Top Smart Devices for Graphic Designers & Creatives

Smart devices are very useful for graphic designers because of their versatility, performance, and connections. This puts smart devices as a flexible tool that graphic designers can rely on to deliver creative work while embracing efficiency.

List of Top Smart Devices for Graphic Designers & Creatives

Apple iPad Pro (M2)

The Apple iPad Pro (M2) is a top choice for graphic designers and creatives due to its combination of powerful hardware and an intuitive interface. The M2 chip provides exceptional performance, enabling smooth multitasking, complex 3D rendering, and real-time editing, which is especially important for resource-heavy creative apps like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Procreate. The Liquid Retina XDR display (available in the 12.9-inch model) offers incredible color accuracy, deep blacks, and high brightness levels, ensuring that designers can see their work in detail and true-to-life colors. The support for the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) allows for precision drawing, sketching, and note-taking, with features like hover detection enhancing creative control.

The iPad Pro’s versatility and portability also make it a great tool for creatives on the go. Its lightweight design, all-day battery life, and cellular options enable users to work from anywhere. iPadOS, combined with the M2 chip, unlocks new possibilities for multitasking and file management, making it easier to integrate into professional workflows. Whether it’s used as a stand-alone creative device or alongside other Apple products, the iPad Pro delivers a seamless experience across devices, elevating productivity and creativity for professionals in design, illustration, and video editing.

Price:

$1,399.00

Specifications:

Brand: Apple

Model Name: iPad Pro

Memory Storage Capacity: 256 GB

Screen Size: 12.9 Inches

Display Resolution Maximum: 2732 x 2048 Pixels

Chip: M2 chip

Display: Liquid Retina XDR

Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E + 5G Cellular

Cameras: 12MP front, 12MP & 10MP back

Security: Face ID

Battery Life: All-day battery life

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is an outstanding option for graphic designers and creatives due to its combination of a large, vibrant 14.6-inch Super AMOLED display and powerful internals. The display offers stunning color accuracy, deep contrasts, and a high resolution, making it ideal for detailed design work, photo editing, and digital illustration. With support for HDR10+, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra ensures that creatives can work with precise colors and visuals. The included S Pen, which boasts ultra-low latency, provides a natural drawing and writing experience, perfect for artists and designers seeking precision and responsiveness in their creative tasks.

Under the hood, the Tab S9 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which delivers excellent performance for handling resource-heavy apps like Adobe Creative Cloud, Autodesk Sketchbook, and other professional-grade design software. The tablet also supports multitasking, allowing users to run multiple apps side by side, which is a significant advantage for creatives who juggle various tools simultaneously. Its lightweight and sleek design, along with the option for 5G connectivity, makes it highly portable and ideal for professionals who need to work from different locations. With long battery life and Samsung’s ecosystem integration, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra offers both power and flexibility, making it a strong competitor in the creative tablet market.

Price:

$1,179.21

Specifications:

Brand: Samsung

Model Name: SM-X910NZEHTPA

Memory Storage Capacity: 512 GB

Screen Size: 14.6 Inches

Display Resolution Maximum: 1848 x 2960 Pixels

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

RAM: Up to 16 GB

Storage: Up to 1 TB (expandable via microSD)

Cameras: 12MP front, 13MP + 8MP rear

Battery: 11,200 mAh with fast charging

Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E + 5G

Stylus: S Pen included (magnetic attachment)

Microsoft Surface Studio 2+

The Microsoft Surface Studio 2+ is an exceptional device for graphic designers and creatives due to its innovative design and high-performance features tailored to creative work. Its large, 28-inch PixelSense touchscreen display provides an ultra-high resolution of 4500 x 3000 pixels, offering vibrant colors and sharp details essential for precise graphic work and detailed design projects. The display’s adjustable hinge allows for a range of angles, enabling artists to use it as a drafting table or a traditional monitor, enhancing ergonomics and flexibility in their workflow. The Surface Studio 2+ also supports the Surface Pen and Surface Dial, which offer excellent precision and intuitive control for drawing, sketching, and other creative tasks.

Powered by the Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics, the Surface Studio 2+ delivers strong performance for demanding applications such as 3D modeling, video editing, and high-resolution image processing. Its ample RAM and fast SSD storage ensure smooth multitasking and quick access to large files. The device’s all-in-one design eliminates the need for separate peripherals and provides a clean, uncluttered workspace. With its combination of powerful hardware, exceptional display quality, and versatile functionality, the Surface Studio 2+ is well-suited for professional designers and artists seeking a comprehensive and immersive creative tool.

