iPad Pro vs Surface Pro 8 vs S8 Ultra (artist review)

Summary

This video offers a comprehensive comparison of three top tablets for digital art: the 12.9-inch iPad Pro with Apple Pencil 2, the 13-inch Microsoft Surface Pro 8 with Slim Pen 2, and the 14.6-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra with the S Pen. The script discusses pricing, with all three initially priced at $1,000 but discounts available for the Surface Pro 8. It emphasizes the Surface Pro 8's versatility running Windows OS, the iPad Pro's integration with macOS, and the Samsung tablet's inclusion of the S Pen. The video also covers drawing capabilities, with all three being well-matched, but notes the lack of graphic design apps on Android. Battery life, portability, and the user experience with each device are also examined, concluding with the advice to choose based on software needs and intended use beyond drawing.

Takeaways

• 💰 All three tablets are priced similarly at $1000 for the base model with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, but the Surface Pro 8 can be found at a discount.
• 🎨 For versatility and running desktop apps, the Surface Pro 8 is the top choice due to its Windows OS.
• 🔋 The iPad Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra offer longer battery life compared to the Surface Pro 8.
• 🖌️ Drawing performance across the iPad Pro, Surface Pro 8, and Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is almost equally matched.
• 📱 If you're already in the Apple ecosystem, the iPad Pro integrates well with macOS, offering features like Sidecar and iCloud sync.
• ✍️ The Samsung S Pen is included with the tablet and doesn't require charging, unlike the Apple Pencil 2 and Microsoft Slim Pen 2.
• 📚 The Surface Pro 8 and Windows OS provide a full range of desktop apps, making it superior for graphic design tasks compared to iPadOS and Android.
• 📱 The iPad Pro's aspect ratio and form factor make it very usable in both landscape and portrait orientations.
• 📝 Android, specifically on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, lacks graphic design apps, which is a downside for creative professionals.
• 💡 The choice of tablet should be based on the software and ecosystem you prefer, as well as the specific tasks you intend to perform with the device.

Q & A

What are the three tablets compared in the video?

The three tablets compared are the 12.9-inch iPad Pro with Apple Pencil 2, the 13-inch Microsoft Surface Pro 8 with Slim Pen 2, and the 14.6-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra with the Samsung S Pen.

What is the official retail price for the tablets with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage?

The official retail price for the tablets with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage is $1,000 each.

Which tablet includes the stylus in the package?

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra includes the Samsung S Pen with the tablet, while the Apple Pencil and Microsoft Slim Pen 2 are additional purchases for the iPad Pro and Surface Pro 8, respectively.

Which tablet is recommended for versatility and running desktop apps?

The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is recommended for its versatility and ability to run full-featured desktop apps due to its Windows OS.

How does the battery life of the Surface Pro 8 compare to the iPad Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra?

The Surface Pro 8 has a shorter battery life, with about 6 hours on auto brightness, compared to at least 7.5 hours for the iPad Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra.

What is the advantage of using an iPad Pro if you already use macOS?

If you already use macOS, the iPad Pro offers advantages such as Sidecar feature, easy file sharing, iCloud backup integration, and the ability to watch iTunes movies across devices.

How do the drawing capabilities of the three tablets compare?

The drawing capabilities of the three tablets are almost equally matched, with each offering minimal initial activation force, good pressure sensitivity, and palm rejection.

What is the main downside of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra for digital artists?

The main downside for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is the lack of graphic design apps and vector apps in the Android ecosystem, making tasks related to typography and layout challenging.

How does the iPad Pro's file management system compare to Windows and Android?

The iPad Pro's file management system is considered basic and has glitches, while Windows and Android offer more familiar and versatile file systems.

Which tablet offers the best value for money according to the video?

The Surface Pro 8 is considered to offer the best value for money due to its discounted price and versatility provided by the Windows OS.