Best Tablet for Architects 2021

Modern technology has further simplified the art of drawing for artists and professionals, and the same is the case with architects. Instead of sketching on paper, scanning it to turn it into an image file, and then tracing that image file to convert it into a vector file to make changes on-screen, what if you could draw directly on the screen? Sounds cool! Right? So, the tool that will eliminate all the hassle and will boost your efficiency and productivity is the best tablet for architects.

Today tablets are not just devices for browsing and playing games. Now they can perform a lot of functions parallel to a computer. The digital drawing tablets gradually become a vital part of modern architecture. With these convenient tools, you can easily present the ideas to the clients. Moreover, these are highly portable, that you can carry them anywhere.

As an architect or engineer, there is a lot you can do with your drawing tablet to bring your vision to life. The convenience offered by a tablet when you are out in the field is unbeatable. Now you don’t have to sit in the office in front of a big-screen computer to create designs. In addition, both the laptops and smartphones cannot match the ease and comfort offered by a tablet because the laptops are heavy while the smartphones have a small screen size.

It is important that you go for a tablet powerful enough to run the necessary applications and provide the required support to work well. The powerful processor, large storage space, good battery life, and excellent screen for drawing is all you need in a tablet for remarkable performance. So, if you are an architect and searching for the best tablet for construction drawings, this article is for you!

We have reviewed the top models of tablets for architects and also mentioned the comprehensive guide that will make your search a little easier. So, stay tuned till the end to pick the best drawing tablet for architects according to your requirements.

Top-rated tablets for architects

With a huge number of tablets on offer, it may be hard for you to choose the right one. Therefore, to make it easy for you, our team has listed the six best tablets for architects. All six tablets are hand-picked after comprehensive research and experts’ recommendations.

• HUION KAMVAS Pro 16  
• Microsoft Surface Pro 6
• Samsung Galaxy Tab A   
• Apple iPad Pro
• Microsoft Surface Go 3
• Apple iPad Mini

Images	Product Name	Check Price
	HUION KAMVAS Pro 16	Check Price
	Microsoft Surface Pro 6	Check Price
	Samsung Galaxy Tab A	Check Price
	Apple iPad Pro	Check Price
	Microsoft Surface Go 3	Check Price
	Apple iPad Mini	Check Price

HUION KAMVAS Pro 16

The Huion Kamvas Pro 16 has 15.6 inches full laminated screen with an IPS panel. The high-resolution display and anti-glare screen let you enjoy content with fine details and exceptional clarity. The reduced glare and minimum reflection protect your eyes from damage. It also reduces the parallax to the lowest and lets you control the cursor easily where you expect it to be.

With a 120% sRGB wide color gamut, you can see your creations in vibrant colors on the screen. The high-quality display delivers the outstanding color accuracy that you want for graphic designing and content creation. In addition, you can create the best version of your work with a 1000:1 contrast ratio that shows sharper and clearer shadow details. This best drawing tablet is compatible with multiple creative software. Whether you are a designer, animator, or architect, it is a perfect tool to bring your vision to life.

Further, the combination of six customized press keys and a one touch bar enhances your productivity, helps you get easy access to your favorite shortcuts, and saves your time. The tablet is a little thicker than a mobile phone and is extremely lightweight; therefore, it is easy to carry. You can easily connect it to your laptop or computer with the help of 3 in 1 USB-C cable.

The battery-free pen feels like a regular pencil and offers responsive and accurate performance. The high levels of pressure sensitivity, virtually lag-free tracking and tilt recognition allow you to draw your design with a high level of precision and convenience. The drawing on the screen with the pen feels as natural as drawing on paper. In addition, the two side buttons on the pen are programmable to the software’s shortcuts.  

Features

• Outstanding visuals
• Battery-free stylus
• Six press keys and a touch bar
• Anti-glare glass
• Lightweight design

Microsoft Surface Pro 6 

This best tablet for architects is equipped with the 8^th Generation Intel Core i5 processor, which provides fast processing speed and allows you to work on different applications without lagging. The 8GB RAM facilitates multitasking, and 128GB storage provides enough space to store bulky data files and load the stored files without any delay. In addition, its 12.3 inches PixelSense display provide bright and colorful images with clearer details.

The ultra-slim and lightweight design make it easy to carry, and you can take it anywhere you want. With up to 13.5 hours long battery life, you can watch videos, make sketches, and can give a presentation to your clients without worrying about recharging the device. The all-day battery life makes it an excellent choice for on-the-go users and also for those who work in the field for long hours.

In addition, this best tablet for architects also provides the facility of password-free Windows Hello sign-in. Plus, you can create the designs and sketches with more precision as the tablet is also compatible with the Surface Pen that has precision ink on one end and a rubber eraser on the other end. By adding the Signature Type Cover, you can convert your tablet into a laptop and work more comfortably according to the requirement.

