Compared: The Best Tablets for CAD

Once upon a time, only huge mainframe computers could run CAD. Thankfully, over the years, desktop computers that had enough power to run CAD applications became available. For a while, engineers and designers were content but another problem arose. The need for mobility. It was impossible to move desktop computers around but this movement was required to make work faster. Then came the solution; laptops. Again, all was well but if you think that everyone was content, think again. It didn’t take long for engineers and designers to start to look for on-the-go mobility. 

Some designers tend to be on the move and they love their work to go with them sometimes to beat deadlines, other times so as not to interrupt the flow of design creativity, and other times to be ready for a “Eureka” moment. As compact as laptops are, they don’t always solve the work-on-the-go issue as they are still considered a bit bulky for this purpose by many engineers and designers. So how does one get handheld mobility combined with the computing power required for CAD? The answer is Tablet Computers. Many CAD software developers, recognizing the need to work on the go, have fully functional versions of their products for tablets.

Now, there are thousands of tablets available in the market today. From play tabs for kids to mobile cinemas to powerful computers. How does one know which one of these would be perfect for running CAD applications? To help answer this question, we at Scan2CAD, after a lot of research, have come up with a list of the best tablets for CAD. 

In this article, we will be reviewing the top 5 tablet computers for CAD, what makes them great, their features, their prices, where to buy them, and much more. Note that some of the products on our list are 2-in-1 laptops and tablets known as convertibles. 

What makes a tablet great for CAD?

Before we go to the list, it is important that we first understand the selection criteria. Below are several features to consider before selecting a tablet for CAD applications:

1. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
2. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
3. Display
4. Battery
5. Operating System
6. Accessories

1. CPU

The CPU of a device is considered as its brains. It is where the majority of tasks are processed. An insufficiently powerful CPU would lead to a lot of lagging during basic activities such as opening CAD software; creating, saving, importing, and exporting files; switching between interfaces; applying general instructions.

2. GPU

The main function of the GPU is to render high-resolution graphics. CAD tasks such as simulation, rendering, visualization, presentation, and animation are handled by the GPU. A powerful GPU is required to perform these tasks properly.

3. Display

The only feedback you receive when creating a model is the visual output displayed on the screen of your device. Therefore, display size and resolution are very important. Not only do you require a sufficiently large screen but also clear crisp visuals.

4. Battery

What is the need of having a portable device if you need to charge it all the time? With the processing power required to run CAD applications, long-lasting batteries are important.

5. Operating System

There are hundreds of little-known operating systems in existence today. Not all these are capable of running CAD applications. Some don’t even have CAD versions. When choosing a tablet, you have to go for an OS that is widely accepted and compatible.

6. Accessories

Accessories often increase productivity when using CAD applications. While you may not always require them, it is a good idea for tablets to have accessories such as keyboards and smartpens in case the need for them arises. Smartpens, for example, can be used for interacting with CAD applications’ interfaces like a mouse pointer.

Top 6 Tablets for CAD

1. iPad Pro

First on our list is the iPad Pro. Considering it is manufactured by Apple, you are probably expecting great things. And the most recent versions of the popular tablet computer, powered by the company’s own ARM-based chip, do not disappoint. They continue Apple’s grasp of the tablet market.

The latest version announced on October 18, 2022, the iPad Pro 2022, sports Apple’s latest M2 chip. According to Apple’s press release, the M2 chip, which features an 8-core CPU, is up to 15% faster than the M1 chip used in its predecessor, iPad Pro 2021, while its 10-core GPU delivers 35% faster graphics performance. Other unique features include 100GB/s of unified memory bandwidth (50% more than M1).

At the time of updating this article, the M2 iPad Pro had not yet been made available in stores. And when it finally lands on the shelf, it will be a tad more expensive. So, if you are looking to purchase a cheaper but powerful iPad Pro, you can go for the one powered by the equally powerful M1 chip, which was announced on April 20, 2021. According to Apple’s press release, the M1 chip, which has an 8-core CPU, delivers up to 50% faster performance than the A12Z bionic chip that powered the 2020 version of the tablet. In addition, Apple claims the 8-core GPU delivers up to 40% faster GPU performance.

For enhanced functionality, this tablet computer has three main accessories: Apple Pencil, a Bluetooth tracking stylus; a magnetic, attachable smart keyboard christened the Magic Keyboard; and a smart cover that Apple calls the Smart Folio. These accessories are sold separately.

These performance and power make the iPad Pro ideal for even the most demanding workflows, including the design of architectural and engineering drawings. In fact, there are a number of CAD applications available for iPad, including ARES Commander, Fusion 360, Tinkercad, Shapr3d, AutoCAD, Onshape CAD, and more.

2. Microsoft Surface Pro 

On October 12, 2022, Microsoft introduced new Surface devices, revamping its already powerful lineup of products. Among the new updates is the Microsoft Surface Pro 9, which according to preliminary reviews, is faster than the Surface Pro 8. The Surface Pro is a tablet that can still serve as or even replace a laptop. It offers touch capabilities, a full-size precision touchpad, and a productive keyboard. In that regard, it is a 2-in-1 device.

The Surface Pro 9 is powered by either the latest 12th Generation Intel Core processor built on the Intel Evo platform or the Microsoft SQ3 processor. The latter is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon platform and is, therefore, an ARM-based processor. According to Microsoft, the Surface Pro 9 is packed with up to 50% more performance than its predecessor, the Surface Pro 8. The internal components are encased in a high-grade aluminum casing and a 13-inch PixelSense display with up to 120Hz refresh rate. Other features include up to 32 GB of RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage.

