3 Best Ipad Pros for Artists
If you’re ready to elevate your creative process, the right iPad Pro can make all the difference. With options featuring stunning 12.9-inch Liquid Retina displays, 120Hz refresh rates, and powerful chips like the M2, each model offers a smooth, responsive drawing experience—perfect for artists who demand precision. The compatibility with the second-generation Apple Pencil adds a new level of control, as if wielding a real brush. But which one fits your style? Let’s explore.
Apple iPad Pro (Renewed) 12.9in Tablet (256GB Wi-FI, Space Gray)
- M9 coprocessor, A9X Chip, Faster than a speeding laptop
- The 64-bit A9X chip gives iPad Pro the power to easily take on tasks once reserved for workstations and PCs. With up to 1.8 times the CPU performance of iPad Air 2, the A9X chip delivers incredible...
- 8MP iSight Camera and Front-Facing 1.2MP HD Camera;Comes with 1.5A Black USB Charger;12.9-inch (2732 by 2048) screen resolution
If you love making digital art, you want a device that works fast and shows your work clearly. The Apple iPad Pro (Renewed) 12.9-inch can be a good choice. It has 256GB of storage, so you have plenty of space for your art files, apps, and ideas. The processor is an A9X chip with an M9 coprocessor. It helps the iPad run smoothly, so you can multitask easily or use it like a computer. The big 12.9-inch screen shows sharp, bright images with a resolution of 2732×2048. It’s perfect for detailed drawings or watching videos. It also has a camera on the back that’s 8MP and a front camera of 1.2MP. You can use it to take pictures of your work or video chat with friends.
Best For: Artists, creative workers, and multitaskers who want a powerful tablet with lots of storage and a beautiful display.
Pros:
- Large, bright screen perfect for drawing or watching media
- Fast performance with the A9X chip and M9 coprocessor
- 256GB of space for your apps, projects, and files
Cons:
- The A9X chip is older and may not run the newest apps as well
- It only connects to Wi-Fi, no cellular data
- Being a refurbished device means it’s used now, so it might not last as long or hold its value as new devices
This iPad offers a good mix of power and display quality for creative work. Just remember, it is a used device, so check its condition before buying.
Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch 512GB (2nd Gen, Wi-Fi, Space Gray, Mid 2017, Renewed)
- Renewed products look and work like new. These pre-owned products have been inspected and tested by Amazon-qualified suppliers, which typically perform a full diagnostic test, replacement of any...
- 12.9-Inch Retina Display, 2732 x 2048 Resolution (264 ppi), 120Hz Refresh Rate, True Tone Display
- 512GB Flash Storage, 4GB RAM, Wi-Fi Only, 2.39GHz A10X Processor + M10 Coprocessor
Thinking about getting into digital art but don’t want to spend a lot? The Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch 512GB (2nd Gen, Renewed) might be a good choice. It has a big, bright screen with sharp colors. The display can show smooth movement thanks to a 120Hz refresh rate. This makes drawing and painting feel easy and natural.
The iPad has a strong A10X chip. It runs apps quickly and handles multitasking well. With 4GB of RAM, it keeps up with your creativity without lag. The large 512GB storage gives you plenty of space for your art files and projects. While the 12MP camera isn’t needed for drawing, it’s useful for taking quick photos.
This iPad has been tested and refurbished by professionals. It works like new and costs less than a brand-new model. It’s a good choice for artists who want a high-quality tablet without spending a lot.
Great for: Artists and creatives needing a reliable tablet with a bright screen and lots of storage, but at a lower price.
Pros:
- Bright Retina display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate for smooth drawing
- Strong A10X chip that easily handles multiple apps
- 512GB storage to save many art projects
Cons:
- Only connects to Wi-Fi, so no cellular options
- Runs older software, which might lack some new features
- Packages might be simple because it’s refurbished
If you’re looking to start creating digital art on a budget, this iPad Pro could be perfect. It offers good performance and a nice screen, all at a lower price.
2020 Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 256GB) – Space Gray (Renewed)
- 12.9-inch edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display with ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 wide color
- A12Z Bionic chip with Neural Engine
- 12MP Wide camera, 10MP Ultra Wide camera, and LiDAR Scanner
The 2020 Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch in Space Gray is a powerful tablet. It has a big 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display. The screen shows bright and vibrant colors, perfect for artists. With the P3 wide color, pictures and art look very true to life.
This iPad is fast. It runs on the A12Z Bionic chip with Neural Engine. This means it can handle tasks like drawing or photo editing easily. The ProMotion technology makes the screen smooth. It works well when you draw quick strokes or make fast changes.
You get 256GB of storage. Since it is renewed, it looks and works like new. It’s sleek in Space Gray and ready to help you create anytime.
This iPad is great for artists or anyone who wants a powerful and beautiful tablet. It is portable but also large enough for detailed work.
Pros:
- Bright, colorful 12.9-inch screen shows accurate colors.
- Fast and smooth with the A12Z chip.
- Looks new and works well at a lower price.
Cons:
- Might be a little heavy to carry around.
- Wi-Fi only, no mobile data.
- Battery life depends on how you use it and its renewal condition.
