Lightweight Tablets For Procreate Review: Stunning Essentials

Lightweight tablets for Procreate review: Stunning essentials for artists on the go. Find the perfect, portable companion to unleash your digital creativity without being weighed down by bulky tech.

Hello there! Walter Moore here, your friendly guide from Tabletzoo. If you’re dreaming of creating digital art on the go, but the thought of lugging around a heavy tablet makes you sigh, you’re in the right place. Many artists love Procreate for its incredible power and intuitive design, but finding the right tablet to run it smoothly – one that’s also easy to carry – can feel like a puzzle. Don’t worry, though! We’re here to break down exactly what makes a tablet a “lightweight essential” for Procreate. Get ready to discover how to find your perfect portable studio!

Why Lightweight Matters for Procreate Artists

When you’re an artist, your tools should empower you, not hold you back. For digital artists using Procreate, a powerful app that thrives on the iPad, device weight can be a surprisingly big factor. Imagine sketching in a park, illustrating on your commute, or even just comfortably drawing on your couch without feeling like you’re lifting weights. That’s the magic of a lightweight tablet!

Carrying a heavy tablet can lead to:

Fatigue: Long drawing sessions become less enjoyable when your arms get tired.
Portability Issues: It’s harder to take your art with you if your bag is already weighed down.
Comfort: Holding or balancing a lighter tablet feels more natural and less strenuous.

That’s why finding the right lightweight tablet for Procreate isn’t just about convenience; it’s about enhancing your creative experience.

Choosing Your Procreate Powerhouse: What to Look For

Before we dive into specific tablet recommendations, let’s talk about what makes a tablet good for Procreate, especially when we’re focusing on keeping it light.

Essential Features for Procreate:

 

Performance: Procreate needs a decent processor and RAM to run smoothly, especially with larger canvases and complex brushes.
Screen Quality: A good display with accurate colors and decent brightness makes a huge difference in your artwork.
Stylus Support: This is crucial! You need a tablet that works seamlessly with a responsive stylus, like the Apple Pencil for iPads. Look for pressure sensitivity and tilt support.
Storage: Digital art files can get big! Ensure you have enough storage space, or a plan for cloud storage.
Battery Life: You want to be able to draw for hours without needing to hunt for an outlet.

The “Lightweight” Factor: What’s the Sweet Spot?

Generally, tablets under 1.5 pounds (about 680 grams) are considered lightweight. For tablets specifically designed for creative work like Procreate, Apple’s iPads dominate the scene. We’ll be focusing on these as they offer the best Procreate experience.

When comparing models, pay attention to:

 

Screen size: Smaller screens naturally mean lighter devices.
Material: Aluminum builds are common and offer durability, but also add a bit of weight.
Accessories: Be mindful of how keyboards or cases might add to the overall weight.

Ready to explore some options? Let’s look at some models that strike a great balance between power, portability, and Procreate performance.

Top Lightweight Tablets for Procreate (2024 Edition)

When it comes to running Procreate efficiently, Apple’s iPads are the undisputed champions. They’re optimized for the app, offer the best stylus integration with the Apple Pencil, and come in various sizes to suit your portability needs.

Here’s a breakdown of the top contenders that are fantastic for Procreate and wonderfully lightweight:

1. iPad Mini (6th Generation)

For the ultimate in portability, the iPad Mini is a game-changer. It’s incredibly powerful for its size and fits comfortably in one hand, making it perfect for sketching anywhere. If absolute lightness and compactness are your top priorities, this is it.

Processor: A15 Bionic chip (Seriously powerful!)
Screen Size: 8.3 inches
Weight: Approximately 0.65 lbs (293 grams)
Stylus Support: Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
Pros:
Extremely lightweight and compact.
Surprisingly powerful for its size.
Excellent for on-the-go sketching and detailed work.
Fits easily into smaller bags or even large jacket pockets.
Cons:
Smaller screen size can be limiting for very large canvases or if you prefer a lot of workspace.
Can get warm during extended, intensive use.
Who it’s for: Artists who prioritize maximum portability or have smaller hands.

2. iPad Air (5th Generation)

The iPad Air offers a fantastic sweet spot. It provides a larger screen than the Mini without a significant jump in weight. It’s often considered the best all-around option for many Procreate users due to its balance of screen real estate, power, and portability.

Processor: M1 chip (Desktop-class performance!)
Screen Size: 10.9 inches
Weight: Approximately 1.02 lbs (461 grams)
Stylus Support: Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
Pros:
Great balance of screen size and weight.
Powerful enough for almost any Procreate project.
Sleek, modern design.
Supports Apple Pencil hover feature.
Cons:
Glossy screen can cause glare in bright environments.
Base storage might be insufficient for extensive art libraries.
Who it’s for: Artists seeking a larger canvas and robust performance without sacrificing too much portability.

