Top 3 picks
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Apple iPad (A16)
Why we picked this
Best Overall: The iPad (A16) combines fast everyday performance with excellent drawing and note-taking app support on iPadOS. It supports Apple Pencil, but the Pencil is sold separately. Compared with the Xiaomi Pad 8, it offers a broader creative-app ecosystem; compared with the Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus, it is more compact and easier to carry.
Key Specs
Where to buy
est. £329Prices change often — check the retailer for the current price.
Amazon Fire Max 11
Why we picked this
Best Value: Fire Max 11 offers solid basic performance for note-taking apps with its large screen and affordable price, making it the cheapest option while still supporting Android apps for drawing.
Key Specs
Where to buy
est. £180Prices change often — check the retailer for the current price.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus
Why we picked this
Premium Pick: Its large 13.1-inch display is the strongest choice here for drawing, sketching and viewing detailed notes, and the S Pen is included. It also adds microSD expansion and IP68 water and dust resistance. It costs £49 above the £550 budget, but remains within the permitted premium cap; the smaller iPad (A16) and Xiaomi Pad 8 are easier to carry.
Key Specs
Where to buy
est. £599Prices change often — check the retailer for the current price.