7P notes: Samsung Galaxy Tab S series
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.
Specific models I own:
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra <- RECOMMENDED. High performance. Great display. (my notes on this tablet)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE <- HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Great value at reasonable cost.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 LITE (2022 edition or 2024 edition) <- RECOMMENDED as great budget choice for esp. for beginners.
They come with the Samsung S Pen: My notes on the Samsung S Pen
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.
Pens
Standard pens
The Galaxy Tab models come with an Samsung S Pen. Here are my notes: 7P notes: Samsung S Pen.
Compatible Pens
These tablets. they are also compatible with a few other pens.
Using the Wacom One GEN1 Pen CP-913
The Wacom CP-913 pen provides an better experience with this device. When I draw with a Samsung S series tablet Some people (including myself) use the CP-913 that came with my Wacom One (DTC-133) with Samsung Tablets.
Using the Wacom One GEN2 Pen CP-923
This pen is trash. Avoid it. My notes: 7P notes: Wacom One Pen GEN2 (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 my favorite apps.
Clip Studio Paint ⭐
Infinite Painter (works similar to Procreate on iPads) ⭐
Krita
IbisPaint X
A common question from people considering the Samsung Galaxy tab series is whether the procreate app works on these tablets. The answer is no. Procreate only works on iPads.
More here: Applications
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 display 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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