3. iPad (10th Generation)

Apple’s standard iPad is always a popular choice for affordability and versatility. While it’s slightly heavier than the Air or Mini, it offers a generous screen size and is still quite manageable. It’s a fantastic entry point for those wanting to dive into Procreate without breaking the bank.

Processor: A14 Bionic chip
Screen Size: 10.9 inches
Weight: Approximately 1.05 lbs (477 grams)
Stylus Support: Apple Pencil (1st generation) and Apple Pencil (USB-C)
Pros:
More affordable than iPad Air or Pro models.
Large, bright display.
Good performance for most Procreate tasks.
USB-C port for easier charging and accessory connection.
Cons:
Uses the older 1st gen Apple Pencil (requires adapter for charging) or the USB-C version.
Less powerful than M-chip iPads for extremely demanding tasks.
No Apple Pencil 2nd gen magnetic charging/pairing.
Who it’s for: Budget-conscious artists, beginners, or those who want a capable Procreate tablet without the premium price tag.

4. iPad Pro 11-inch (M2 chip)

If you demand the absolute best performance and features, the 11-inch iPad Pro is a stellar choice. It’s remarkably thin and light for its power, offering a stunning Liquid Retina display and ProMotion technology for a super-smooth drawing experience. It’s lightweight for a “Pro” device, though a bit heavier than the standard iPad or Air.

Processor: M2 chip (Unmatched speed and efficiency!)
Screen Size: 11 inches
Weight: Approximately 1.03 lbs (466 grams)
Stylus Support: Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
Pros:
Blazing-fast performance for any Procreate brushes or effects.
ProMotion display (120Hz refresh rate) for buttery-smooth drawing.
Excellent color accuracy and brightness.
Supports Apple Pencil hover.
Thunderbolt/USB 4 port for faster data transfer.
Cons:
Most expensive option.
Base storage might still be limited for some.
Who it’s for: Professional artists or serious hobbyists who need top-tier performance and the best display technology for demanding workflows.

When Does a Lightweight Tablet Become “Too Small” or “Too Underpowered”?

Deciding on the right tablet involves a bit of give and take. For Procreate, we’re looking for that sweet spot between being easy to carry and powerful enough for your artistic needs.

Screen Size Considerations:

 

iPad Mini (8.3″): Fantastic for quick sketches, concept art, or carrying in a small bag. However, if you work with very detailed illustrations, complex backgrounds, or prefer having multiple Procreate windows open (like reference images), you might find yourself zooming and panning more often. For detailed line work, it can sometimes feel cramped.
10-11″ iPads (Air, 10th Gen, Pro 11″): This range is generally ideal for most users. You get a decent amount of canvas space without the tablet becoming unwieldy. You can comfortably see your artwork and have room for Procreate’s interface.

Performance Considerations:

Procreate isn’t the most demanding app, but it can push tablet hardware when you’re dealing with:

 

Large canvas sizes: Higher DPI and dimensions require more processing power.
Many layers: Each layer adds to the workload.
Complex brushes: Some custom brushes can be very performance-intensive.
Heavy effects: Gaussian blurs, liquify, and other filters can tax hardware.

What Processor is Enough?

 

A14 Bionic (iPad 10th Gen): Perfectly capable for most Procreate users. You might experience slight slowdowns with extremely large files or very complex projects, but it’s more than enough for a beginner and intermediate artist.
A15 Bionic (iPad Mini): A significant step up from the A14, offering fantastic performance in a tiny package. It handles Procreate very well.
M1 / M2 Chips: These are Apple’s most powerful processors found in the Air and Pro models. They offer desktop-grade performance, ensuring Procreate runs flawlessly, even with the most demanding tasks. They provide headroom for future updates and more complex workflows.

The Apple Pencil: Your Digital Brush

No discussion about Procreate is complete without talking about the stylus. For iPads, the Apple Pencil is the gold standard.

 

Apple Pencil (2nd Generation): Pairs magnetically and charges wirelessly on the side of compatible iPads (iPad Air, iPad Pro, iPad Mini). It offers unparalleled responsiveness, pressure sensitivity, and tilt support, mimicking a real pencil or brush incredibly well. It also supports hover, allowing you to see where your stroke will land before you touch the screen.
Apple Pencil (1st Generation): Pairs and charges via the Lightning port and is compatible with the standard iPad (10th Gen) and older iPad models. It’s still a great stylus with excellent pressure and tilt control, but the charging method is less convenient.
Apple Pencil (USB-C): A more affordable option that works with a wide range of modern iPads, including the iPad (10th Gen). It charges and pairs via its USB-C port. While it has great pressure sensitivity, it lacks tilt support and the advanced features of the 2nd Gen.

