drawing tablets that connect to iphone

Exploring drawing tablets or planning to buy one? There are good chances that you have already started with the obvious steps of looking at YouTube reviews or browsing through tech blogs to help you make a pick. Drawing Tablets with Screen are no different. With a plethora of options available, this online search can be a bit overpowering.

We hope this article serves as a one-stop-shop for all things that concern the category of TABLETS WITH SCREEN.

Are Tablets with Screen Different from Regular Drawing Tablets & Pads?

Regular Drawing tablets/pads may come with or without display. They need to connect with a PC/laptop to function. Standalone Screen Tablets, on the other hand, are self-sufficient and can function independently without the need of connecting to a PC/Laptop. Standalone tablets have everything packed into one – Hardware (OS, processor, RAM, etc.) and Software (the apps), making it an independent and portable device.

Differences between a regular tablet with a screen (Screen Peripherals) and Standalone Tablets?

standalone drawing tablets vs regular drawing tablets

Features & Functionalities	Screen Peripherals	Standalone / Workstations
Screen Area for Drawing	Available	Available
Dependency on Laptop/ Computer	Yes, you can draw on the screen, but you are dependent on a computer for software and output	No dependency on an external computer; have their own OS
Examples	Huion and Wacom Cintiq range of tablets	iPads, Microsoft Surface, Wacom Mobile Studio, Samsung
Portability	Medium Portability	Full Portability
Price	Low to Medium Priced ($300 – $1500 range)	Medium to High Priced ($1500- $3000 range)
Target Audience	All who work close to their computers Ideal for freehand drawing and illustration	For Advanced Professionals Ideal for designers who already have a separate primary station
Pros	· Value for Money · Good for any kind of artwork	· Portability · Also known as Pen / Tablet computers, these have computing Power available for multipurpose use
Cons	· Reduced Portability · Specific use – For graphic art, drawing only	· High Price & fewer upgrades · Lesser power to run heavy stuff · Some artist might find the screen too small

Best Standalone Drawing Tablets

We have split our list for best buys in screen tablets into two – One for those who want to go for Standalone Tablets and the other who is okay to explore Pen Display Screen Tablets.

1. Wacom Mobile Studio Pro 16

Wacom Mobile Studio Pro 16

Why we picked it: Having talked about the 13-inch model already, here we've got the 16-inch variant of Wacom Mobile Studio Pro, designed to meet the demands of professionals who're after seamless artistic programs. Whether we talk about the 3840 x 2160 resolution UHD display or the top-in line pen with around 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, the device genuinely helps craft your content in the most efficient manner.

Not only the screen size works as the differentiating factor between the Wacom Mobile Studio Pro 16 and the Wacom Mobile Studio 13. Other hardware specs like the chipset, RAM, and more sit pretty much apart in both devices. Additionally, the number of Expresskeys count also varies a bit. While the 13-inch model bags 6 of those, the 16-inch Wacom Mobile Studio shelters around 8 Expresskeys counts. The image below, will help you understand the differences better.

Ideal for: Illustration Art, Professional artists working on 2D and 3D sketches.

Price: $3499.95

Wacom Mobile Studio Pro 13 vs wacom mobilestudio pro 16

Tech Specs 🔧

Screen Size: 16 inches | Rear Camera: 8 MP | Front Camera: 5 MP | Display: 3840 x 2160 Resolution | OS: Windows 10 I CPU: Intel Core i7 | Stylus: Wacom Pro Pen 2 I Pressure Level: 8192 I Brightness: 157 nits I Response Rate: 25ms I USB Ports: 3 x USB Type-C I Thunderbolt 3 I Adobe RGB: 92%

The Gains 💪

Amazing Wacom Pro Pen 2 with natural tilt support. The stylus also features high sensitivity of 8192 pressure levels
Brilliant 4K display
Creative built alongside powerful hardware.

The Pains 😿

Highly-priced.
Battery life is not as efficient as you would wish it to be.

Do Wacom Mobile Studio Pro 16 tablets need a computer to draw on it? No, Wacom Mobile Studio Pro 16 is a fully standalone tablet, which means you don't need any additional devices to use it.

2. Wacom Mobile Studio Pro – 13 inches

Wacom Mobile Studio Pro 13

Why we picked it: A solid device from the most reputed company in the tablets' world – Wacom's MobileStudio Pro 13 is a standalone drawing tablet that packs the power of a computer into an amazing-looking device.

