performance. Great display.
  * [<mark style="background-color:green;">**my notes on Tab S8 Ultra**</mark>](https://docs.thesevenpens.com/drawtab/links/drawtab-links/samsung/samsung-galaxy-tab-s-series/samsung-galaxy-tab-s8-ultra-notes)&#x20;
* **Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE**&#x20;
  * ($350 to $520) excellent mid-budget option
  * HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Great value at reasonable cost.
  * &#x20;[<mark style="background-color:green;">**my notes on Tab S9 FE**</mark>](https://docs.thesevenpens.com/drawtab/links/drawtab-links/samsung/samsung-galaxy-tab-s-series/samsung-galaxy-tab-s9-fe-notes)
  * There are two versions:&#x20;
    * 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. &#x20;
  * 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
    * 2024 edition
    * 2022 edition - [<mark style="background-color:green;">**my notes on Tab S6 lite 2022 edition**</mark>](https://docs.thesevenpens.com/drawtab/links/drawtab-links/samsung/samsung-galaxy-tab-s-series/samsung-galaxy-tab-s6-lite-2022-edition-notes)
    * 2020 edition - avoid it.&#x20;
    * Get the most recent edition

## 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.  &#x20;
* 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: [<mark style="background-color:green;">**My notes on the Samsung S Pen**</mark>](https://docs.thesevenpens.com/drawtab/links/pen-links/samsung-s-pen/samsung-s-pen-notes)

## Compatible pens

These tablets are also compatible with a few the second generation of UD EMR pens&#x20;

More here: [UD EMR Pens 2nd gen](https://docs.thesevenpens.com/drawtab/technology/wacom-ud-emr/tablets-that-support-ud-emr-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](https://docs.thesevenpens.com/drawtab/links/pen-links/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. [<mark style="background-color:green;">**My notes on the CP-913**</mark>](https://docs.thesevenpens.com/drawtab/links/pen-links/wacom-pens/7p-wacom-cp-913)
* Wacom One Pen (CP-923) - This pen is trash. Avoid it. [<mark style="background-color:green;">**my notes on CP-923**</mark>](https://docs.thesevenpens.com/drawtab/links/pen-links/wacom-pens/wacom-cp-923)&#x20;

## 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.&#x20;

## 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.

* [Clip Studio Paint ](https://docs.thesevenpens.com/drawtab/links/app-links/clip-studio-paint)
* [HiPaint](https://docs.thesevenpens.com/drawtab/links/app-links/hipaint) (works very similar to Procreate on iPads)  ⭐
* [Infinite Painter ](https://docs.thesevenpens.com/drawtab/links/app-links/infinite-painter)(works similar to Procreate on iPads) ⭐
* [Concepts app](https://docs.thesevenpens.com/drawtab/links/app-links/infinite-painter)&#x20;
* [IbisPaint X](https://docs.thesevenpens.com/drawtab/links/app-links/ibis-paint)

More here: [**Applications**](https://docs.thesevenpens.com/drawtab/apps)&#x20;

## Something similar procreate

A common question from people considering the Samsung Galaxy tab series is whether the procreate app works on these tablets.&#x20;

Procreate is iPad-only.

The closes you can come to Procreate on a Samsung device is [HiPaint](https://docs.thesevenpens.com/drawtab/links/app-links/hipaint).&#x20;

## 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**](https://docs.thesevenpens.com/drawtab/links/drawtab-links/apple/apple-ipad-versus-samsung-galaxy-tab-s)&#x20;

## 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](https://superdisplay.app/) to make this happen, but I have not tried it.&#x20;

## 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