 

Recommendation: If you’re getting a tablet that supports it, the Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) is the best choice for the most seamless and intuitive Procreate experience.

Cases and Accessories: Balancing Protection and Portability

Once you have your lightweight tablet, you’ll probably want to protect it. But be mindful that some accessories can quickly add back the weight you worked so hard to avoid!

 

Slim Folio Cases: These offer basic screen protection and a bit of grip without adding much bulk. Brands like Apple, Logitech, and others offer minimalist options. Look for something that doesn’t add more than a few ounces.
Screen Protectors: A good tempered glass screen protector is essential for protecting your display from scratches, especially if you’re often tossing your tablet into a bag. These add negligible weight.
Keyboard Cases: If you plan to do any typing, consider that keyboard cases can double, or even triple, the weight of your tablet. For purely drawing purposes, skip the keyboard to keep your setup as light as possible.
Stylus Holders/Sleeves: A small sleeve or clip can be useful to prevent losing your Apple Pencil, but again, consider the added bulk. Many iPads now have a way to magnetically attach the Apple Pencil.

Managing Your Digital Art Files & Storage

Lightweight tablets often come with lighter starting storage options (e.g., 64GB or 128GB). Digital art can consume space quickly, so here’s how to manage it:

Cloud Storage Solutions:

 

iCloud Drive: Apple’s native solution. It syncs your files across devices and is easily accessible from your iPad. Free tier is limited, but paid plans are affordable.
Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive: These are excellent cross-platform options. They offer free tiers with decent storage and integrate well with the Files app on iPadOS.
Adobe Creative Cloud: If you use other Adobe apps, storing your Procreate files here can create a unified workflow.

External Storage:

 

USB-C Thumb Drives/SSDs: For iPads with USB-C ports (iPad Air, Pro, 10th Gen), you can use external drives to offload finished work or large art libraries. This is great for archiving.

iPad Storage Optimization:

 

Organize your Procreate files: Regularly review your Procreate gallery and delete old or unfinished pieces you don’t intend to revisit.
Export in appropriate formats: For final pieces, a PNG or JPEG is usually fine. For projects still in progress or for maximum editability, the .procreate file is necessary but larger. Consider exporting to PSD for compatibility with other programs.

Beyond Procreate: What Else Can These Lightweight Tablets Do?

While Procreate is a fantastic reason to get a lightweight tablet, these devices are versatile companions for many other tasks.

 

Productivity: With the right apps and accessories, they can handle email, document editing, web browsing, and more.
Media Consumption: Enjoy movies, music, and podcasts on their excellent displays.
Reading: Perfect for e-books and digital magazines.
Communication: Video calls, social media, and staying connected.
Note-Taking:** Apps like GoodNotes or Notability combined with an Apple Pencil make for an excellent digital notebook.

This means your investment in a lightweight tablet for Procreate can also serve you as a:

Student’s study companion
Professional’s mobile workstation
* Traveler’s entertainment hub

Comparing Specs: A Quick Table

To help visualize the differences, here’s a quick look at how these lightweight powerhouses stack up:

Feature	iPad Mini (6th Gen)	iPad Air (5th Gen)	iPad (10th Gen)	iPad Pro 11″ (M2)
Screen Size	8.3 inches	10.9 inches	10.9 inches	11 inches
Weight (approx.)	0.65 lbs (293g)	1.02 lbs (461g)	1.05 lbs (477g)	1.03 lbs (466g)
Processor	A15 Bionic	M1	A14 Bionic	M2
Apple Pencil Support	2nd Generation	2nd Generation	1st Generation & USB-C	2nd Generation
Display Tech	Liquid Retina	Liquid Retina	Liquid Retina	Liquid Retina (ProMotion, True Tone)
Starting Storage	64GB	64GB	64GB	128GB
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi + Cellular	Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi + Cellular	Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi + Cellular	Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi + Cellular
Ports	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C (Thunderbolt/USB 4)

Is a Windows or Android Tablet a Lightweight Option for Procreate?

This is a common question, and it deserves a clear answer. Procreate is exclusively available on iOS (iPads). Therefore, if running Procreate is your primary goal, an iPad is your only option.

However, if you’re interested in digital art on Windows or Android tablets, there are fantastic alternatives that offer lightweight designs and powerful creative capabilities. These often rely on stylus technology from Wacom, Samsung (