We help you understand what makes a tablet excellent for running Affinity Photo so you can choose one that supports editing, drawing, heavy images, and creative workflows well. This guide suits photographers, digital artists, retouchers, and any user who treats Affinity Photo as a central tool.
When using Affinity Photo on an under-powered tablet, you’ll notice delays when opening big files, sluggish brush strokes, lag when using multiple layers, struggle with pen pressure or tilt, and short battery life that interrupts your creative flow. These pain points distract, slow down work, and make the editing experience frustrating.
The main challenge lies in resource demands. Affinity Photo benefits from strong CPU (or chip) performance, good GPU (for hardware acceleration), sufficient RAM, fast storage, color-accurate displays, reliable pen/stylus input, and good thermal design. Tablets that cut corners in any of these usually force compromises: rough brush work, poor responsiveness, limited support for machine learning features, or inability to work on large canvases.
Our solution: list key criteria you should assess when choosing a tablet for Affinity Photo, define minimum specifications that ensure smooth performance, note what each feature helps with, and set expectations so you know what a capable tablet must deliver.
Here are the key criteria, with advantages and what problems they help avoid, plus minimum specs:
CPU / Processor (and GPU acceleration)
A powerful chip allows fast rendering, applying filters, transforming images, using AI-based selections. Without a strong processor, tasks like noise reduction, blur, or high-res image adjustments drag. Affinity Photo 2 uses hardware acceleration via Metal (on Apple chips), OpenGL, Direct3D, OpenCL.
Minimum spec: modern multi-core CPU (for Apple: M-series; for Windows: a recent Intel or AMD chip; avoid older low-power Atom/Pentium variants if you plan serious work). A GPU that supports acceleration is a plus.
RAM / Memory capacity
RAM determines how many large images, layers, adjustment maps, and simultaneous apps you can have open. Low RAM causes swapping, delays, or even crashes with high-resolution files.
Minimum spec: 8 GB RAM for lighter usage (small to medium photos, fewer layers); 16 GB or more if you work with RAW files, big composites, many layers.
Display quality, resolution & color accuracy
You’ll need an accurate, vivid display to judge color, see fine detail, mask precisely, and avoid eye strain. High resolution plus support for wide-color gamuts (P3, etc.), HDR or brightness over ~400 nits help. Sub-pixel accuracy helps when zooming in.
Minimum spec: Full HD or higher (preferably Retina / hiDPI or equivalent); display with good color gamut (sRGB minimum; P3 or better ideal); brightness ~400 nits for outdoor/bright space work.
Storage speed & capacity
Fast storage (SSD / NVMe) helps with loading images, saving large files, moving between layers or undo history smoothly. Capacity matters because raw + PSD + large exports take space. Slow storage causes lag.
Minimum spec: At least 256 GB SSD (for serious use), or 128 GB for lighter workflows; fast storage (NVMe / comparable speed); ideally storage you can expand or backup easily.
Input / Stylus support
Affinity Photo benefits from pressure sensitivity, tilt, accurate stylus mapping. Good stylus hardware reduces lag, improves brush behavior. Also consider how the tablet handles pen input method: “High Precision”, “Windows Ink” etc on Windows.
Minimum spec: stylus support with pressure sensitivity; good drivers; low latency pen/stylus; tablet that supports high precision input mode when available.
Operating System & Feature Compatibility
You want a version of Affinity that supports machine learning features, plug-ins, latest updates. Affinity Photo 2 on iPad requires an Apple M-series chip for ML-features. If using Windows, make sure the OS version is compatible, and avoid weak emulation layers (e.g. ARM if many dependencies still built for x64).
Battery life & thermal design
Editing is heavy. Tablets that overheat throttle performance; weak batteries die when in mid-work. Good thermal design and battery capacity ensure sustained workflow.
Weight, build quality & accessories
You may want keyboard, pen holder, protective case. Build quality affects handling (holding tablet, stability). If frequently used on lap or moving between locations, lighter, well-built devices matter.
Expectations you should set:
You will not always get laptop-level performance in very cheap tablets. When working with very large files, many layers, full resolution edits, you can expect some lag even in high-end tablets. Accessories (stylus, keyboard) often cost extra. Updates matter: ensure OS and driver support is ongoing. If you’re on a budget, you may need to compromise on display extremes or storage size; but do not compromise too much on CPU, RAM, and pen input, those degrade user experience most.
We now transition into some tablet models that satisfy most or all of these criteria. These choices will show trade-offs: e.g. iPad vs Windows Surface vs high-end Windows detachable, with pros and cons so you can see which aligns with your priorities. You’ll be able to pick a tablet that supports Affinity Photo workflows without frequent frustration.