A no-nonsense tablet version, it is great to perform all computer tasks and is the only tablet that comes with a built-in camera to capture objects and generate their 3D models.

Ideal for: Illustration Art, Professional artists working on 2D and 3D sketches

Price: $2521

Tech Specs 🔧

Screen Size: 13 inches | Rear Camera: 8 MP | Front Camera: 5 MP | Display: 4K Resolution | OS: Windows 10 I CPU: Intel Core i5 | Stylus: Wacom Pro Pen 2 I Pressure Level: 8192 I Brightness: 214 nits I Response Rate: 23.8ms I USB Ports: 3 x USB Type-C I Thunderbolt 4 I Adobe RGB: 82% I

The Gains 💪

Battery-free pen, offering natural tilt support with high sensitivity of 8192 pressure levels
Custom buttons can be programmed for a specific function, environment, and individual apps.
Matte glass panel, resistant to reflection and fingerprints – ensures no display light interruptions between the users and their artwork.

The Pains 😿

An inhibitive price that suits only creative professionals with a full-fledged production environment
Battery life sticks out like a sore thumb, with an average work time of 3-4 hours after a full charge. This doesn't make it suitable for traveling unless you have ports to plug in.

Do Wacom Mobile Studio Pro 13 tablets need a computer to draw on it? No, Wacom Mobile Studio Pro is a fully standalone tablet, which means you don't need any additional devices to use it.

3. iPad Pro 2021( 12.9-inch) – Undoubtedly the Best Tablet for Overall Performance:

new ipad pro 2021

Why we've picked it: The iPad 2021 Pro is an excellent addition for almost anyone. For artists, the device is not far away from being the most effective tool ever. Thanks to the built-in hardware and software integration, the 2021 iPad Pro is a deal-breaker for any artist looking to work digitally. From portability to performance efficiency, these tablets bring the combination of everything you can ask for. Also, the 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display offers the most beautiful display ever. Further, Bluetooth 5.0 and Thunderbolt 4 port availability ensures pairing essential artistic devices is seamless as never before.

Talking about external devices, the iPad Pro 2021 supports the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, which is built to meet the need of digital artists. Loaded with features like excellent palm rejection and low latency, coming up with eye-catching art pieces is made pretty convenient. In simple words, everything about the 2021 iPad Pro, together with the Apple Pencil, opens you up to one of the biggest, beautiful, and power-driven canvas for showcasing your artistic creativity in the most promising manner.

Price:$1099.99 (Without the Apple Pencil)

Tech Specs 🔧

The Gains 💪

Supports second-generation Apple Pencil with superb palm rejection and minimal latency
Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless connectivity
Brilliant 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display featuring eye-catching elements including ProMotion, True Tone, and even the P3 wide color.
Display with mini-LEDs and 2596 dimming zones
Next-generation M1 silicon chip for powerful performance

The Pains😿

Being one of the premium options, the iPad 2021 is pretty expensive.

Does iPad Pro 12.9 inch need a computer to draw on it? No, you don't need one. The only thing you'll need, though, is the Apple Pencil.

Full iPad Pro 2021 Review

Older model - Apple iPad Pro 2020

1.1 Apple iPad Pro – 12.9 inches

apple ipad pro 12.9-inch

Why we picked it: iPad Pro 2020 is a benchmark in terms of quality, make, and hardware. Apple aficionados can rejoice with this cool app-based drawing tablet that comes with superior display quality and color spectrum.

Ideal for: Digital Art, Entertainment, Picture, and Video Editing

Price: $1130 inclusive of Apple Pencil

Tech Specs 🔧

Screen Size: 12.9 inches | Rear Camera: 12 MP and 10 MP | Front Camera: 12 MP | Battery Life: Up to 10 hours | Stylus: Wireless rechargeable Apple Pencil

The Gains 💪

Portable and Powerful, this tablet is sturdy, slim, and compact for on-the-go use.
Face ID Support for faster unlocking of the device
Liquid Retina ProMotion Display with incredible color accuracy and faster processing power up to 120 Hz
It comes with a Magic Keyboard that can be attached/detached in an instant
Apple Pencil aces it with its responsiveness and practically NIL lag time.

