Writing on paper is fun, but notebooks are prone to staining and tearing.
The best tablets for note-taking help you keep everything organized and safe, which is helpful for executives, learners, and hobbyists.
Most tablets are multipurpose, so besides taking notes, you can watch videos, browse, and play games during your free time. However, there are so many options in the market, which can be pretty confusing when buying one.
Here are the best tablets for note-taking available today.
1. Microsoft Surface Pro 8
The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is a high-end note-taking tablet that works best if you want to multitask. One of its standout features is the 13-inch screen, which lets you place your notepad on one side alongside a list of abbreviations or a dictionary without feeling cramped.
The Intel Core i7-1185G7 processor and 16GB of RAM work together to ensure snappy performance; specs you'd expect to find on a laptop. This allows you to work across multiple apps at once without the tablet slowing down. And, if you need to store a lot of data, the 512GB SSD should be plenty for your needs.
Though not included, the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is compatible with the Surface Slim Pen 2—a carpenter-inspired device that delivers a natural writing experience. There’s added haptic functionality, too, that mimics the experience of jotting down notes on paper. So, if you're looking for a powerful tablet that will cater to your note-taking needs while feeling more realistic, this is sure to do the trick.
Key Features
Intel Evo platform
Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
Intel Iris Xe graphics
Built-in kickstand
Specifications
Brand: Microsoft
Storage: 512GB
CPU: Intel Core i7-1185G7
Memory: 16GB
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Battery: 6,200mAh
Ports: 2x USB-C
Camera (Rear, Front): 10MP, 5MP
Display (Size, Resolution): 13-inch, 2880x1920
Size: 9.06 x 12.22 x 1.97 inches
Connectivity: Wi-Fi
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus Tablet
If you’re looking for a feature-packed tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus is a great choice. Jotting notes is fast and enjoyable with the redesigned S pen. It has a 9ms latency and gives you access to valuable shortcuts to speed up your workflow. Besides being highly responsive, the tablet has a 12.4-inch touchscreen display that delivers vibrant colors for smooth viewing.
Its thin bezels and 16:10 aspect ratio make your notes feel less cramped for maximum productivity and visibility. Not only is this tablet ideal for note-taking, but it also caters to your entertainment needs, thanks to its AKG speakers. You can listen to professional-grade music to increase concentration when taking notes.
When it comes to security, there’s an under-display fingerprint that helps protect your notes and other valuable data from unauthorized people. This is especially useful if you want to take your tablet to work or to college.
Key Features
Fast charging
Dual rear camera
Upgradable to Android 11
Specifications
Brand: Samsung Electronics
Storage: 128GB
CPU: Qualcomm SDM865+
Memory: 6GB
Operating System: Android 10
Battery: 10,090mAh
Ports: 1x USB Type-C 3.2, 4x speakers
Camera (Rear, Front): 13MP + 5MP, 8MP
Display (Size, Resolution): 12.4-inch, 2800x1752
Size: 0.22 x 7.28 x 11.22 inches
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
3. Lenovo Tab P11+
The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus includes a keyboard and pen, giving it a competitive edge over the Microsoft Surface Pro 8. The Lenovo Precision Pen 2, which is comfortable to hold, gives you high-level precision and control to make your note-taking experience a breeze. Alternatively, you can use the detachable keyboard, which incorporates well-laid keys for seamless typing.
Battery performance is another winning point, making the tablet ideal for traveling. It features a 7,700mAh battery capacity, which lasts for at least 15 hours on a single charge. Such power is enough to cater to your daily note-taking needs since some models barely make it to 10 hours.
The tablet runs on Android 11 OS, making it easy to download more versatile note-taking apps. Google Keep is an example of an application you can use on this model that offers multiple note-taking tools such as Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Sheets, and Google Drawings. With it, you can also add color and annotate pictures to make your note-taking experience fun.
Key Features
Quad speakers
Dual microphone array
IPS LCD touch display
Keyboard included
Specifications
Brand: Lenovo
Storage: 128GB
CPU: MediaTek HELIO G90T TAB (2.05 GHz )
Memory: 6GB
Operating System: Android 11
Battery: 7,700mAh
Ports: 1x USB-C 2.0
Camera (Rear, Front): 13MP, 8MP
Display (Size, Resolution): 11-inch, 2000x1200
Size: 10.17 x 6.42 x 0.3 inches
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus is an excellent pick if you want to feel the natural flow of notes when writing. It features a 12.4-inch AMOLED display, which besides being easy on the eyes, it renders fast motion response, so you can type and scroll without lag. The 120Hz refresh rate also makes the tablet more speedy and responsive, so you’ll feel like you’re jotting notes on paper instead of a tablet.
The latency of the included S Pen is reduced to 6.2ms, which is a major improvement from the previous versions with 9ms. It works flawlessly on the AMOLED display, making your note-taking or sketching experience smooth.
Security-wise, the in-display fingerprint sensor works conveniently, provided the assigned finger isn’t wet or sweaty. It ensures notes and confidential data aren’t accessible by unauthorized users.
Your note-taking sessions don’t have to be boring, especially if your creativity is inspired by music. This tablet features high-performing side-firing quad speakers that let you play tunes to boost your memory and concentration while handling creative tasks.
Key Features
Octa-core 3.0GHz
Low latency S pen
120Hz AMOLED screen
Specifications
Brand: Samsung
Storage: 128GB
CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
Memory: 8GB
Operating System: Android 12
Battery: 10,090mAh
Ports: 1x USB Type-C 3.2
Camera (Rear, Front): 13MP, 6MP (Rear), 12MP (Front)
Display (Size, Resolution): 12.4-inch, 2800x1752
Size: 11.22 x 7.28 x 0.22 inches
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
5. 2021 Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch)
The 2021 Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch) may not include a pen or keyboard as seen in competitor models, but it elevates your note-taking experience with the M1 chip. Its operating power nearly matches Apple laptops, meaning there is negligible latency when switching to different note-taking apps for effortless multitasking.
