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The Best tablet for taking handwritten notes

Finding a good tablet for taking handwritten notes is not an easy task, especially with the many different tablets available on the market. Of the many different devices and versions, only a select few are made for note-taking purposes.

Most users consider the screen and resolution to ensure a clear and seamless display. They can be used as laptop or notebook replacements with streaming capabilities.

If you understand what to look for in a note-taking tablet, you will easily get a nice tablet with a natural pen-to-paper experience. They come with a stylus pen and unique antiglare technology that protects your eyes.

The pen features tilt recognition and a high pen pressure sensitivity that allows use as a writing or notetaking tablet.

Top Tablets for Taking Handwritten notes

  1. Kindle Scribe– Best overall
  2. iPad Air – Best Runner Up
  3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ Plusbest Android
  4. Microsoft Surface Pro 9Best Windows
  5. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite – Best from Samsung
  6. iPad Pro – Best iPad
  7. Lenovo Tab P12 Pro – best Lenovo Tablet
  8. Amazon Fire Max 11 – Alternative Cheap tablet

Kindle Scribe – Best overall

  1. Storage Space: 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB
  2. Screen Size: 10.2-inches
  3. Resolution: 300 dpi
  4. Stylus Pen Included

The Kindle Scribe features a sleek and slim modern design with a 10.2-inch E-ink screen and 300 Dpi resolution. This resolution is clean and clear for reading and taking notes, thanks to the high contrast in the bright and dim areas of the display.

For note, the Kindle Scribe comes with a free stylus for a nice pen-to-paper-like feel when writing. For portability, the tablet features a lightweight design that you can carry around from place to place.

Additionally, it charges very fast, with a maximum battery life lasting for weeks. For a very affordable price range, you will get a perfect reading and writing device. Unfortunately, the Kindle Tablet features poor integration with different applications, which can be a problem.

Pros

  • Affordable Price
  • Long battery Life
  • 10.2-inch E-ink screen and 300 Dpi
  • Free stylus Pen
  • Lightweight build

Cons

  • Poor integration into different applications

iPad Air – Best Apple tablet for taking notes

  • Screen Size: 10.9 inches
  • Resolution: 1640 × 2360 pixels
  • Screen Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
  • Processor and RAM: Apple and 8 GB RAM
  • Battery Life: 10 hours
  • Weight: 1.02 lbs
  • Stylus: Apple Pencil 2
  • Storage Space: 64 GB / 256 GB
  • Operating System: iPad OS
  • Connectivity: USB-C port

The Apple iPad Air is the Best tablet for taking notes. It is made with the same technology used on other more expensive Apple Tablets but at an affordable price range.

It comes with a decent 10.9-inch screen with 1640 × 2360 pixels resolution. This is large enough for comfortable use and still portable. Up to 60 Hz Refresh Rate is fast enough to display minimal lags when using the pencil on your screen.

Apple iPad Air is compatible with Apple’s standard second generation Pencil but you have to buy it separately as it does not come with it.

When it comes to processing power, it comes with a powerful M1 chip that is fast and more than you will need for taking notes and other tasks.

Additionally, you will have 8 GB RAM that will eradicate any slowing down or lags on your device, whether you use it for handwritten notes or other complex tasks.

It would have been great if they added face recognition like newer iPad versions but it will not limit you from writing notes.

One downside however is that it does not come with a headphone jack for those who like a simple audio device connection.

The storage size is limited to a maximum of 256 GB without an external Micro SD card expansion option. Most written documents and PDFs are not too big and will occupy minimal space.

Pros

  • Powerful M1 processor and large 8 GB RAM
  • Large screen with perfect resolution
  • Long Battery life
  • Works with Apple Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil 2

Cons

  • Lacks an Audio Jack
  • Pen comes separately
  • Storage is not expandable

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ – best Android tablet for handwritten notes

  • Screen Size and Resolution: 12.4 inches
  • Resolution: 1752×2800 Pixels
  • Screen Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
  • Processor and RAM: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • RAM: 12 GB / 16 GB
  • Battery Life: 10 hours
  • Weight: 1.29 lbs
  • Comes with Stylus: Yes
  • Storage Space: 256 GB / 512 GB
  • Operating System: Android 13
  • Connectivity: USB-C port

If you prefer an Android system, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ Plus is our pick for the best Android tablet for taking notes.

It is larger than the iPad Mini with a 12.4-inch screen with a 1752 × 2800 Pixels resolution. Additionally, the screen is fast and responsive thanks to the 120 Hz screen refresh rate.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ Plus has easily ousted its predecessor Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra as the best iPad alternative to Android, thanks to its powerful features and affordable price range.

A powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and 12 GB RAM with a 16 GB RAM option, will ensure fast processing with minimal lags.

Unlike most iPad and Apple tablets, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ Plus comes with Samsung’s’ S-Pen. 

Unfortunately, you will have to keep buying replacement nibs which are unavailable on purchase. You will also not get a charger or external keyboard. Overall, it is a good multipurpose tablet that will give iPads a run for their money.