The Pains😿

It can get pricey, like MacBook Pro, so that it might be a hiccup for a few users. You can go for iPad Pro 11" inches that come at $799 if you are not fussy about display size. Of course, an Apple pencil is an extra cost.
10-hour battery life might be less for avid designers or those who draw on the move

Does iPad Pro 12.9 inch need a computer to draw on it? No, it doesn't. It's a standalone tablet. All it needs is a Stylus pen.

4. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2021 – Best Windows Laptop/Tablet for Drawing

Why we picked it: Another innovative device from Microsoft that loads with next-level features, the Surface Laptop Studio is indeed a brilliant breed of laptop that is meant to serve the needs of every creative head who is dedicated to displaying pleasing art.

The new design is beautiful, you can switch from laptop mode to drawing mode within seconds. You don't need additional drawing stands as you might need with other tablets, you can adjust the angles and heights without any accessories.

As a laptop, it exceeded our expectations as a drawing device it really surprised us how great it is. This is one of the rare products from Windows where artists are actually considering switching from Apple to Windows. That tells a lot. If you're an artist this device should get you by the new innovative Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio.

Ideal for: Drawing, Sketching, Image Editing, Working on 2D sketches

Price: $1599.00

Tech Specs 🔧

The Gains 💪

Brilliant screen operating at 120Hz refresh rate.
Promising performance.
Support for Slim Pen 2.
Touch screen.
Unique new design.
Battery life.

The Pains 😿

A bit costly.
Only two USB ports

Does Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio need a computer to draw on it? No, you'll not need any additional computer to use the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio.

5. Huion Kamvas Studio 22 – 21.5 inches

Kamvas Studio 22

Why we picked it: With the capabilities of a full-fledged computer, Huion puts its best foot forward with Huion Kamvas Studio 22. The tablet makes you a great artist without compromising on your professional expectations. Kamvas Studio 22 combines powerhouse hardware with versatile software to enable a varied range of uses. It is indeed a multifunctional all-in-one pen computer.

Ideal for: For users who want the best of both worlds – On the go portability and accessibility to desktop functions. It is also a great choice for architects, animators, engineers, business professionals, and gamers (as they can play all desktop games on it).

Price: $1195

Tech Specs 🔧

The Gains 💪

A dual touch bar with 20 hotkeys makes it convenient for both right-handed and left-handed designers.
Great pen quality that supports tilt recognition with virtually no lag
The tablet comes with an adjustable stand that allows excellent viewing angles and flexibility between 20 and 80 degrees
It comes with a wireless mouse and keyboard that can be connected via a wireless USB receiver
A strong cooling system enables stable performance even with multiple programs running simultaneously

The Pains😿

Has a noticeable yet bearable parallax
Custom express keys can be set on any one side of the tablet, rendering the mirroring of keys on another side useless.
It doesn't offer touchscreen support and a camera.

Does theHuion Kamvas Studio 22 need a computer? No, it doesn't. It's a standalone tablet. You can connect it to an external device if needed, but it is a full-fledged computer by itself.

6. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ – 12.4 inches

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus

Why we picked it: A direct comparator of iPad Pro, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ offers a great level of performance, powered by Snapdragon 865+ and 8 GB of RAM. This Samsung device boasts of a Super AMOLED screen with HDR and justifies its price with a luxurious design and S-Pen with ultra-low latency and superior accuracy.

Ideal for: Good for beginners and professionals, Galaxy Tab S7+ seamlessly switches among tasks like drawing, painting, taking notes, creating storyboards, or signing/marking documents.

Price: $849.99 inclusive of S-Pen

Tech Specs 🔧

The Gains 💪

Ultra-slim frame, fast refresh rate, and affordable over iPad Pro
S-Pen is not just for drawing. It also doubles as a productivity tool, and the fact that the tablet comes bundled with S-Pen in the box is a pure joy
Super stylish long strip at the back that houses the dual camera and also serves as a magnetic holder for the new S-Pen
You can take your artistic skills to the next level with Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Autodesk Sketchbook, and hundreds of other related apps from the play store

The Pains😿

The battery of 8 hours with full usage won't make it through a workday
The screen is slightly smaller than the comparable iPad Pro
Software and Widescreen aspect ratio not great for productivity

Does Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ need a computer to draw on it? No, it doesn't. It's a standalone tablet, and you don't need any additional devices. Even the Stylus pen is included in the pricing.

