This guide helps you pick the best tablet for Adobe Fresco. We aim to guide artists, illustrators, sketchers who use (or plan to use) Fresco regularly. We promise clear criteria, honest trade-offs, and confident recommendations so you choose a device that supports your creative vision.
You’ve felt it before: a stylus that lags, screen glare that hides your colors, layers that slow down or crash. Those things kill creativity. When you draw, paint, or work with textures you want every stroke to respond instantly, every color to show faithfully, and your device to stay out of your way. That is our focus here.
Challenges when using Fresco on sub-optimal tablets include: slow brush rendering, limited layer count, poor stylus pressure/tilt support, short battery life, small or low-quality displays that misrepresent color or detail. These problems distract you, waste your time, reduce your satisfaction with every illustration.
We solve this by identifying exactly which tablet features truly matter for Fresco. We examine what Fresco requires at minimum and what features lift your experience. With those in mind you’ll see which tablets deliver solid performance, which ones compromise, and which ones shine for pro work.
Here are the key criteria we assess. We also give the minimum specification Fresco demands; anything below leads to frustration.
Minimum specs from Adobe support: device must run iOS (selected iPad models) or Windows 10/11 with recent version; require at least 8 GB RAM on Windows; need 5 GB free space to install, with 16 GB available storage recommended for performance. On iPad: compatible with Apple Pencil (various generations) and iPad models from 5th gen, iPad Air 3+
We evaluate each feature in terms of advantage, what problem it solves, and typical use cases.
Display quality: looking for at least 10-inch screen, high resolution (Full HD or better), good color reproduction (sRGB / P3), low latency touch. Advantage: precise detail, accurate color, comfortable sketching. Mitigates: blurry lines, color shifts, eye strain. Use case: detailed line art, color layering, painting textures.
Stylus support: pressure sensitivity, tilt support, low latency (especially for iPads with Apple Pencil or Windows tablets with active stylus). Advantage: natural mark making, varied strokes, responsive control. Mitigates stiff brushes, un-felt nuances, inability to do shading/tapered strokes. Use case: sketching, inking, painterly work.
Processing power & RAM: at least 16 GB RAM on Windows, strong GPU, fast CPU. On iPad, the chip should handle GPU workloads well. Advantage: smooth brush rendering, high layer counts, fast switching. Mitigates lag, crashes, slow rendering. Use case: multi-layer compositions, large canvases, working in high DPI.
Storage: 64 GB-minimum, more if you plan many large files / videos / reference material. Advantage: avoids running out of space, keeps your workflow organized. Mitigates deleting files, being forced to offload work constantly. Use case: you keep many Fresco files and other apps / media on the same tablet.
Battery life: long battery sustainment for long drawing sessions. Advantage: uninterrupted work when you travel or draw away from power. Mitigates mid-session shutdowns. Use case: travel, sketching outside, long studio sessions without plugging in.
Build & ergonomics: stylus quality, display glare control (anti-reflective glass or matte screen), weight, heat dissipation. Advantage: comfortable drawing hand position, reduced fatigue, less overheating. Mitigates discomfort, shaky lines, poor control. Use case: long hours, drawing on lap, outdoor usage.
With all that in mind we move into specific tablet recommendations that meet or exceed the minimum specs and excel in some or many of the evaluated features.