The Following are the Best Tablets for Affinity Photo:
Contents
- Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th Generation) with M2 chip, Liquid Retina XDR Display, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6E + 5G Cellular
- Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th Generation) with M2 chip, Liquid Retina XDR Display, 1TB, Wi-Fi 6E, 12MP
- Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th Generation) with M2 chip, Liquid Retina XDR Display, 512GB, Wi-Fi 6E + 5G Cellular
- Apple iPad (10.2-inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular, 32GB) -(8th Gen)
- Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular, 1TB) - Space Gray (4th Gen)
- Apple iPad Pro 3rd Gen (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular, 1TB)
- Apple iPad (10th Generation) with A14 Bionic chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, 256GB, Wi-Fi 6 + 5G Cellular
- Apple iPad (10th Generation) with A14 Bionic chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, 256GB
- Apple iPad Air 10.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB - Space Gray
- Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 128GB) - Space Gray (4th Gen)
- Apple iPad Pro 3rd Generation (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB)
- Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 256GB) - Space Gray (4th Gen)
- Apple iPad Pro (11-inch, Wi-Fi, 256GB) - Space Gray (2nd Gen)
- Apple iPad Air 10.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 256GB - Silver
- Apple iPad Air 10.5-inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular 256GB
- Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular, 256GB) - Silver (4th Gen)
- Apple iPad Mini (Wi-Fi, 64GB)
- Apple iPad Pro (11-inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular, 128GB)
Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th Generation) with M2 chip, Liquid Retina XDR Display, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6E + 5G Cellular |
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|---|---|
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| Operating System | iOs |
| Screen Size | 12.9 inches |
| Display Resolution | 2732 x 2048 Pixels |
| Processor | Apple M2 8 Core |
| GPU | Apple M2 10 Core |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage Space | 128GB |
| SD Card Expansion Slot | No |
| Main Camera | 12 Megapixels |
| Front Selfie Camera | 10 Megapixels |
| Battery Capacity | Li-Po 10758 mAh |
| Connectivity | Wifi, 5G, Bluetooth |
| Pros | Display, Performance |
| Cons | None |
Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th Generation) with M2 chip, Liquid Retina XDR Display, 1TB, Wi-Fi 6E, 12MP |
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|---|---|
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| Operating System | iOs |
| Screen Size | 12.9 inches |
| Display Resolution | 2732 x 2048 Pixels |
| Processor | Apple M2 8 Core |
| GPU | Apple M2 10 Core |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage Space | 256GB |
| SD Card Expansion Slot | No |
| Main Camera | 12 Megapixels |
| Front Selfie Camera | 10 Megapixels |
| Battery Capacity | Li-Po 10758 mAh |
| Connectivity | Wifi |
| Pros | Performance, Display Quality |
| Cons | Quite expensive |
Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th Generation) with M2 chip, Liquid Retina XDR Display, 512GB, Wi-Fi 6E + 5G Cellular |
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|---|---|
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|
| Operating System | iOs |
| Screen Size | 12.9 inches |
| Display Resolution | 2732 x 2048 Pixels |
| Processor | Apple M2 8 Core |
| GPU | Apple M2 10 Core |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage Space | 512GB |
| SD Card Expansion Slot | No |
| Main Camera | 12 Megapixels |
| Front Selfie Camera | 10 Megapixels |
| Battery Capacity | Li-Po 10758 mAh |
| Connectivity | Wifi, 5G, Bluetooth |
| Pros | Display, Performance |
| Cons | None |
Apple iPad (10.2-inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular, 32GB) -(8th Gen) |
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|---|---|
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| Operating System | iPad OS |
| Screen Size | 10.2 inches |
| Display Resolution | 1620 x 2160 pixels |
| Processor | Apple A12 Bionic |
| GPU | Apple GPU |
| RAM | 3GB |
| Storage Space | 32GB |
| SD Card Expansion Slot | No |
| Main Camera | 8 Megapixels |
| Front Selfie Camera | 1.2 Megapixels |
| Battery Life | up to 10 hours |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cellular |
| Pros | Affordable, Performance, Battery Life |
| Cons | None |
Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular, 1TB) - Space Gray (4th Gen) |
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|---|---|
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| Operating System | iPad OS |
| Screen Size | 12.9 inches |
| Display Resolution | 2048 x 2732 pixels |
| Processor | A12Z Bionic |
| GPU | Apple GPU |
| RAM | 6GB |
| Storage Space | 1TB |
| 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 | Cellular, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Pros | Storage, Display Quality, Performance |
| Cons | None |
Apple iPad Pro 3rd Gen (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular, 1TB) |
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|---|---|
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| 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 | 1TB |
| SD Card Expansion Slot | No |
| Main Camera | 12 Megapixels |
| Front Selfie Camera | 7 Megapixels |
| Battery Life | up to 12 hours |
| Connectivity | Cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Pros | Storage, Display Quality |
| Cons | None |
Apple iPad (10th Generation) with A14 Bionic chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, 256GB, Wi-Fi 6 + 5G Cellular |
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|---|---|