7. Microsoft Surface Pro 8

microsoft surface pro 8

Why we picked it: When we talk about the Microsoft Surface Pro 8, we're generally looking at one of the best Surface Pro tablets that have been released over the years. Besides the modern look, the first thing that artists would fall in love with is the 13-inch touch display bearing a resolution of 2880 x 1920 and operating at a refresh rate of 120Hz.

From the 11th Gen Intel i7 processor to the 16GB of LRDDR4 RAM, everything about the Surface Pro 8 is meant to deliver power. Alongside that, the stylus doesn't disappoint either. Featuring a built-in haptic motor, drawing and taking notes will make you feel like working on actual paper.

Ideal for: Illustration Art, Professional artists working on 2D and 3D sketches

Price: $2599.99

Tech Specs 🔧

Screen Size: 13 inches | Rear Camera: 10 MP | Front Camera: 5 MP | Display: 2880 x 1920 Resolution | OS: Windows 10 I CPU: Intel Core i7 | Stylus: Microsoft Surface Slim Pen 2 I Pressure Level: 4096 I Brightness: 433 nits I Refresh Rate: 120Hz I USB Ports: 2 x USB-C with USB 4.0 I Thunderbolt 4 I Adobe RGB: 78%

The Gains 💪

An active stylus with a built-in haptic motor for seamless operations.
Brilliant 120Hz display.
Modern look, together with powerful specs.

The Pains 😿

The pricing rests a bit on the higher end. Sadly, you'll have to spend a few extra dollars out of your pocket for the Keyboard and Stylus.
Microsoft Surface 8 Pro bags limited port selection, which might keep a number of users off.

Do Microsoft Surface Pro 8 tablets need a computer to draw on it? No, Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is a fully standalone tablet, which means you don't need any additional devices to use it.

Best Drawing Tablets with Screen

To function, these tablets need to be connected to a laptop or a computer.

1. Wacom Cintiq 27 QHD Touch

Cintiq 27 QHD Touch

Why we picked it: If you've been following the drawing tablets from Cintiq, then there is a piece of good news. The 27 QHD Touch is one of the best-looking devices from Cintiq that shelters an amazing anti-glare screen together with a pleasing resolution and a picture-perfect brightness.

Apart from the sleek design and brilliant display built, the Cintiq 27 QHD Touch also features some other exciting elements to fall in love with. To name a few, we've got the ExpressKey remote functionality, brilliant color production capability, lightweight, and more.

Ideal for: Drawing and Painting, Image Editing, Working on 2D and 3D sketches

Price: $3799.99

Tech Specs 🔧

The Gains 💪

Features a sleek design.
Seamless function with ExpressKey Remote that comes with around 160 hours of operational time.
Lightweight and portable.

The Pains 😿

Comes with some minor issues and bugs.
The unavailability of a stand even after paying $2700 seems a bit off.

Does Cintiq 27 QHD Touch need a computer to draw on it? Yes, you'll need a computer to use the Cintiq 27 QHD Touch.

2. Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 and Cintiq Pro 32

Wacom Cintiq Pro 24

Why we picked it: The Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 and the Cintiq Pro 32 are among the most promising drawing tablets to own in 2021. Both the devices offer a premium 4K display with top-class color production ability. However, it is pretty much apparent that the devices differ quite a bit in the hardware department. The image below will help you grab a better idea.

Although they bear different screen sizes, the devices in no way hurt the overall performance, especially when we talk about sketching pieces of stuff. Supporting the Wacom Pro Pen 2 makes sure you as an artist will remain at the state-of-the-art delivering the creative touches every now in then. In other words, every stroke and every move of your hand will be accurate enough to display all your creative thinking on the ultra HD display.

Ideal for: Illustration Art, Professional artists working on 2D and 3D sketches.

