# Pen-enabled mobile device recommendations
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**Before you purchase:**
* Read [Beginner's guide to drawing tablets](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/basics/beginners-guide)
* Review these [Buying tips](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/buying/buying-tips)
* Look through the [Drawing tablet buying guide](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/buying)
If you want to see the full set recommendations go here: [Recommendations](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/recs)
{% endhint %}
## Overview
The choices for standalone mobile devices essentially come down to Apple iPads vs Android tablets. Each has their advantages.
## For drawing
These are for when you want a GREAT drawing experience. Especially if you are already used to drawing tablets or Wacom professional tablets and pens.
### EXCELLENT
* Wacom MovinkPad Pro 14 - [Wacom MovinkPad Pro 14 (DTH-A140) notes](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/catalog/drawtabs/wacom/wacom-movinkpad/wacom-dtha140-notes)
* This tablet has the best drawing experience on the market out of any current standalone tablet of any kind and from any brand.
* Wacom MovinkPad 11 - [Wacom MovinkPad 11 (DTH-A116) notes](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/catalog/drawtabs/wacom/wacom-movinkpad/wacom-dtha116-notes)
### OK
* XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad 2024 - I don't have any experience with this tablet.
* XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad 2025 (MDP1221) - [XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad 2025 (MDP1221) notes](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/catalog/drawtabs/xppen/xppen-mdp1221-notes)
## For general usage
This is when you want a general-purpose mobile device, but also want decent pen support for things like sketching, notetaking, whiteboarding, etc.
* Apple iPads + the Apple Pencil - [Apple iPad notes](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/catalog/drawtabs/apple/apple-ipad-notes)
* Apple iPads can play the role of a drawing tablet very well. Do keep in mind, the Apple Pencil does not come with an iPad so you will have to purchase the pencil separately.
* Samsung Galaxy Tab S devices - [Samsung Galaxy Tab S series notes](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/catalog/drawtabs/samsung/samsung-galaxy-tab-s-series/samsung-tab-s-notes)
* As an alternative to the Apple ecosystem, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S series of tablets is compelling. One great advantage of the Galaxy Tab S series is that they come with the Samsung S pen. So that keeps the cost down.
* There are lots of models and they vary in size and cost.
## Pay attention to support lifetime and android updates
When you get an Android device, it comes with a version of Android OS. Over time two things will happen:
* New versions of Android OS will be launched. These new versions might have more features or improve security.
* Applications you are using now on your android might stop supporting older versions of Android OS
So ideally, an android device you buy will keep getting Android updates after you purchase it. However, as you will see this depends on the specific brand and device
* **Samsung** - does a GREAT job. They provide Android OS updates to their Samsung Galaxy Tab S series for 7 years.
* **Wacom** - has said they will provide an Android OS update to their MovinkPad series. But as of April 2026 - there is no date for an update. Nor have they specifically committed to future updates.
* **XP-Pen** - is explicitly not providing Android OS updates
* **Huion** - I don't know what their story is.
**How big a problem is the lack of updates?**
I think it depends on your needs and expectations. If you want a device to last a long time - we need these updates - especially if you intend to use the device as a general purpose mobile device and not just for drawing & sketching. On the other hand if you are using the device only for drawing this might be OK.
If you want to play it safe - get an Samsung Galaxy Tab S. The drawing experience is OK, it works great as a generic mobile device, and you'll get udpates for a long time.
## Avoid
* Samsung Galaxy Tab A Series - **NOT RECOMMENDED** of tablets. More here: **Samsung Galaxy Tab A.** See [Samsung Galaxy Tab A series](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/catalog/drawtabs/samsung/samsung-galaxy-tab-a-series)
* Huion Slate - [Huion standalone tablets](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/catalog/drawtabs/huion/huion-standalone) **NOT RECOMMENDED**
## Budget Android choices
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## Resources
* [Gartzia Artz - The Best Tablet? iPad Pro vs. Xiaomi Pad 7 vs. XP Pen, MagicPad vs. Honor MagicPad 2 vs. Huawei M...](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvCvsAbAK6A) 2025-03-12
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