The Following are the Best Tablets for Adobe Fresco (2024):
Contents
- Apple iPad (10th Generation) with A14 Bionic chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, 256GB, Wi-Fi 6 + 5G Cellular
- SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9 11” 128GB , WiFi 6E Android Tablet
- SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9 11” 256GB , WiFi 6E Android Tablet
- SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9 FE Wi-Fi 10.9” 128GB Android Tablet
- Apple iPad (10th Generation) with A14 Bionic chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, 256GB
- Apple iPad Air (5th Generation) with M1 chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, 64GB, Wi-Fi 6 + 5G Cellular
- TECLAST X6 PRO 2 in 1 Laptop Tablet
- Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 256GB)
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ Wi-Fi, Mystic Black - 512GB
- Apple iPad Pro (11-inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular, 512GB) - Space Gray (2nd Gen)
- CHUWI UBook Tablet
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet
Apple iPad (10th Generation) with A14 Bionic chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, 256GB, Wi-Fi 6 + 5G Cellular |
|
|---|---|
 Check This On Amazon |
|
| Operating System | iOS |
| Screen Size | 10.9 inches |
| Display Resolution | 2360 x 1640 Pixels |
| Processor | A14 Bionic |
| GPU | A14 Bionic 6 Core |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage Space | 256GB |
| SD Card Expansion Slot | No |
| Main Camera | 12 Megapixels |
| Front Selfie Camera | 12 Megapixels |
| Battery Capacity | Li-Po 7606 mAh |
| Connectivity | Wifi, Bluetooth, Cellular |
| Battery | Li-Po 7606 mAh |
| Pros | Performance, Display, Battery life |
| Cons | None |
SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9 11” 128GB , WiFi 6E Android Tablet |
|
|---|---|
 Check This On Amazon |
|
| Operating System | Android |
| Screen Size | 11 inches |
| Display Resolution | 2560 x 1600 pixels |
| Processor | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 740 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage Space | 128GB |
| SD Card Expansion Slot | Yes |
| Main Camera | 13 Megapixels |
| Front Selfie Camera | 12 Megapixels |
| Battery Capacity | Li-Po 8400 mAh, non-removable |
| Connectivity | Wifi, Bluetooth, |
| Pros | Battery, Performance |
| Cons | N/A |
SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9 11” 256GB , WiFi 6E Android Tablet |
|
|---|---|
 Check This On Amazon |
|
| Operating System | Android |
| Screen Size | 11 inches |
| Display Resolution | 2560 x 1600 pixels |
| Processor | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 740 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage Space | 128GB |
| SD Card Expansion Slot | Yes |
| Main Camera | 13 Megapixels |
| Front Selfie Camera | 12 Megapixels |
| Battery Capacity | Li-Po 8400 mAh, non-removable |
| Connectivity | Wifi, Bluetooth, |
| Pros | Battery, Performance |
| Cons | N/A |
SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9 FE Wi-Fi 10.9” 128GB Android Tablet |
|
|---|---|
 Check This On Amazon |
|
| Operating System | Android |
| Screen Size | 10.9 inches |
| Display Resolution | 2304 X 1440 pixels (WUXGA+) |
| Processor | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MP5 |
| RAM | 6GB |
| Storage Space | 128GB |
| SD Card Expansion Slot | Yes, Up to 1TB expandable storage |
| Main Camera | 8 Megapixels |
| Front Selfie Camera | 12 Megapixels |
| Battery Capacity | 8,000 mAh (up to 18 hrs.) |
| Connectivity | Wifi, Bluetooth |
| Pros | Performance, Quality Display |
| Cons | None |
Apple iPad (10th Generation) with A14 Bionic chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, 256GB |
|
|---|---|
 Check This On Amazon |
|
| Operating System | iOS |
| Screen Size | 10.9 inches |
| Display Resolution | 2360 x 1640 Pixels |
| Processor | A14 Bionic |
| GPU | A14 Bionic 6 Core |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage Space | 256GB |
| SD Card Expansion Slot | No |
| Main Camera | 12 Megapixels |
| Front Selfie Camera | 12 Megapixels |
| Battery Capacity | Li-Po 7606 mAh |
| Connectivity | Wifi, Bluetooth |
| Battery | Li-Po 7606 mAh |
| Pros | Good performance, Quality Display |
| Cons | None |
Apple iPad Air (5th Generation) with M1 chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, 64GB, Wi-Fi 6 + 5G Cellular |