Price: Cintiq Pro 24: $2499.95, Cintiq Pro 32: $3299.95

Cintiq Pro 32 Tech Specs 🔧

Screen Size: 31.5 inches |Display: 3840×2160 Resolution | Stylus: Wacom Pro Pen 2 | Pressure Level: 8192 I Brightness: 310 nits Response Rate: 8ms | USB Ports: 3 x USB Type-C | Adobe RGB: 98% |Active Area: 27.44 X 15.43 in | USB: 4 x USB3 ports, 1 x USB C port. 1 x USB3 port (Upstream port connected to computer), 1 x HDMI2.0 port, 1 x DisplayPort

Cintiq Pro 24 Tech Specs 🔧

Screen Size: 23.6 inches |Display: 3840×2160 Resolution | Stylus: Wacom Pro Pen 2 | Pressure Level: 8192 I Brightness: 310 nits Response Rate: 14ms | USB Ports: 3 x USB Type-C | Adobe RGB: 98% |Active Area: 20.55 X 11.57 in | USB: 4 x USB3 ports, 1 x USB C port. 1 x USB3 port (Upstream port connected to computer), 1 x HDMI2.0 port, 1 x DisplayPort

Cintiq Pro 24 vs 32

The Gains 💪

Great design.
Brilliant 4K display.
An efficient stylus with a pressure sensitivity of 8192.

The Pains 😿

The cost rests a bit on the higher end.

Does Cintiq Pro 24 or Cintiq Pro 32 need a computer to draw on it?

Yes, you'll need a computer to work with Cintiq Pro 24 or Cintiq Pro 32, however, you can transform both the devices into a standalone drawing tablet using the slot-in Windows 10 module. The devices are designed in a matter that allows you to slot into a bay and convert the pen-enabled display into a full-featured standalone computer.

3. Huion Kamvas Pro 24

HUION Kamvas Pro 24 4K

Why we picked it: Huion Kamvas 24, the most priced Huion Series Pen Display tablet, is also the one with the most promising screens alongside great response times. Overall, the joy of using this tablet while drawing is next level, all thanks to the ability of the pen to maintain consistent pressure throughout.

Whether Mac and Windows, the experience is amazing. Featuring various drawing software, you can expect the 4K ready Kamvas Pro 24 to let you showcase your artistic touch in a manner that speaks quality.

Ideal for: Drawing, Sketching, Image Editing, Working on 2D sketches

Price: $1299.00

Tech Specs 🔧

The Gains 💪

Comes with a brilliant screen and a super-efficient response rate of 10 ms.
Least volume of parallax
Affordable yet premium

The Pains 😿

At times the software gets tricky during setup.

Does Huion Kamvas 24 Pro need a computer to draw on it? Yes, you'll need a computer to use the Huion Kamvas 24 Pro.

4. Wacom Cintiq 22 with HD

Wacom Cintiq 22 Drawing Tablet with HD Screen

Why we picked it: It is a hands-down industry-leading pen display tablet that comes with the premium Wacom pressure-sensitive pen. Superior display quality with intuitive productivity tools and multi-touch access makes it a popular choice among the artist fraternity. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS versions.

Ideal for: Creative Professionals who want ample space for their artwork; Digital artists and Photographers who want to sketch, draw and edit directly on the screen

Price: $1199

Tech Specs 🔧

The Gains 💪

Large HD screen with a user-friendly interface
Advanced pressure sensitivity gives you a natural pen-to-paper feel
Time-saving, customizable express keys, touch strips, and toggle buttons
Ergonomic adjustable stand and tilt support for a pen that allows working with different angles
Long-lasting hardware

The Pains😿

Bit Expensive
Cord management can be tiresome
The screen reflects gloss in certain lightings

Does Wacom Cintiq 22 need a computer to draw on it? Yes, you will need an additional device to use it. It's not a standalone drawing tablet. It requires a Mac or PC since it doesn't have an operating system on its own. There's no pre-installed software for this device.

5. Huion Kamvas 22 Plus

HUION KAMVAS 22 Plus Graphics Drawing Tablet

Why we picked it: If you're after an affordable device that lets you have a fantastic drawing experience, look no further. Featuring an actual laminated display with great accuracy and brilliant brightness, the Huion Kamvas 22 Plus is meant to make you enjoy your sketches with every stroke.

Whether you're a Mac user or someone who is acquainted with the Windows environment, the Kamvas 22 Plus works seamlessly on any operating system. Another notable thing about this budget-friendly device for artists is that it comes with a pen supporting an 8192 level of pressure sensitivity that doesn't even require charging. Standing stable at every angle, showcase your artistic skills in the most promising manner.

Ideal for: Drawing and Painting, Image Editing, Working on 2D and 3D sketches

Price: $549.00

Tech Specs 🔧

The Gains 💪

User-friendly design.
Brilliant display with good color accuracy.
An efficient stylus that doesn't require charging.