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| 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 |
Apple iPad (10th Generation) with A14 Bionic chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, 256GB |
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|---|---|
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| 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 10.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB - Space Gray |
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|---|---|
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| Operating System | iPad OS |
| Screen Size | 10.9 inches |
| Display Resolution | 1640 x 2360 pixels |
| Processor | A14 Bionic chip |
| GPU | Apple GPU |
| RAM | |
| Storage Space | 64GB |
| SD Card Expansion Slot | No |
| Main Camera | 12MP back camera |
| Front Selfie Camera | 7MP FaceTime HD front camera |
| Battery Life | up to 10 hours |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Pros | Performance, Display Quality |
| Cons | None |
Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 128GB) - Space Gray (4th Gen) |
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|---|---|
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| Operating System | iPad OS |
| Screen Size | 12.9 inches |
| Display Resolution | 2048 x 2732 pixels |
| Processor | A12Z Bionic |
| GPU | Apple GPU |
| RAM | 6GB |
| Storage Space | 128GB |
| 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 |
| Pros | Battery, Performance |
| Cons | NA |
Apple iPad Pro 3rd Generation (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB) |
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|---|---|
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| 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 | 64GB |
| 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 | Performance |
| Cons | NA |
Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 256GB) - Space Gray (4th Gen) |
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|---|---|
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| Operating System | iPad OS |
| Screen Size | 12.9 inches |
| Display Resolution | 2048 x 2732 pixels |
| Processor | A12Z Bionic |
| GPU | Apple GPU |
| RAM | 6GB |
| Storage Space | 256GB |
| 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 |
| Pros | Performance, Display |
| Cons | None |
Apple iPad Pro (11-inch, Wi-Fi, 256GB) - Space Gray (2nd Gen) |
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|---|---|
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| Operating System | iPad OS |
| Screen Size | 11 inches |
| Display Resolution | 1668 x 2388 pixels |
| Processor | A12Z Bionic |
| GPU | Apple GPU |
| RAM | 6GB |
| Storage Space | 256GB |
| 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 |
| Cons | NA |
Apple iPad Air 10.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 256GB - Silver |
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|---|---|
 |
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| Operating System | iPad OS |
| Screen Size | 10.9 inches |
| Display Resolution | 1640 x 2360 pixels |
| Processor | A14 Bionic chip |
| GPU | Apple GPU |
| RAM | |
| Storage Space | 256GB |
| SD Card Expansion Slot | No |
| Main Camera | 12MP back camera |
| Front Selfie Camera | 7MP FaceTime HD front camera |
| Battery Life | up to 10 hours |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Pros | Performance, Display Quality |
| Cons | None |
Apple iPad Air 10.5-inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular 256GB |
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|---|---|
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| Operating System | iOS |
| Screen Size | 10.5 inchres |
| Display Resolution | 1668 x 2224 pixels |
| Processor | A12 Bionic chip |
| GPU | Apple |
| RAM | 3GB |
| Storage Space | 256GB |
| SD Card Expansion Slot | No |
| Main Camera | 8 Megapixels |
| Front Selfie Camera | 7 Megapixels |
| Battery Life | up to 10 hours |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Cellular, Bluetooth |
| Pros | Performance, Screen Quality |
| Cons | None |
Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular, 256GB) - Silver (4th Gen) |
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|---|---|
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| Operating System | iPad OS |
| Screen Size | 12.9 inches |
| Display Resolution | 2048 x 2732 pixels |
| Processor | A12Z Bionic |
| GPU | Apple GPU |
| RAM | 6GB |
| Storage Space | 256GB |
| 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 | Cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Pros | Battery Life, Display Quality |
| Cons | NA |
Apple iPad Mini (Wi-Fi, 64GB) |
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|---|---|
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| Operating System | iOS |
| Screen Size | 7.9 inches |
| Display Resolution | 1536 x 2048 pixels |
| Processor | A12 Bionic chip |
| GPU | Apple GPU |
| RAM | 3GB |
| Storage Space | 64GB |
| SD Card Expansion Slot | No |
| Main Camera | 8 Megapixels |
| Front Selfie Camera | 7 Megapixels |
| Battery Life | up to 10 hours |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Pros | Performance, Display |
| Cons | NA |
Apple iPad Pro (11-inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular, 128GB) |
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|---|---|
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|
| Operating System | iPad OS |
| Screen Size | 11 inches |
| Display Resolution | 1668 x 2388 pixels |
| Processor | A12Z Bionic |
| GPU | Apple GPU |
| RAM | 6GB |
| Storage Space | 128GB |
| 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 | Display, Performance, Storage |
| Cons | None |
You should also check out the Best Tablets for Adobe Photoshop in addition to the Best Tablets for Affinity Designer.
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