The 5MP front-facing camera and 8MP rear-facing autofocus camera click stunning pictures and record high-quality videos. Further, the stereo speakers deliver loud and clear audio. It has a Surface Connect port, USB 3.0 port, headphone jack, microSD card slot, and a Mini Display Port for easy connectivity. So, the Surface Pro 6 is worth buying as it is a perfect combination of performance and ergonomic comfort.

Features

• Ultra-slim and versatile
• Excellent battery life
• High-quality audio
• Powerful processor
• Compatible with Surface Pen

Samsung Galaxy Tab A

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A provides an excellent drawing experience and is definitely a good choice for an architect. The Octa-core processor and 3GB RAM ensure efficient performance, and you can use multiple apps without lagging. In addition, the tablet features a microSD card slot that allows expanding the storage from 16GB to 256GB with a microSD card. So, you have large storage space for multiple apps, photos, designs, and other things.

The stunning 10.1 inches full HD display brings your creations to life and provides images with rich colors and crisp details. In addition, the 8MP rear and 2MP front camera capture clear images and record excellent videos so you can keep all your important documents and recordings on your tablet and can show them to the clients wherever you want.

Using the precise S Pen, you can create designs, draw sketches, or edit photos. Also, you can jot down quick notes with the help of S Pen without unlocking your screen. The 14 hours long battery life makes it highly portable as you can easily work when in the field or during traveling without any hassle to recharge the tablet. While the lightweight design makes it easy to carry.

Further, the Galaxy Tab A features a Multi Window feature that allows you to open two apps side by side. It increases your productivity, and you can browse pictures while shopping online. Moreover, high-quality plastic is used in manufacturing this device, which makes it highly durable and keeps it safe when it drops or falls.

Features

• Multi-Window for multitasking
• Long-lasting battery
• Full HD display
• Expandable memory
• Lightweight and durable

Apple iPad Pro

This best iPad for architects is packed with the most advanced technology. The 12.9-inch edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display with True Tone technology provides ultra-clear images rich with colors. While ProMotion enhances the refresh rate and everything feels responsive.  

It is equipped with an A12X Bionic chip that is the most powerful chip and delivers excellent performance. Along with it, the Neural Engine runs 5 trillion operations in a second and also enables advanced machine learning. Further, the 256 GB storage allows you to easily store various data files, images, or videos on your iPad.

The Apple iPad Pro features a high-security system like Face ID to protect your important documents and files, and it works seamlessly whether you hold the device in landscape or portrait. It’s the world’s most secure facial authentication on a tablet. Another exceptional feature of this iPad is you can split the screen and can do multitasking easily. 

With up to 10 hours of battery life, you can enjoy uninterrupted streaming and can work on your designs and presentations while on the go. The four audio speakers deliver wider stereo sound. Moreover, the 12MP rear camera capture stunning photos, scan documents and record 4K videos. While the 7MP TrueDepth front camera is perfect for selfies and FaceTime.

It is compatible with the Apple Pencil, which can respond to your touch. With a double-tap, you can quickly change the brushes or switch to the eraser, and the pencil attaches magnetically with the iPad for charging. Thus, with the excellent features of the Apple iPad Pro, you can easily do sketching, drawing, and other tasks you need for your architecture work.

Features

• Face ID for secure authentication
• 7MP TrueDepth front camera
• Compatible with 2nd generation Apple Pencil
• Excellent sound quality
• Long battery life

Microsoft Surface Go 3

This tablet with laptop productivity is perfect for everyday tasks, designing, and entertainment. The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is one of the best tablets for interior designers, architects, and animators. It is extremely lightweight and portable that you can take it anywhere you go. The 11 hours long battery life makes it an excellent choice for on-the-go users.

You can work for long hours without the hassle of recharging the device again. In addition, the fast-charging feature saves your time. Further, the 10.5 inches high-resolution touchscreen gives outstanding image quality, while the built-in kickstand allows the adjustment of a tablet to the perfect angle for taking notes, sketching, and drawing. The Surface Go 3 is optimized for the touch and digital pen also. So, now you can draw your sketches with more perfection and high precision.

It is equipped with an Intel Pentium Gold processor and has 4GB memory that provides fast processing speed and lets you do multitask without any lagging issue. Further, the 64GB eMMC storage allows you to store a bulk of data on your tablet. You can easily download multiple applications you need for your architecture work and can work with them uninterruptedly.

Moreover, the front and rear-facing 1080p HD cameras capture excellent pictures, and you can stay connected with your friends, family or can-do virtual meetings with your clients. Further, its dual Studio Mics are perfect for clear communication, while the built-in Dolby Audio is the best for watching your favorite shows and listening to music with a good quality sound.