The Pains 😿

Lacks physical shortcut buttons
The availability of drawing apps for Android disappoints a bit.

Does Huion Kamvas 22 Plus need a computer to draw on it? Yes, you'll need a computer to use the Huion Kamvas 22 Plus.

6. Wacom One

Wacom One

Why we picked it: One of the most popular choices among digital artists, Wacom One comes with an HD anti-glare screen and a battery-free precision stylus that has made it a regular on the list of best drawing tablets. It is economical, easy to set up, durable, and compatible with most digital art software and OS versions.

Ideal for: Artists and Designers who work with primary set up of PC/laptop; Users who want best of Wacom at a lower price; Beginners

Price: $399.95

Tech Specs 🔧

The Gains 💪

The pen feels and looks right; it works without batteries
Easy compatibility with laptops and other devices
Pen tilt is supported for you to work with different angles
It comes with bundled software like Clip Studio Paint Pro, Bamboo Paper, Adobe Premiere Rush, Adobe Fresco
Android compatibility makes it a good choice for photographers for editing

The Pains😿

No-touch capability, no express keys, and no eraser
Not suitable for advanced digital art users
Supports only certain android devices, not compatible with iPhone

Does Wacom One need a computer to draw on it? Yes, you will need an additional computer to use Wacome One tablet. It's not a standalone tablet. It doesn't come with pre-installed software.

7. Huion Kamvas Pro 16

HUION KAMVAS Pro 16 Graphics Drawing Tablet

Why we picked it: With the Huion Kamvas Pro 16, you're looking at a device that features a pretty decent screen. Although the colors lack calibration, thankfully, the default settings are promising to keep the experience pleasing.

The device bags a brilliant pen calibration, which focuses more on making the pen tilt really nice and accurate. With the cursor always residing under the pen nib, drawing is going to be pretty fun for sure. Overall, The drawing experience on the Huion Kamvas Pro 16 is enjoyable.

Ideal for: Drawing, Sketching, Image Editing, Working on 2D sketches

Price: $469.00

Tech Specs 🔧

The Gains 💪

Great build quality.
Premium design.
15.6 inch IPS display.

The Pains 😿

The Stand is sold separately.
The Slider shortcut is hard to configure, especially with the Mac driver.

Does Huion Kamvas 16 need a computer to draw on it? Yes, you'll need a computer to use the Huion Kamvas 16.

8. GAOMON PD1560 15.6

GAOMON PD1560 15.6 Inches 8192 Levels Pen Display with Arm Stand 1920 x 1080 HD IPS Screen Drawing Tablet

Why we picked it: A competent rival to Wacom, Gaomon PD1560 does a decent job at drawing and painting, backed by a wide array of colors and a large display area. The tablet is compatible with most operating systems and creative software programs. It fits many high-end features for a mid-range priced product that is light, portable, and comes with a 1-year warranty.

Ideal for: Artists who have long-term exposure to digital drawing; Users who are looking for cheaper Cintiq alternative, students and hobbyists

Price: $280 – $ 399.99

Tech Specs 🔧

The Gains 💪

Great display with a wide range of adjustability
Battery-free pen with 8192 pressure levels – One of the best among non-Wacom pens
Bundled up accessories – 8 replacement nibs, stylus holder, tablet stand, screwdriver, drawing gloves, and a bag to slide the tablet
Full laminated HD screen with a color gamut of 88% (NTSC)
Highly affordable as compared to the Cintiq range of tablets

The Pains😿

Light sketchers need to apply more pressure for the lines to be visible
Tilt support might not be as great as Wacom Pen
Build quality is good but kind of suggests that the tablet is not very expensive.

Does GAOMON PD1560 need a computer to draw on it? Yes, you will need an additional computer to use Gaomon PD 1560. A Windows or Mac. You will also need an HDMI adapter to connect to this device.

Does size matter for screen tablets?

We would recommend getting a graphic tablet close to the size of your monitor. For screen peripherals like Cintiq and Wacom, a good active area is 16 to 21 inches. For on-the-go standalone tablets, portability, and ease of handling matter. Hence, anything between 10 to 15 inches is considered practical.

How to ensure if you are actually buying a standalone tablet?