Another thoughtful feature is the 12.9-inch screen, which comes in handy if you prefer working with a larger canvas. It gives you enough writing space so your notes and other writing tools don’t feel cramped. In addition, the Liquid Retina XDR display gives you a better viewing experience by boosting color saturation and improving the contrast. You’ll work with high-quality text and colorful images when sketching.
The tablet works with the Apple Pencil 2, which attaches magnetically to the device for charging and pairing. The Apple Pencil 2 is more precise than your fingers, so it’s a great drawing tool.
Key Features
Apple M1 chip
Scratch-resistant glass
Face detection
Specifications
Brand: Apple
Storage: 128GB
CPU: 8-core (M1 chip)
Memory: 8GB
Operating System: iPadOS 14.5.1
Battery: 10,758mAh
Ports: 1x USB Type-C 4, Magnetic Connector, DisplayPort
Camera (Rear, Front): 12MP + 10MP, 12MP
Display (Size, Resolution): 12.9-inch, 2732x2048
Size: 11.04 x 8.46 x 0.25 inches
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
6. Fire HD 10
The Fire HD 10 proves that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a decent note-taking tablet. Besides being budget-friendly, it stands out from the crowd with its compact 10.1-inch screen, which is quite useful for on-the-go users. The small display sits comfortably in your hands for easy typing when commuting or while outdoors.
The tablet also favors frequent travelers and students with its weightless design. At one pound, you won’t have difficulties carrying the tablet when moving to different places that ignite your creativity.
Although the tablet comes with 32GB of internal storage, you can expand it to 1TB using an external microSD card. This ensures you have sufficient space to store drafts, music, research data, and actual writings.
While the supported 1080p resolution leaves a little to be desired compared to other tablets, you’ll still be able to work with readable text and sharp images.
Key Features
12 hours battery life
Comes in four colors
Bluetooth 5.0 LE
Two built-in microphones
Specifications
Brand: Amazon
Storage: 32GB
CPU: Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T
Memory: 3GB
Operating System: Fire OS 7, Android 9.0 (Pie)
Battery: 6,500mAh
Ports: 1x 3.5mm jack, 1x USB Type-C 2.0
Camera (Rear, Front): 5MP, 2MP
Display (Size, Resolution): 10.1-inch, 1920x1200
Size: 9.73 x 6.53 x 0.36 inches
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
7. Microsoft Surface Go 3 Tablet
Meet your unique note-taking needs without spending a lot with the Microsoft Surface Go 3. This two-in-one device is durable, has a responsive screen, and packs state-of-the-art features, making it one of the best tablets for notes. The 11-hour battery life delivers sufficient power for anyone who prefers taking notes when on the move.
While the Surface Pen isn't included, jotting down notes will feel more realistic and responsive using the Surface Pen. It's a great tablet for executives and college students.
You can also binge-watch and listen to authentic music quality during your free time since the tablet comes with high-performing speakers. The 10.5-inch screen has a 1920x1280 resolution to cater to your viewing needs when writing notes.
Key Features
Bluetooth 5.0
Intel UHD Graphics 615
Comprehensive Microsoft security
220 pixels per inch
Specifications
Brand: Microsoft
Storage: 64GB
CPU: Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y
Memory: 4GB
Operating System: Windows 11
Battery: 8,000mAh
Ports: 1x USB Type-C, 1x 3.5 mm headphone jack, 1x Surface Connect port
Camera (Rear, Front): 8MP, 5MP
Display (Size, Resolution): 10.5-inch, 1920x1280
Size: 7.98 x 10.82 x 1.89 inches
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
FAQ
Q: Can I Repair My Note-Taking Tablet?
You don’t have to dispose of your note-taking tablet because it is unusually slow or unresponsive. Free up the internal storage, update software, or restore factory settings after backing up your data in an external device.
After carrying out the above steps, restart your tablet to see if there’s an improvement.
If the screen of your tablet breaks and loses touch sensitivity, you can consider replacing only the screen. An overheating tablet indicates a problem with the battery. Try replacing the battery, and if it overheats, talk to a technician to advise further.
Q: What Should I Look for in the Best Note-Taking Tablet?
If your selected note-taking tablet doesn’t come with a stylus, ensure it is compatible with a generic stylus. A stylus gives you a fast and reliable way to record notes and sketch ideas for future reference while on the go.
The ideal note-taking tablet should allow you to work with essential add-ons such as keyboards, speakers, and other devices. The best note-taking tablet should have an operating system that guarantees an up to par performance. Provided you choose the best operating system, you will enjoy using a wide range of note-taking apps on the Google store or App store. Remember to select a tablet with a battery that lasts at least 10 hours.
Q: Is a Note-Taking Tablet Worth the Investment?
Yes, it is! A note-taking tablet allows you to use apps that make it easy to take, organize and search for important notes. Availability of ample storage in your note-taking tablet means you can have all your coursework in your palm anytime. You also save money spent on buying books and the energy of carrying multiple books in your backpack.
A note-taking tablet can be used as a multipurpose device for entertainment or taking photos. A note-taking tablet with a great front and back camera lets you take quality snaps for future reference. You can use your tablet to enjoy shows or even play games. Note-taking tablets come with a ‘Kids Mode’ feature that limits your children to kid-friendly activities.
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