Price:

$3,399.90

Specifications:

Brand: Microsoft

Operating System: Windows 11 Pro, Windows

CPU Model: Core i7

CPU Speed: 3 GHz

Graphics Card Description: Dedicated

Graphics Coprocessor: Nvidia Ge Force Rtx 3060

Memory Storage Capacity: 1000 GB

Screen Size: 28 Inches

Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i

The Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i is best for graphic designers and creatives due to its powerful hardware and high-resolution display, which cater to the demanding needs of professional creative work. Equipped with the Intel Ultra 9-185H processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 graphics, the Yoga Pro 9i handles intensive tasks such as 3D rendering, video editing, and graphic design with ease. Its 32 GB LPDDR5x RAM ensures smooth multitasking and efficient handling of large files and complex applications. The 16-inch 3.2K touchscreen display with a resolution of 3200×2000 offers exceptional color accuracy and clarity, crucial for precise visual work and detailed design projects.

The Yoga Pro 9i’s 2-in-1 design further enhances its appeal by providing flexibility for various creative workflows. The device can be used as a traditional laptop for productivity or converted into a tablet for drawing and sketching, making it a versatile tool for different stages of the creative process. Additionally, the inclusion of a high-quality touchscreen and support for stylus input allows for intuitive interaction and precision, essential for graphic design tasks. The laptop’s sleek design, impressive performance, and flexible usage options make it an excellent choice for creatives seeking a powerful and adaptable machine.

Price:

$1,729.00

Specifications:

Brand: Lenovo

Model Name: Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i Laptop

Screen Size: 16 Inches

Color: Gray

Hard Disk Size: 1 TB

CPU Model: Intel Core i9

Ram Memory Installed Size: 32 GB

Operating System: Windows 11 Home

Special Feature: Backlit Keyboard

Graphics Card Description: Integrated, Dedicated

Google Nest Hub

The Google Nest Hub is a practical addition to any graphic designer’s or creative’s workspace, offering a range of features that enhance productivity and organization. With its 7-inch high-definition touchscreen, the Nest Hub provides a compact yet clear display for managing daily tasks, viewing design inspirations, and accessing creative resources. It can be used to display calendars, to-do lists, and project updates, helping users stay on top of their schedules and deadlines.

Integration with Google Assistant allows for hands-free control of the device and other smart home products, which is particularly useful for managing tasks without interrupting the creative flow. Designers can set reminders, control lighting, and access information using voice commands, creating a more efficient and seamless working environment. The Nest Hub can also be used to view tutorials, listen to music or podcasts, and keep track of notifications, making it a versatile and convenient tool for enhancing productivity and focus in a creative setting.

Price:

$99.99

Specifications:

Brand: Google

Model Name: GA01331-XGlobal

Color: Chalk

Generation: 2nd Generation

Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0

Assistant: Google Assistant built-in

Features: Voice control, smart home integration, and visual display for notifications, weather, and more

Wacom Cintiq Pro 24

The Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 is a highly regarded tool for graphic designers and creatives due to its exceptional drawing capabilities and advanced features. The 24-inch 4K Ultra HD display offers a high resolution and vibrant color accuracy, which are essential for detailed digital artwork and precise graphic design work. The screen’s high level of detail ensures that every stroke and color choice is accurately represented, making it ideal for professional-level creative tasks.

The Cintiq Pro 24 features Wacom’s Pro Pen 2 technology, which provides 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition, offering an incredibly natural and responsive drawing experience. The pen’s performance is complemented by the display’s minimal parallax and textured surface, which mimic traditional drawing on paper. The device also supports customizable ExpressKeys and radial menus, allowing users to streamline their workflow with quick access to frequently used tools and shortcuts. With its ergonomic design and high level of precision, the Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 is a powerful and versatile tool that enhances the creative process for professionals in digital art and design.

Price:

$1,223.71

Specifications:

Brand: Wacom

Operating System: Windows, macOS/OS X

Display: 24-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) screen

Pen Pressure: 8192 levels

Color Gamut: 99% Adobe RGB

Connectivity: USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort

Features: Multi-touch gestures, adjustable stand, and customizable ExpressKeys

Elgato Stream Deck XL

The Elgato Stream Deck XL is a powerful tool for graphic designers and creatives seeking to streamline their workflow and enhance productivity. Its 32 customizable LCD keys allow users to assign various functions, shortcuts, and macros, providing quick access to essential tools and commands. This can be particularly useful for speeding up repetitive tasks, such as switching between design programs, executing complex commands, or launching specific actions with a single button press.

