# Samsung Galaxy Tab S series notes ## Overview The Samsung Galaxy Tabs S series of tablets with the and 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](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/recs/mobile-device-recs) ## 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](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/catalog/drawtabs/samsung/samsung-galaxy-tab-s-series/samsung-tab-s11ultra-notes) * **Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra** * RECOMMENDED. High performance. Great display. * [Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra notes](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/catalog/drawtabs/samsung/samsung-galaxy-tab-s-series/samsung-tab-s8ultra-notes) * **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](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/catalog/drawtabs/samsung/samsung-galaxy-tab-s-series/samsung-tab-s9fe-notes) * 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 a low-cost option for beginners. * RECOMMENDED as great BUDGET choice for esp. for beginners. Performance is a but sluggish compared to other models but is enough for basic drawing. * There are different editions based on year * 2024 edition * 2022 edition - [Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 lite notes](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/catalog/drawtabs/samsung/samsung-galaxy-tab-s-series/samsung-tab-s6lite-notes) * 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 it's size with its 16x9 aspect ratio can a bit just too much to deal with when holding close to drawing. ## Included pen Samsung Galaxy Tab S devices come with the Samsung S Pen: [Samsung S Pen notes](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/catalog/pens/samsung-s-pen/samsung-s-pen-notes) ## Compatible pens These tablets are also compatible with a few the second generation of UD EMR pens More here: [Tablets that support UD EMR 2nd gen](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/tech/wacom-ud-emr/ud-emr-tablets) In particular you should think about using the Wacom CP-913 instead of the Samsung S Pen: [Upgrading to Wacom One Pen (CP-913)](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/catalog/pens/samsung-s-pen/upgrading-to-wacom-cp913) 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](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/catalog/pens/wacom-pens/wacom-cp913-notes) * Wacom One Pen (CP-923) - This pen is trash. Avoid it. [Wacom One 2023 Standard Pen (CP-923) notes](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/catalog/pens/wacom-pens/wacom-cp923-notes) ## Pointer lag RATING: Very good All three exhibit very low pointer lag. A bit more than the apply 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](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/catalog/apps/clip-studio-paint) * [HiPaint](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/catalog/apps/hipaint) (works very similar to Procreate on iPads) ⭐ * [Infinite Painter](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/catalog/apps/infinite-painter)(works similar to Procreate on iPads) ⭐ * [Infinite Painter](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/catalog/apps/infinite-painter) * [Ibis Paint](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/catalog/apps/ibis-paint) More here: [Apps](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/apps) ## Something similar 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 closes you can come to Procreate on a Samsung device is [HiPaint](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/catalog/apps/hipaint). ## Versus the Apple iPad You might be interested in the Tab S series as an alternative the Apple iPad. If so, go here: 7P notes: [Apple iPad versus Samsung Galaxy Tab S](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/catalog/drawtabs/apple/apple-ipad-vs-samsung-tab-s) ## 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 - can not use an external monitor * Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 LITE - can not use an external monitor --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/catalog/drawtabs/samsung/samsung-galaxy-tab-s-series/samsung-tab-s-notes.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.