iPad Air 13 M2 vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra

iPad vs. Android Tablets for Digital Artists

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iPad Air 13 M2 vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra!

Let me start by saying: I’m not one of those gadget geeks who can rattle off tech specs in their sleep. I’m an artist, not a walking user manual. That said, I do know a thing or two about the devices I use—thanks to Mother Google and my trusty AI buddy (yep, ChatGPT, I’m looking at you). Why? Because I’m way too lazy to dig through my own device settings just to figure out its specs. Life’s too short, right?

So, while I can’t give you a TED Talk on pixel densities, I can tell you what it’s like to actually use these tablets as a working artist. Let’s dive in!

…and buying the Apple Pencil separately felt like being charged for a car steering wheel after you’ve bought the car.

My Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (2022) Experience

When I first got the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, I thought, Wow, this thing is HUGE. With its 14.6-inch AMOLED display, it’s basically a portable TV, and it looks gorgeous. The S Pen comes included (no separate purchase, thank you, Samsung), and it’s a dream to draw with—responsive, smooth, and precise.

Here’s what Google told me about the specs:

Screen Size: 14.6 inches, a big canvas for big ideas.
Resolution: 2960 x 1848, so sharp it might cut you.
RAM: Up to 16GB, which is overkill for most people but fantastic for multitasking.
Battery Life: Around 11 hours, which is plenty for long creative sessions—or binge-watching art tutorials you never actually follow through on.

Now, the problem wasn’t the hardware. The hardware is amazing! The real issue was the software. As a professional artist, I rely on Adobe Creative Cloud—Fresco, Illustrator, Photoshop etc., the whole gang. But on the Tab, I was in for a rude awakening: full Adobe apps just don’t work.

Sure, Samsung has some alternatives, but they’re like off-brand cereal. Technically, they’ll do the job, but you know they’re not the real thing. And when it came to 3D modeling apps like AutoCAD and SketchUp? Forget about it.

For a beginner or hobbyist, the Tab S8 Ultra is great. But as someone who lives and breathes digital art and graphic design, it just couldn’t keep up with my workflow.

The iPad Air 13 M2 (2024): My New BFF

After my Samsung adventure, I made the switch to the iPad Air 13 M2—and honestly, it felt like coming home. First off, the 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is stunning. It’s bright, sharp, and has perfect dimensions for drawing without feeling like you’re balancing a billboard on your lap. Add in the M2 chip, and this thing is a speed demon.

Here’s what my research (a.k.a. Google and ChatGPT) told me:

Screen Size: 12.9 inches—big enough for art, but still portable.
Resolution: 2732 x 2048, with beautiful color accuracy.
Processor: M2 chip, aka the Usain Bolt of processors.
Stylus: The Apple Pencil (2nd Gen), which works like magic (even if it costs extra—thanks, Apple).

But what really sold me? The apps.

On the iPad, I can use Adobe Fresco, Photoshop, Illustrator, and more without a hitch. Fresco even records time-lapse videos of my projects, which is great for sharing my process or proving that I wasn’t just scrolling Instagram for two hours. I also use AutoCAD and SketchUp for 3D modeling—apps that the Tab just couldn’t handle properly.

Why I’m Team iPad

Sure, the iPad Air 13 M2 isn’t cheap, and buying the Apple Pencil separately felt like being charged for a car steering wheel after you’ve bought the car. But once you have it, the experience is so good, you don’t even mind.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra was like a fun acquaintance—great for a casual hangout, but not someone you’d trust with serious work. The iPad Air 13 M2, on the other hand, is like your reliable best friend: always there when you need it and never lets you down (well, except for the occasional glitch, but hey, nobody’s perfect).

And in case you’re wondering how I know all this technical stuff? Well, I’m an artist, not a tech guru. So yes, Google and ChatGPT deserve a big shoutout here. I mean, who has time to dig through device settings to find out how much RAM they have? Not me! I’d rather be drawing.

And let’s not forget, I paid for all of this myself. No sponsors, no free gadgets—just me, my wallet, and a deep love for art. So, you know these opinions are 100% real. If someone did want to sponsor me, though… hey, I’m open to offers!

My Final Verdict

If you’re starting out, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is a solid choice—especially if you’re just dipping your toes into digital art. But if you’re a professional like me, the iPad Air 13 M2 is hands down the better tool. The software, performance, and overall experience are leagues ahead.

And hey, if you’re still not sure, just do what I did: ask Google, ask ChatGPT, and trust your gut. At the end of the day, the best tablet is the one that helps you create your best work.