> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/catalog/drawtabs/samsung/samsung-galaxy-tab-s-series/samsung-tab-s-notes.md).

# Samsung Galaxy Tab S series notes

## Overview

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S series of tablets with the Samsung S Pen can play the role of drawing tablets very well and are a compelling alternative to Apple iPads.

If you are exploring options for this category of devices, see: [Pen-enabled mobile device recommendations](/drawtab/recs/mobile-device-recs.md)

## Models

There are many models available over the years, so it is likely you can find something that works for your budget. Below are three that I have personal experience with. But many others might suit your needs.

* **Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra**
  * HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
  * [Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra notes](/drawtab/catalog/drawtabs/samsung/samsung-galaxy-tab-s-series/samsung-tab-s11ultra-notes.md)
* **Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra**
  * RECOMMENDED. High performance. Great display.
  * [Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra notes](/drawtab/catalog/drawtabs/samsung/samsung-galaxy-tab-s-series/samsung-tab-s8ultra-notes.md)
* **Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE**
  * ($350 to $520) excellent mid-budget option
  * HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Great value at reasonable cost.
  * [Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE notes](/drawtab/catalog/drawtabs/samsung/samsung-galaxy-tab-s-series/samsung-tab-s9fe-notes.md)
  * There are two versions:
    * 6GB RAM + 126GB storage ($450)
    * 8GB RAM with 256GB of storage ($520)
    * Both will work, but I always recommend getting more RAM for drawing apps.
* **Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 LITE**
* ($240) is a good low-cost option for beginners.
* RECOMMENDED as a great budget choice, especially for beginners. Performance is a bit sluggish compared to other models, but it is enough for basic drawing.
  * There are different editions based on year
    * 2024 edition
    * 2022 edition - [Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 lite notes](/drawtab/catalog/drawtabs/samsung/samsung-galaxy-tab-s-series/samsung-tab-s6lite-notes.md)
    * 2020 edition - avoid it.
    * Get the most recent edition

## 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 its size with its 16x9 aspect ratio can be a bit too much to deal with when holding it close for drawing.

## Included pen

Samsung Galaxy Tab S devices come with the Samsung S Pen: [Samsung S Pen notes](/drawtab/catalog/pens/samsung-s-pen/samsung-s-pen-notes.md)

## Compatible pens

These tablets are also compatible with a few second-generation UD EMR pens.

More here: [Tablets that support UD EMR 2nd gen](/drawtab/tech/wacom-ud-emr/ud-emr-tablets.md)

In particular you should think about using the Wacom CP-913 instead of the Samsung S Pen: [Upgrading to Wacom One Pen (CP-913)](/drawtab/catalog/pens/samsung-s-pen/upgrading-to-wacom-cp913.md)

Specific examples of compatible pens are:

* Wacom One pen (CP-913) - Some people prefer to use the CP-913 with Samsung Tablets instead of the S pen. [Wacom One Pen (CP-913) notes](/drawtab/catalog/pens/wacom-pens/wacom-cp913-notes.md)
* Wacom One Pen (CP-923) - This pen is trash. Avoid it. [Wacom One 2023 Standard Pen (CP-923) notes](/drawtab/catalog/pens/wacom-pens/wacom-cp923-notes.md)

## Pointer lag

RATING: Very good

All three exhibit very low pointer lag. A bit more than the Apple 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 apps I use most often with a Samsung Tab S device.

* [Clip Studio Paint](/drawtab/catalog/apps/clip-studio-paint.md)
* [HiPaint](/drawtab/catalog/apps/hipaint.md) (works very similar to Procreate on iPads) ⭐
* [Infinite Painter](/drawtab/catalog/apps/infinite-painter.md) (works similarly to Procreate on iPads) ⭐
* [Ibis Paint](/drawtab/catalog/apps/ibis-paint.md)

More here: [Apps](/drawtab/apps.md)

## Something similar to Procreate

A common question from people considering the Samsung Galaxy Tab series is whether the Procreate app works on these tablets.

Procreate is iPad-only.

The closest you can come to Procreate on a Samsung device is [HiPaint](/drawtab/catalog/apps/hipaint.md).

## Versus the Apple iPad

You might be interested in the Tab S series as an alternative to the Apple iPad. If so, go here: [Apple iPad versus Samsung Galaxy Tab S](/drawtab/catalog/drawtabs/apple/apple-ipad-vs-samsung-tab-s.md)

## 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](https://superdisplay.app/) to make this happen, but I have not tried it.

## Using an external monitor via USB

This means sending a video 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 - cannot use an external monitor
* Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 LITE - cannot use an external monitor