Pros

  • Powerful Processor and RAM.
  • Comes with a Free Samsung S Pen
  • DEX Mode compatible
  • Large screen with good resolution
  • Long battery Life at 10 hours

Cons

  • No charger included
  • Few Nibs available on purchase

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 – Best Windows Tablet

  • Screen Size: 13 inches
  • Resolution: 2880×1920 Pixels
  • Screen Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
  • Processor and RAM: Intel Core i5 / i7
  • RAM: 8 GB / 16 GB / 32 GB 
  • Battery Life: 19 hours
  • Weight: 1.94 lbs
  • Comes with Stylus: No 
  • Storage Space: 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
  • Operating System: Windows 11 Home
  • Connectivity: USB-C port

If you prefer a Windows system, then the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is your best pick. It features a large 13-inch screen size with a 2880 × 1920 Pixels resolution.

Although it does not come with the pen in the box, when you buy its native pen, you will realize fast screen responsiveness to the pen thanks to a high 120 Hz Screen Refresh Rate.

If you like saving files on your tablet, you will have a wide choice of storage space sizes from 128 GB to 1 TB. Most written files are small in size and will not occupy too much space. 256 GB and above is perfect for reading and writing.

This tablet stands out for its powerful processor that will not only work as a writing tablet but also work without lags for multiple purposes including drawing and gaming.

The Core i5 or i7 processors and 8 GB RAM are more than you need for note work writing. However, for more complex tasks, we recommend 16 GB or 32 GB RAM. This large RAM will allow seamless multi-tasking even with complex programs running.

This tablet is slightly too big and may limit portability. However, 19 hours of battery life and 1.94 lbs overall weight make it ideal for outdoor usage.

tablet for taking handwritten notes

Pros

  • Powerful Processor and RAM options
  • Large high-resolution
  • ion screen
  • Wide storage space options that are expandable
  • Long Battery life
  • Lightweight build

Cons

  • A little too big for portability
  • Pen comes separate

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite – Budget tablet

  • Screen Size: 10.4 inches
  • Resolution: 1200×2000 Pixels
  • Screen Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
  • Processor and RAM: Snapdragon 720G
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Battery Life: 8 hours
  • Weight: 1.03 lbs
  • Comes with a free Samsung S Pen
  • Storage Space: 64 GB / 128 GB Expandable
  • Operating System: Android 12
  • Connectivity: USB-C port

If you are on a budget but still want a good Samsung Tablet, then the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is your best pick.

Just like most other Samsung tablets, it comes with a good standard S-pen that you can use for drawing or note-taking. It is free and just as good as the Apple Pencil 2.

Most features on this tablet are far more than you will need for note-taking. For example, you have a decent 10.4-inch screen with a 1200 × 2000 Pixels resolution.

Additionally, the pen interacts with the screen at a 60 Hz Screen Refresh Rate eradicating any lags when writing or drawing.

Lines and texts will be displayed without any delays as you draw. Affordability is a key selling factor for this tablet. It comes with complex specifications at a very affordable price range.

The storage space is large enough to save many books and PDF documents. It comes with a 64 GB / 128 GB storage space that is expandable using a MicroSD card to 1 TB.

Galaxy S6 Lite 2024 Specs

Pros

  • Affordable Price
  • Long battery life
  • Modern and Sleek design
  • Large 10.4 inches screen
  • High 1200 × 2000 Pixels resolution
  • Comes with a free S – pen

Cons

  • Low 4 GB RAM

Apple iPad Pro: Best iPad

  • Screen Size: 11 / 12.9 inches
  • Resolution: 2048×2732 Pixels
  • Screen Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
  • Processor and RAM: Apple M2 and 8 GB / 16 GB
  • Battery Life: 9-10 hours
  • Weight: 1.50 lbs
  • Comes with Stylus: No
  • Storage Space: 128 to 2 TB
  • Operating System: iPad OS
  • Connectivity: USB-C port

Apple iPad Pro is by far the best tablet that you can buy. It comes packaged in an overall comfortable to-use, slim, and modern-looking body.

Note-taking for the iPad Pro will be simple and fast thanks to very powerful features. Unfortunately, this is a premium tablet and will not come cheap.

Although it is compatible with Apple Pencil 2, you will have to buy it separately, which can be expensive.

Overall, this is a powerhouse that you will be able to use for multiple purposes such as drawing, animation, or as a gaming tablet.

taking handwritten notes

Pros

  • Powerful RAM and processor
  • Large screen and quality display
  • Large storage space
  • Can be used with Apple Pencil 2
  • Works with Apple Magic keyboard
  • Large storage space
  • Long battery life

Cons

  • Accessories are bought separately

Lenovo Tab P12 Pro: Best from Lenovo

  • Screen Size: 12.6 inches
  • Resolution: 1600 × 2560 Pixels
  • Screen Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
  • Processor and RAM: Snapdragon 870 5G
  • RAM: 6 GB / 8 GB RAM
  • Battery Life: 9 hours
  • Weight: 1.02 lbs
  • Comes with Lenovo Precision Pen 3
  • Storage Space: 128 GB / 256 GB
  • Operating System: Android 11
  • Connectivity: USB-C port

4K tablets are super crisp and clear. They are perfect devices most commonly used as streaming tablets.