|
|---|---|
 Check This On Amazon |
|
| Operating System | iOS |
| Screen Size | 10.9 inches |
| Display Resolution | 2360 x 1640 Pixels |
| Processor | Apple M1 |
| GPU | Apple M1 GPU |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage Space | 64GB |
| SD Card Expansion Slot | None |
| Main Camera | 12 Megapixels |
| Front Selfie Camera | 12 Megapixels |
| Battery Capacity | Li-Ion (28.6 Wh), |
| Connectivity | Wifi, Bluetooth, Cellular |
| Pros | Good performance, Quality Display, Large display, Battery life |
| Cons | None |
TECLAST X6 PRO 2 in 1 Laptop Tablet |
|
|---|---|
 See This Latest Price on Amazon |
|
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Screen Size | 12.6 Inches |
| Display Resolution | 2880x1920 Full HD |
| Processor | Intel Core M3 |
| GPU | Intel® HD Graphics 515 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage Space | 256GB |
| SD Card Expansion Slot | Yes |
| Main Camera | 5 Megapixels |
| Front Selfie Camera | 2 Megapixels |
| Battery Capacity | 38000 mWh |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Pros | Good performance, Portable, Quality Design, Long Battery Life |
| Cons | Quite Expensive |
Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 256GB) |
|
|---|---|
 See This on Amazon |
|
| Operating System | iOS |
| Screen Size | 12.9 inches |
| Display Resolution | 2048 x 2732 pixels |
| Processor | A12X Bionic chip |
| GPU | Apple GPU |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage Space | 256GB |
| SD Card Expansion Slot | No |
| Main Camera | 12 Megapixels |
| Front Selfie Camera | 7 Megapixels |
| Battery Life | up to 12 hours |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Pros | Storage |
| Cons | NA |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ Wi-Fi, Mystic Black - 512GB |
|
|---|---|
 See This on Amazon |
|
| Operating System | Android 10.0 |
| Screen Size | 12.4 Inches |
| Display Resolution | 2800 x 1752 Pixels |
| Processor | Qualcomm SDM865+ Octa Core |
| GPU | Adreno 650 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage Space | 512GB |
| SD Card Expansion Slot | Yes |
| Main Camera | 13 + 5 Megapixels |
| Front Selfie Camera | 8 Megapixels |
| Battery Life | up to 14 hours |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Pros | Battery Life, Performance |
| Cons | Price |
Apple iPad Pro (11-inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular, 512GB) - Space Gray (2nd Gen) |
|
|---|---|
 Check This on Amazon |
|
| Operating System | iPad OS |
| Screen Size | 11 inches |
| Display Resolution | 1668 x 2388 pixels |
| Processor | A12Z Bionic |
| GPU | Apple GPU |
| RAM | 6GB |
| Storage Space | 512GB |
| SD Card Expansion Slot | No |
| Main Camera | 12MP Wide camera, 10MP Ultra Wide camera, and LiDAR Scanner |
| Front Selfie Camera | 7MP TrueDepth front camera |
| Battery Life | up to 10 hours |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cellular |
| Pros | Storage, Display Quality |
| Cons | NA |
CHUWI UBook Tablet |
|
|---|---|
 Check it on Amazon |
|
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home OS |
| Screen Size | 11.6 Inches |
| Display Resolution | 1920x1080 Pixels |
| Processor | Intel Gemini-Lake N4100 Quad-cores |
| GPU | Intel® UHD Graphics 600 , 700MHz |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage Space | 256 GB |
| SD Card Expansion Slot | Yes |
| Main Camera | 5 Megapixels |
| Front Selfie Camera | 5 Megapixels |
| Battery Capacity | 3500mAh |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Pros | Performance, Display Quality, Large storage |
| Cons | None |
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet |
|
|---|---|
 Check This on Amazon |
|
| Operating System | Windows 10 Pro |
| Screen Size | 12 inches |
| Display Resolution | 2160 x 1440 pixels |
| Processor | Intel Core m5-6Y57 Dual-Core 1.1GHz |
| GPU | Intel HD Graphics |
| RAM | 8GB DDR3 |
| Storage Space | 256GB SSD |
| SD Card Expansion Slot | Yes |
| Main Camera | 8 Megapixels |
| Front Selfie Camera | 5 Megapixels |
| Battery Capacity | UP TO 10 HOURS |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Pros | Storage, Performance |
| Cons | NA |
You should also check out the Best Tablets for Digital Paintings in addition to the Best Tablets for Affinity Designer.
MORE TABLET RECOMMENDATIONS:
Latest Top Tablets for Adobe Lightroom
Top Tablets for Adobe Premiere Rush