By attaching a Surface Go Signature Type Cover, you can convert your tablet into a laptop according to the requirement. For easy connection to peripherals, it has a USB-C port, headphone jack, and microSD card reader port. Moreover, with Windows 11, you can work, play, and create in the most natural way. So, this best tablet for architects is the one place for all your tasks related to drawing, animation, entertainment, and more.

Features

• Slim and lightweight
• Excellent battery life
• Tablet-to-laptop versatility
• Optimized for Surface Pen
• Amazing audio and video quality

Apple iPad Mini 

It is one of the best tablets for AutoCAD and other software required for construction drawing. However, it is small in size but rich in features and delivers excellent performance. The A12 Bionic chip allows you to work using multiple apps at a fast speed without lagging. While the 64 GB storage allows you to store the bulk of data and you can easily download different apps that you require for your work.

The 7.9 inches Retina display with True Tone technology provides rich colors and brings your visions to life. Further, the 8MP rear and 7MP front camera allow you to take stunning photos and scan the documents and images. Thanks to the Touch ID fingerprint sensor, which makes the device more secure.

This compact and lightweight iPad is easy to carry and is highly portable to take with you anywhere you want. The 10 hours long battery life makes it worth buying as you can work on your designs without any hassle of recharging the tablet. So, whether you are in the field or in the car, you can do your work without any interruption with this portable device in your hand.

In addition, its stereo speakers deliver high-quality sound that lets you communicate clearly with your clients during virtual meetings. This device is compatible with the Apple Pencil that helps you take notes and make sketches with more precision. Also, it can be connected with the Smart keyboard that provides a smooth typing experience. So, the Apple iPad Mini is sufficient for all your drawing, sketching, and designing needs.

Features

• Stereo speakers
• Touch ID fingerprint sensor
• Compatible with Apple Pencil
• Long battery life
• Lightweight design

Buyers guide for the best tablet for architects

Before purchasing the tablet as an architect, it is necessary that you consider some crucial factors. These factors will help you to choose the best tablet that will meet your graphics needs. So, here we have mentioned the key considerations that you should keep in mind.  

Display

The large displays are best to draw everything comfortably in detail, while the small display tablets are convenient to carry as you can easily fit them into your coat’s pocket. Of course, the choice of display size depends on your need, but if you are confused, we recommend tablets with moderate screen sizes so you can carry them easily and draw your designs perfectly.

Along with screen size, the quality of the display is also an important factor to consider. The display brightness, type of panel, and color reproduction are the things that can impact the quality of your work. So, you must consider this point before going ahead with the purchase.

Storage

Different types of apps you need for your work consume different amounts of storage. Also, you have to store a lot of pictures or videos, so it is better to have a tablet with large storage space. At least 32 GB of memory space is recommended to work without any interruption. But if you have a budget, you should buy a tablet that offers 256 GB of storage space.

Some android tablets also allow the addition of an SD card to increase the device’s storage capacity. Moreover, if you have the option to choose a hard disk, then go for the SSD hard disk as it provides fast performance and more storage.

Battery life

The other important factor to consider is the battery life of the tablet. Good battery life is extremely important to work uninterruptedly when you are in the field. The tablet’s battery should last for long hours without a recharge. It is extremely important if you travel a lot from one construction site to another. So, look for a tablet with at least 9 hours of battery life on a single charge because you don’t want your tablet to shut down in the middle of a presentation.

Operating system

You can choose from three types of operating systems: iOS, Android, and Windows. It is best to consider your preference and then decide which one will suit you the best. Each one has its pros and cons, so it’s better to go for one that you have already familiar and comfortable with.

For example, if you mostly use Apple products, you should buy a tablet with iOS as it will be easy for you to use it according to work. In addition, Android and iOS both give access to multiple software programs and apps, while Windows is far behind in terms of apps. But if you are comfortable working with Windows, then you should go for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the iPad a good choice for architects?

The iPads are lightweight, portable, and perfect for multitasking. However, these are not dedicatedly designed for architects but can provide a smoother and faster performance than regular tablets. Most iPads also come with a pen or stylus that helps you draw with perfection using various architect software.

Which tablets and iPads are useful for architects?

The tablets and iPads that are good for architects are:

• HUION KAMVAS Pro 16  
• Samsung Galaxy Tab A
• Microsoft Surface Pro 6  
• Apple iPad Pro
• Microsoft Surface Go 3
• Apple iPad Mini
• Wacom Mobile Studio Pro Tablet
• Google Pixel Slate Tablet

All of these have good battery life, excellent processing power, large storage capacity, and a perfect display that lets you draw anything you want.

Is AutoCAD can be used on a tablet?

AutoCAD software allows you to create any 2D or 3D models. Unfortunately, you can’t use any regular tablet for AutoCAD because it is heavy and complicated software that requires high graphics, a good processor, and large storage space. That’s why a high-end tablet is required to run AutoCAD smoothly.