Looks can be deceptive. Regular tablets with screen and standalone screen tablets on face value might look similar. But are as different as chalk and cheese. Consider these points:

Product Description says it all – Regular screen tablets have words like Pen Display, Display monitor, graphic monitor, or display drawing monitor usually mentioned in the tech specs.
Disclaimers by the manufacturers and sellers specify if the product is standalone or needs to be connected to a computer/laptop under "Important Notices" and "Disclaimers" on e-commerce websites. Scroll enough till you spot them.
Multiple cords with the device more often than not indicate the device is NOT standalone.

Types of Standalone tablets

App-Based Standalones – Good for multitasking and entertainment purposes, these tablets come with lighter versions of software, cutting out the frills and giving only the essential features. They can still perform most of the tasks like a regular computer and are a crowd puller owing to their affordability.

Full Software Standalones – These are loaded with full software versions of many popular programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Corel Painter, Maya, and others. Considering the vast library of software they offer, the cost is generally on the higher end, making it suitable only for select few designers who are not short on budget.

What to look for in a good Standalone tablet?

Programs – Decent processing power, with minimum 8 GB RAM and good storage capacity

Cost – Options that combine quality with affordability are wiser choices over an outrageously priced, good-looking/bigger tablet.

Weight and Portability – These two make sense if you are an on-the-move type of artist preferring handy devices

Battery – 10+ hours of battery life on a single charge is a minimum recommendation

Screen Responsiveness – opt for a high sensitivity screen that allows precision in your artwork along with features like tilt recognition, palm rejection, and multi-touch support.

We know there's a lot of noise out there. It's easy to get lost when you're searching for something particular. We don't like long answers where you don't get the answer you're looking for, so we will try to keep it short and right on point and answer the most common questions young artists usually have when it comes to drawing tablets and standalone tablets if you haven't made a decision yet, read through the Q&A. You might learn something valuable that will help you with decision-making.

What is a standalone drawing tablet?

Standalone drawing tablets are independent drawing devices. You don't need an additional computer to start drawing. On the other hand, traditional drawing tablets require an external device – whether it's a Windows or Mac computer. Without that, they can't function. Due to that fact, they are cheap than standalone tablets.

Why does a drawing tablet need a computer?

Although they have their own surface and screen, they don't have their own Software. Due to this reason, they are more budget-friendly. They need a Windows or Mac computer to function. You will also need an HDMI or USB-C input, depending on the tablet. Most of the artists actually prefer graphic tablets with screens instead of standalone devices

Can you use a drawing tablet without a computer?

Yes, you can use a drawing tablet without a computer, but it must be a standalone drawing tablet that comes with pre-installed software. There are devices such as – Apple iPad Pro, Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+, Wacom Mobile Studio Pro, etc. These devices are standalone tablets that don't require additional devices to draw on them. You can check more devices above.

Do you need the most expensive drawing tablet in order to be a great artist? Absolutely not. Look at the artists out there, most of the time you will notice that the great ones use old devices, it's very rare that great artists update their devices because it's not about the device in most times it's about skill. About the artist within.

Doesn't matter you're a pro or amateur or just trying to pick up a new hobby, any of these devices above will get the job done, it's just a matter of preference, check out the technical specifications of each tablet to get a better understanding and of course know your budget on this that will narrow down your search.

We hope some clouds of doubt around screen tablets were dispelled after reading this article. Our recommendation should be pretty clear if you're going after the best standalone drawing tablet – Wacom Mobile Studio Pro 16,the experience is great, the specs are great, the pen is great and you don't need any additional device to release the artist within. If you're going for a multipurpose tablet then we recommend – iPad Pro 2021, it's a great tablet and in our opinion the best tablet in the market, but it's a bit behind when it comes to drawing compared to Wacom Mobile Studio Pro.

And if you are going after the best drawing tablet with a screen and it doesn't have to be a standalone tablet go for – Wacom Cintiq 27 QHD Touch.You asked which is the best we told you. It's crazy expensive and we do not recommend getting it if you're just starting out. It's complicated for beginners. The next one we would recommend Huion Kamvas Pro 24 4k, it's an exceptional drawing tablet and two times cheaper than Wacom Cintiq 27. Many artists use it and are happy with it.

That's our verdict, we hope this helped and you got some new ideas for your next drawing tablet.