The introduction of the new generation of Surface Pro tablets, however, does not render the previous generation obsolete. In fact, you can save some backs by going for the Surface Pro 8, which is powered by the previous generation (11th Gen) Intel chips. According to reviews, however, the previous generation chips take a performance hit because they do not have the performance and efficiency cores found in the latest generation. Still, the processor and, by extension, the Surface Pro 8 tablet is powerful and cheaper.

3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

For hardcore fans of the Android OS who require the power of a laptop computer, look no further than the Galaxy Tab S8 family. Announced in February 2022, this family comprises three Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 models: the base Tab S8, the Tab S8+, and the Tab S8 Ultra, all powered by the Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 capable of clocking up to 2.99 GHz in speed.

The three models cater to different categories of users, especially those whose preferences are tied to the display size. The base model, the Tab S8, has an 11-inch TFT screen and a battery with the lowest capacity. The Tab S8+ has a 12.4” Super AMOLED display, making it slightly smaller than the 12.9” iPad Pro. In addition, it has a 10,090 mAh battery. Lastly, the Tab S8 Ultra has a 14.6” display, which puts it on par with some laptop screens. This makes it ideal for use cases that require a large screen but with the convenience and lightweight attributes of a tablet.

For each of the three models, Samsung lets you select between two versions: Wi-Fi or 5G. You can also purchase the ultra-low latency S-Pen, which allows you to write, sketch, doodle, or draw any idea you might have.

4. HP Spectre X360 (2-in-1)

The Spectre brand represents HP’s offering of premium laptop models, so the HP Spectre x360 packs a punch. Though primarily marketed as a laptop, the x360 has a 360º hinge design that allows the keyboard to rest behind the screen when fully opened. This converts it into a tablet that takes advantage of the screen’s multitouch capabilities. However, this may be considered a drawback as the keyboard is not completely detachable.

The latest releases of the Spectre x360 2-in-1 laptops are powered by Intel’s 12th-generation chips. And if you proceed with the purchase, you can configure the device to have either the Core i5 or Core i7 integrated CPU. This means it does not have a dedicated GPU. Instead, the graphics processing power is the reserve of Intel Iris Xe Graphics. However, the RAM is soldered into the motherboard (onboard memory), which may be problematic, especially if you wish to upgrade it in the future. The tablet is sold with the preinstalled Windows 11 operating system, meaning you will benefit from the existing ecosystem of CAD programs for Windows.

5. ASUS Vivobook S 14 Flip (2-in-1)

The ASUS Vivobook S 14 Flip is a 14” 2-in-1 convertible laptop. It features a 360º hinge that affords you the freedom to determine the extent to which you can open the laptop. Thanks to this freedom, you can fully open the device, converting it into a tablet that still has the power and capabilities of a laptop computer.

The 2-in-1 device is supercharged by AMD’s Ryzen 5000 series laptop CPUs with integrated AMD Radeon Graphics, which are cooled using ASUS’s IceCool thermal technology. This means that even in CPU and GPU-intensive tasks that require plenty of processing power, the processor’s performance will not bottleneck due to extreme heat.

The Vivobook S 14 Flip features a reinvented touchpad that enables number input with a tap of the touchpad icon. This creates an underlay of numbers and mathematical symbols in what ASUS calls the NumberPad 2.0. You can also use the optional ASUS Pen 2.0 to draw, sketch, or doodle without worrying about scratching the screen.

Like the Spectre x360, the Vivobook S 14 Flip is powered by Windows 11.

ASUS also sells a thinner version of the Vivobook S 14 Flip, known as the Vivobook Flip S 14 Thin, which is much cheaper at less than $500. This 2-in-1 tablet features Intel’s 11th generation Core-i3 chip, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD storage, and a 14” display with a 1920×1080 resolution powered by Intel UHD Graphics (a GPU integrated into the CPU). The S 14 Thin is operated using the Windows 10 OS. But given the less powerful specs, it will likely struggle when put through its paces, particularly when running the latest versions of CAD software, which require a powerful computer. This begs the question, what budget tablet can you purchase that will still serve you even in the most demanding situations? The answer lies in our sixth pick.

6. Samsung Galaxy Tab A8

Given the numerous CAD software specifically developed to run seamlessly on Android, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 makes for the best budget tab. Released in 2021, this tab is powered by the ARM-based Unisoc Tiger T618 octa-core CPU capable of clocking about 2 GHz. The graphics processing is handled by a dedicated GPU, the Mali G52 MP2. The Galaxy A8 Tab’s memory ranges from 2GB to 4GB, with the internal storage also ranging from 32GB to a maximum of 128GB, depending on the configuration you choose. Additionally, it has a 10.5” TFT screen with a resolution of 1920×1200.

Using this tablet, you can run CAD software such as Tekla Structures, AutoCAD, SketchUp, SolidEdge, OnShape, Fusion 360, and more.

Conclusion

Tablets are known to offer a few advantages over conventional laptops. For example, they are thin and lightweight, and boast a longer battery life because they have less hardware. At the same time, however, 2-in-1 laptops exist. These convertibles combine some of the benefits of tablets with the advantages of laptops. These facts informed our list of the best tablets for CAD as it contains both tablets, such as the iPad Pro, Samsung Galaxy Tab S8, and Microsoft Surface Pro 8 and 9, as well as 2-in-1 laptops, namely HP Spectre x360 and ASUS Vivobook S 14 Flip. These tablets further stand out in different categories as follows:

• Best Windows tablet: Microsoft Surface Pro 9
• Best Android tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
• Best Apple tablet: iPad Pro (2022)
• Best tablet below $500: Samsung Galaxy Tab A8
• Best tablet above $1,000: Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (fully specced out)
• Best overall tablet: Microsoft Surface Pro 9