The Stream Deck XL’s versatility extends beyond design software; it integrates with a wide range of applications and services, including video editing software, streaming platforms, and productivity tools. This makes it an excellent addition to any creative setup, as it can be tailored to fit individual needs and preferences. The ability to create custom icons and organize actions into folders ensures that the workspace remains organized and efficient, allowing designers and creatives to focus more on their projects and less on navigating through menus and toolbars.

Price:

$241.89

Specifications:

Brand: Elgato

Connectivity Technology: USB

Connector Type: Micro USB

Special Feature: 32 customizable LCD keys

Resolution: 8k

Supported Internet Services: Spotify, YouTube

Controller Type: Button Control

Form Factor: TV Box

Apple MacBook Pro (M2 Pro)

The Apple MacBook Pro (M2 Pro) is a combination of high-performance hardware and a high-resolution display, tailored for demanding creative tasks. The M2 Pro chip provides significant performance improvements, with enhanced CPU and GPU capabilities that handle complex design software, 3D rendering, and high-resolution video editing with ease. The increased memory bandwidth and additional cores ensure smooth multitasking and efficient processing of large files, making it ideal for professional-level creative work.

The MacBook Pro features a stunning Liquid Retina XDR display, which offers exceptional color accuracy, high brightness, and a wide color gamut, crucial for precise color grading and detailed design work. The ProMotion technology with a 120Hz refresh rate enhances the visual experience by providing smoother scrolling and more responsive interactions. Coupled with the strong build quality, long battery life, and the refined macOS ecosystem, the MacBook Pro (M2 Pro) delivers a powerful and reliable tool for creatives seeking top-tier performance and display quality in their workflow.

Price:

$1,869.99

Specifications:

Brand: Apple

Model Name: MacBook Pro

Screen Size: 16.2 Inches

Hard Disk Size: 512 GB

Ram Memory Installed Size: 16 GB

Operating System: Mac OS

Special Feature: Anti-Glare Coating

Graphics Card Description: Integrated

Huion Kamvas Pro 24 (4K)

The Huion Kamvas Pro 24 (4K) is an excellent choice for graphic designers and creatives who require a high-quality, responsive drawing tablet. Its 24-inch 4K display offers a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, providing sharp, detailed visuals and a wide color gamut that ensures accurate color representation. This high resolution is ideal for intricate design work, allowing artists to see their creations in fine detail and make precise adjustments.

The Kamvas Pro 24 features Huion’s advanced PenTech 3.0 technology, which provides 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt functionality. This ensures a natural and responsive drawing experience, with minimal lag and excellent control over brush strokes and lines. The tablet also includes programmable Express Keys and a touch bar, which can be customized to streamline workflow and access frequently used tools and shortcuts quickly. With its large drawing area, high-resolution display, and versatile features, the Huion Kamvas Pro 24 (4K) offers a comprehensive solution for professional-level digital art and design.

Price:

$1,299.00

Specifications:

Brand: HUION

Connectivity Technology: HDMI/DP/USB-C to USB-C

Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 Levels

Operating System: Mac OS 10.12 or later, Linux (Ubuntu), Windows 7 or later, Android devices that support USB3.1 GEN1 and DP1.2

Special Features: Anti-Glare Glass, 4K UHD (3840×2160) resolution, mini keydial K20, PenTech 3.0, Full Lamination

DJI Osmo Mobile 6

The DJI Osmo Mobile 6 is a highly effective tool for graphic designers and creatives who need to capture smooth, high-quality video and dynamic shots for their projects. Its advanced stabilization technology ensures that videos remain steady and professional-looking, reducing camera shake and creating smooth, cinematic footage. This is particularly useful for filming behind-the-scenes content, creating video tutorials, or capturing creative visuals with a smartphone.

The Osmo Mobile 6 features an intuitive control system with a range of shooting modes and customizable settings, allowing users to adapt to different filming scenarios and creative needs. The built-in joystick and control buttons provide precise maneuverability, while the integrated handle makes it easy to hold and operate the gimbal comfortably. Additionally, the gimbal’s ability to support various smartphone sizes and its quick setup and folding design enhance portability, making it a versatile addition to any creative toolkit for capturing high-quality, stable video content.

Price:

$139.00

Specifications:

Brand: DJI

Compatible Devices: Cellphone

Product Dimensions: 3.9″D x 4.4″W x 10.9″H

Item Weight: 0.46 Kilograms

Maximum Weight Recommendation: 289 Grams

Folded Size: 7.4 x 3.3 x 3.9″

Wrap Up

Graphic designers and creatives can significantly enhance their productivity and creative output with the right smart devices. 

Each device listed above brings unique strengths to the table, allowing graphic designers and creatives to choose the best tools for their specific needs and preferences.