If you want a big, fast tablet that shows great images, this iPad Pro could be just right for you.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Ipad Pros for Artists
When choosing an iPad Pro, you’ll want to think about the screen quality and size—bigger screens are great for detailed artwork, but they can be less portable. Compatibility with the stylus is also key, since a responsive, pressure-sensitive Apple Pencil makes your creations feel more natural. Don’t forget to take into account performance, storage options, battery life, and how lightweight or bulky the device feels, so you can find the perfect balance between power and portability.
Screen Quality and Size
Choosing the right iPad Pro for art isn’t just about size, but size is important. A 12.9-inch screen gives a big space to draw detailed pictures and do many tasks at once. But size isn’t everything. You should also check the screen’s resolution and color accuracy. Features like True Tone and wide P3 color make your colors look bright and true to life. A high refresh rate, like 120Hz, makes drawing feel smooth and natural. It reduces lag and makes your lines flow better. Retina displays with many pixels show sharp, clear images with tiny details. Durability is also key. A strong glass screen can handle pressure and stylus use, so it lasts through long creative sessions. In the end, good quality and the right size help your creativity stay smooth and fun.
Stylus Compatibility and Support
Getting the right stylus for your iPad Pro can make drawing and writing much easier. The best choice is the Apple Pencil second generation. It sticks to your iPad with magnets and charges wirelessly. This means no cables to worry about and no batteries to replace.
Good styluses should give you accurate pressure sensitivity. This helps you make detailed shading and clean lines. Tilt support is also helpful because it makes your strokes look more natural. Make sure your iPad’s software can handle these features, or they might not work right.
If you want to use a third-party stylus, check if it works with your iPad. Some may not have features like pressure or tilt. Also, look for a stylus with low latency. Low latency makes your drawing feel more natural and smooth, without delays.
Pick a stylus that fits your needs. The right one makes creating on your iPad more fun and easy.
Performance and Processing Power
Your iPad Pro’s processing power is important for creative work. A faster chip, like the A12Z Bionic or A10X, makes things like drawing or making 3D models run smoothly. It helps your projects look better and quicker. More RAM, like 4GB or more, allows you to open big files and work on many things at once without slowing down. These faster chips also include Neural Engines. These help your iPad handle image edits and AI features better.
Getting a newer chip makes your iPad faster and better at multitasking. It helps you spend less time waiting and more time creating. When your iPad works well, your ideas flow smoothly without interruptions. That means better work and more fun when making art or designs.
Storage Capacity Options
Have you ever wondered how much storage you really need on an iPad Pro for your art projects? If you work with big, high-quality images, many brushes, or large files, choosing 256GB or more can be a good idea.
If you only do light work or use cloud storage, 64GB might be enough. But many artists keep their projects saved directly on their iPad. Large files can quickly fill up smaller storage.
Getting 512GB or even 1TB gives you plenty of space. This way, you won’t have to keep moving files back and forth. It saves time and keeps your work flowing smoothly.
Think about what you create. If you make big digital paintings, work with HD videos, or have large collections of assets, more storage helps.
Pick a storage size that fits your work style. Whether you store everything on the device or use cloud storage, choose enough space so you can focus on creating without interruptions. Buying extra storage makes your art sessions easier and more fun.
Battery Life and Portability
When you pick an iPad Pro for art, think about battery life and how easy it is to carry. A longer battery lets you work longer without stopping to charge. This is helpful when you’re drawing, editing videos, or doing many tasks at once. Some models have better power saving features, so they last even longer during big projects.
Portability is also important. A lighter, thinner iPad is easier to carry around. You can take it to class, a coffee shop, or a park easily. Larger storage options often come with bigger batteries. This means your device can stay fast and reliable when you do tough work.
Having a good mix of long battery life and a slim, easy-to-carry design makes your iPad Pro a great helper. It lets you create anywhere — whether at home, work, or outside — without worries about running out of power.
FAQs
How Does the Apple Pencil Perform With Different Ipad Pro Models?
You’ll find the Apple Pencil performs smoothly across various iPad Pro models, offering responsive, precise drawing and writing. Newer models optimize features like tilt and pressure sensitivity, ensuring a seamless, natural experience no matter which iPad Pro you choose.
Are There Specific Apps Optimized for Ipad Pro Art Creation?
Yes, you’ll find apps like Procreate, Adobe Photoshop, and Affinity Photo optimized for iPad Pro, offering smooth performance, Apple Pencil support, and intuitive interfaces, which help you create art seamlessly and enhance your creative workflow.
Can Older Ipad Pro Models Support the Latest Ios Updates and Features?
Yes, older iPad Pro models can still support the latest iOS updates and features, but performance may vary. You should check Apple’s compatibility list to guarantee your device receives updates and runs new features smoothly.
What Is the Battery Life Like During Long Creative Sessions?
During long creative sessions, you’ll typically get around 8 to 10 hours of battery life, depending on usage. Keep in mind, intensive tasks like video editing may reduce your battery life sooner. Plan for occasional recharges.
How Do Storage Options Affect Creative Workflow and File Management?
Storage options directly impact your workflow; larger capacities let you keep plenty of high-resolution files without deleting, streamlining your creative process. Consider your project needs to choose the right storage for smooth, efficient file management.
Last update on 2026-01-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
