Best Tablets for Photo and Video Editing in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide
If you're a creative professional or simply love to dabble in photography or video editing, you know that having the right tools makes all the difference. In 2024, tablets are more powerful than ever, giving you the freedom to create stunning visuals wherever you are. Whether you’re a photographer, filmmaker, or content creator, tablets have evolved into essential devices, offering portability without compromising performance.
But with so many options out there, finding the right tablet for photo and video editing can feel overwhelming. You want something that’s powerful enough to handle demanding editing software, yet portable enough to fit in your bag. Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best tablets for creative editing in 2024 and what makes them stand out. From Apple to Android, budget-friendly options to premium choices, there’s something here for everyone.
Why Use a Tablet for Photo and Video Editing?
Before we dive into the top picks, let’s talk about why a tablet might be the best tool for your creative projects. After all, laptops and desktop computers have traditionally been the go-to for editing work.
First and foremost, tablets offer unbeatable portability. You can slip them into your bag and carry them wherever inspiration strikes, whether that’s on a shoot, while travelling, or simply working from a café. Most modern tablets now come equipped with impressive processing power, high-resolution displays, and plenty of RAM, making them suitable for even demanding editing tasks.
Then, there's the advantage of touchscreen functionality. Editing photos or videos with your fingertips—or better yet, a stylus—allows for greater precision and control. Whether you're fine-tuning colour grades, retouching portraits, or scrubbing through timelines, the tactile experience of working directly on the screen adds a new level of engagement.
What to Look for in a Tablet for Editing
When shopping for a tablet for photo and video editing, several key factors will determine which is best for your workflow:
Display quality: A sharp, colour-accurate screen is crucial. Look for tablets with high resolution (preferably 4K) and support for a wide colour gamut, such as P3 or AdobeRGB, so you can see your work with true-to-life accuracy.
Processing power: Video editing software can be demanding. Look for tablets with powerful processors like Apple's M1 or M2 chips, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon, or similar. You want something that can handle heavy video files, layers, and effects without slowing down.
Storage capacity: High-resolution photos and video files take up a lot of space. Go for a model that offers plenty of storage or has expandable options.
Stylus support: A tablet that supports a stylus (like the Apple Pencil or Samsung’s S Pen) is essential for precision editing, particularly when working on detailed tasks like masking or retouching.
Battery life: If you’re editing on the go, battery life is key. Look for tablets that can last all day so you don’t have to worry about running out of juice mid-project.
Now, let’s look at some of the top contenders for the best photo and video editing tablets in 2024.
It’s no surprise that the Apple iPad Pro is at the top of this list. Apple has been leading the way in creative technology for years, and the 2024 iPad Pro takes that to the next level. With its M2 chip, this tablet is essentially a portable powerhouse, capable of handling even the most demanding video and photo editing tasks with ease.
The Liquid Retina XDR display is a dream for creatives. With its support for P3 wide colour gamut, HDR, and an impressive 120Hz refresh rate, you can expect smooth performance and vibrant, accurate colours. The screen’s brightness is particularly handy for video editing, as you can work outdoors or in bright lighting without any problem.
The Liquid Retina XDR display is a dream for creatives. With its support for P3 wide colour gamut, HDR, and an impressive 120Hz refresh rate, you can expect smooth performance and vibrant, accurate colours. The screen’s brightness is particularly handy for video editing, as you can work outdoors or in bright lighting without any problem.
Pair the iPad Pro with the Apple Pencil 2, and you’ve got an intuitive and precise tool for fine editing work. Whether you’re using Adobe Photoshop, Affinity Photo, or LumaFusion for video editing, the iPad Pro’s processing power and display will help you get professional results on the go.
Why Choose the iPad Pro for Editing?
Performance: With the M2 chip, it’s as powerful as many laptops
Display: Gorgeous XDR display for true-to-life editing
Stylus support: Apple Pencil integration for precision
If you're more inclined towards Android, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is the tablet to beat in 2024. Featuring a stunning 14.6-inch AMOLED display, it’s perfect for video editors who need lots of screen real estate. The display also supports HDR10+, offering deep blacks and vibrant colours—ideal for video work.
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor ensures that even when you’re working with large video files or complex photo edits, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra won’t miss a beat. It also comes with up to 16GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking, so you can run Adobe Premiere Rush or DaVinci Resolve without any lag.
Samsung’s S Pen comes included with the tablet, and its seamless integration means you can get precise control over your edits. For those who prefer Android’s flexibility and the ability to access a broader range of apps, this tablet is an excellent choice.
What Makes the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Stand Out?
Display: Massive 14.6-inch AMOLED screen, perfect for editing.
Processing Power: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for effortless multitasking.
Battery Life: Long-lasting, even for heavy editing sessions.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 10 offers the best of both worlds. As a tablet that functions equally well as a laptop, it's a fantastic choice for those who want a versatile device. Running Windows 11, the Surface Pro 10 allows you to use full desktop applications like Adobe Premiere Pro or Photoshop without any limitations.
Its 13-inch PixelSense display is highly accurate in terms of colour, and with a resolution of 2880 x 1920, your photos and videos will look sharp and detailed. Inside, the Surface Pro 10 comes with Intel Core i7 processors and up to 32GB of RAM, making it more than capable of handling complex editing tasks.
A key advantage of the Surface Pro 10 is its ability to transform into a laptop with the addition of a keyboard. This makes it ideal for professionals who need a device that’s portable yet capable of serious work.
Key Features of the Surface Pro 10:
Operating System: Full Windows experience for desktop-class apps.
Display: Colour-accurate, sharp PixelSense display.
Versatility: Functions as both a tablet and a laptop.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option that still packs a punch for photo and video editing, the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro is worth considering. Lenovo has built a reputation for creating powerful yet affordable tablets, and the Tab P12 Pro is no exception.
It sports a 12.6-inch AMOLED display with support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision, providing excellent visuals. Under the hood, the Tab P12 Pro is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870, which, while not as powerful as some competitors, can still handle photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom and Snapseed with ease.
Battery life on the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro is exceptional, making it a great option for those who need a tablet that can last through long editing sessions or while travelling. Plus, it supports Lenovo’s Precision Pen 3, which is perfect for tasks requiring finer detail.
Why Consider the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro?
Affordable: Great value for the performance it offers.
Display: Stunning AMOLED display with HDR support.
Battery: Excellent battery life for editing on the go.
Which Tablet is Best for You?
In 2024, the best tablet for photo and video editing depends largely on your personal preferences and budget. If you're deep into the Apple ecosystem and need a powerhouse with unmatched display quality, the iPad Pro is the obvious choice. However, for Android users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra offers fantastic screen real estate and performance.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 10 is ideal for those who need a tablet that can double as a laptop, running full desktop applications. Finally, the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro provides a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing too much in terms of performance or display quality.
Whichever tablet you choose, investing in a device that combines portability with power is essential for any modern creator. With any of these top contenders, you’ll be well-equipped to take your photo and video editing to the next level, whether you’re in the studio or out capturing your next masterpiece.
Happy editing!
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