For note-taking, however, you do not need such a high-resolution screen to achieve a comfortable and appealing user experience. A cool 2K screen resolution like the one found on the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro will be perfect for all your note-writing needs.

The good screen resolution is further complemented by a large 12.6-inch screen size. Long 8-9 hours battery life will allow you to easily use your tablet on the go for up to a full 8-hour working day. The Lenovo Precision Pen 3 features +- tilt recognition and 4096 Pen Pressure levels making it perfect for taking notes.

As mentioned earlier, a writing tablet does not have to be too powerful. However, more power is always better and will allow you to use your tablet as a multipurpose device for professional work.

Lenovo Tab P12 Pro comes with a reliable Snapdragon 870 processor with 5 GB,6 GB, and 8 GB RAM options that will make multitasking easy.

Unfortunately, the screen is too big and a little too sensitive when touched by your pen and hand simultaneously. Simply put, palm rejection on this tablet could have been made better.

For this reason, you will find yourself preferring to use it for other tasks such as streaming or watching movies where you will only click a couple of buttons.

Pros

  • Cool and modern design, with slim bezels.
  • 1600×2560 Pixels resolution or 2k resolution display.
  • Expandable storage space
  • Long battery life, 8 to 9 hours

Cons

  • Poor Palm rejection.
  • Better for movie streaming rather than taking notes.

Choosing a Good tablet for taking handwritten notes.

There are several key factors that you need to consider when choosing the best note-taking tablets.

  1. Screen size
  2. Resolution
  3. Pen Accuracy
  4. Operating system
  5. Note-taking application compatibility
  6. Portability and durability
  7. Price
tablet for taking handwritten notes

Stylus Pen

A good stylus pen or pencil will directly affect your experience with a note-taking tablet. When buying a tablet, make sure to check whether your tablet comes with a pen or if you have to buy it separately. 

Those that come with a pencil are more budget-friendly than those that do not. If it does not come with a pen, make sure you check the specific pencil that is compatible with your tablet and buy it.

Portability

A good note-taking tablet will allow you to carry it around and use it even away from your office. The battery life, size, and overall weight will affect your tablet’s portability. You want a lightweight and small, but not too small tablet for portability.

Screen and resolution

Choose a tablet with at least 8 inches in size with full HD resolution. The bigger the screen, the more comfortable it is to use. However, you need to balance size and portability because large tablets are difficult to carry around.

High refresh rate and brightness levels are the best. The screen refresh rate will determine how fast your screen responds to your pen.

 High brightness levels will make sure that your tablet is usable even in outdoor high-light conditions. A screen with a high refresh rate and high brightness levels is the best.

Application Compatibility and battery life

Make sure to confirm that the applications you normally use are compatible with the operating platform of the tablet you intend to buy. Additionally, the tablet needs to be able to sustain a charge for up to 7 or 8 hours without having to recharge.

Operating System and Price

Android and Apple iPads are general-purpose tablets you can use for taking notes. If you need a dedicated writing tool we recommend E-Ink display options instead of Android or IPS tablets. The best options available in the market include Kindle Scribe, ReMarkable 2, and Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C.

For general-purpose Android tablets, you can either use the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is the best Android pick. Lenovo Tab P12 is the best option if you are on a budget.

For users not limited by a budget, the Apple iPad Pro and Apple iPad Air are perfect premium options with an iOS operating system. The iPad Pro is more expensive but packs some of the best specifications you can find on a tablet.

If you need a comparison between iPad Pro and Apple iPad Air, check out our previous post. The iPad Air is a compact and affordable iPad tablet. Despite its low price range, the iPad Pro is more powerful than most other tablet types in this review.

5 Best Tablets for Taking Handwritten Notes

ProductBest ForPrice
Kindle ScribeBest OverallCheck Price
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+Best Android TabletCheck Price
Microsoft Surface Pro 9Best Windows TabletCheck Price
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 LiteBest Budget TabletCheck Price
iPad ProBest iPad for Taking NotesCheck Price

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the best tablet for taking handwritten notes?

    The iPad Air is the best overall tablet for taking notes. We ranked it highly because of the compact design, lightweight build, decent screen size, and resolution plus compatibility with the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil 2. Unfortunately, you will have to buy these accessories separately. If you want a free pencil, we recommend the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ or Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite which comes with a free S Pen. They are the best Android and best budget options respectively.

  2. iPad Pro vs Lenovo Tab P11: Which one is better for notes?

    The iPad Pro has superior performance, display quality, and overall features, like the Apple Pencil ideal for people who need high-end abilities and are willing to spend a little more. The Lenovo Tab P11 is not as good as the iPad Pro but it provides great value for simple note-taking at a very affordable price. If you are on a budget this tablet is perfect for you.

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