Here is our comprehensive guide to the best tablets for note taking in 2024, broken down by use case and operating system.

—

The Overall Champion:

Apple iPad Pro (M4)

When it comes to sheer performance and a seamless note-taking experience, the Apple iPad Pro (M4) remains the undisputed king. The secret lies in the synergy between the hardware and the new Apple Pencil Pro. The M4 chip powers a display with an incredibly fast refresh rate, resulting in a latency that feels almost non-existent. When you write, the ink appears to flow directly from the tip of the pencil with zero perceptible lag.

Why it wins:

With a new squeeze gesture and a haptic engine, the Pencil Pro feels more like a premium writing instrument than a stylus. The barrel roll feature allows you to rotate the pen to change the angle of your “brush” or “highlighter,” mimicking the behavior of a real pen.

The iPadOS app store remains the gold standard for note-taking. Apps like *GoodNotes*, *Notability*, and *CollaNote* are optimized to take full advantage of the hardware, offering features like handwriting search and audio recording synced to your notes.

The Ultra Retina XDR display (available in the 11-inch and 13-inch models) is bright, crisp, and offers a “nano-texture” glass option for glare reduction, which is a godsend for outdoor note taking.

The Drawback: It is expensive. Once you factor in the cost of the tablet, the Pencil Pro, and the Magic Keyboard, it is a significant investment. However, for professionals who rely on their device for both productivity and creativity, it is worth every penny.

—

The Best for Android Users:

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

If you are entrenched in the Android ecosystem or simply prefer a more open file system, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is your best bet. Samsung has invested heavily in its S Pen technology, and it shows. The S Pen is included in the box—no hidden costs—and it attaches magnetically to the back of the tablet for charging.

Why it wins:

Samsung’s S Pen uses Wacom technology, which is the industry standard for digital drawing. This results in a highly accurate, pressure-sensitive experience. The S Pen offers a soft, rubberized tip that provides a satisfying “paper-like” friction when writing.

The Tab S9 Ultra is a multitasking monster. With Samsung DeX, you can turn the tablet into a desktop-like interface, allowing you to have a PDF open on one side and a note-taking app on the other simultaneously.

The 14.6-inch Super AMOLED display is stunning. Colors are vibrant, and the blacks are true black, making reading and annotating documents a visual pleasure.

The Drawback: The tablet is massive and can be unwieldy to hold for long periods without a stand. Additionally, while the hardware is top-notch, the Android note-taking app ecosystem (like Samsung Notes and Nebo) is slightly less polished than its iOS counterparts.

—

The Best Value:

Apple iPad Air (M2)

Not everyone needs the power of the M4 chip. The iPad Air (M2) offers a fantastic middle ground, delivering 90% of the iPad Pro experience at a significantly lower price point. It is compatible with the new Apple Pencil Pro, ensuring you get the latest stylus features without the Pro price tag.

Why it wins:

The M2 chip is still blazing fast for note taking, note scanning, and even light video editing. You will not notice any slowdowns in apps like GoodNotes or Notability.

Available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, the Air is lighter and thinner than the Pro, making it easier to carry in a backpack or tote bag.

By opting for the Air, you can save a few hundred dollars that could go towards a high-quality screen protector (like a Paperlike) or a better stylus case.

The Drawback: The display is not ProMotion (120Hz), but rather a standard 60Hz. For the vast majority of note takers, this difference is imperceptible. However, if you have sensitive eyes or are a professional illustrator, you might notice the slight difference in smoothness.

—

The Best for Digital Paper:

reMarkable 2

For those who want a distraction-free writing experience that mimics paper as closely as possible, the reMarkable 2 is a unique contender. It is not a general-purpose tablet; it is a dedicated note-taking device.

Why it wins:

The 10.3-inch E-Ink display is matte and glare-free. It looks and feels like a sheet of paper. Writing on it is a sensory delight, with a tactile feel that no LCD or OLED screen can replicate.

Because it uses E-Ink, the battery lasts for weeks, not days. You can leave it in your bag for a month, pick it up, and it will still have charge.

There are no notifications, no social media, and no app store. It is just you and your thoughts, which is perfect for deep work and journaling.

The Drawback: It is essentially a “dumb” device. It cannot run third-party apps like Notion or OneNote, and its cloud sync is proprietary. It is a one-trick pony, but it performs that trick flawlessly.

—

The Best Budget Option:

Amazon Kindle Scribe

Rounding out the list is the Amazon Kindle Scribe, which offers a hybrid experience. It is a Kindle for reading and a tablet for basic note taking, all for a price that undercuts the competition.

Why it wins:

The Scribe allows you to read books and then jot down notes in the margins, creating a digital “marginalia” experience. It is perfect for students or researchers who need to annotate textbooks.

Despite its lower price, the Scribe features a metal body and a crisp 10.2-inch 300 PPI display.

The built-in notebook feature offers a variety of templates (planners, lined paper, grid paper) and a surprisingly responsive stylus.

The Drawback: The software is limited. The note-taking app is basic compared to GoodNotes, and you cannot install a full-featured note-taking app from the Amazon Appstore. It is best suited for those who prioritize reading with occasional note taking over heavy writing.

—

Final Verdict

The “best” tablet for note taking ultimately depends on your priorities.

if you want the absolute best performance, the most advanced stylus, and a vast library of professional apps.

if you are an Android user who wants a gorgeous screen and a free, high-quality stylus.

if you want the best balance of performance and price.

if you want to disconnect from distractions and replicate the physical act of writing on paper.

if you are an avid reader who also needs to take notes on a budget.

No matter which you choose, the days of scribbling on sticky notes are over. The digital note-taking revolution is here, and it has never been easier to capture, organize, and search your thoughts.

The Evolution of AI Photo Upscaling

The journey from traditional interpolation methods to modern AI-driven upscaling represents a paradigm shift in image processing. Early techniques such as bilinear and bicubic interpolation often resulted in blurry, pixelated outputs when enlarging images. Today’s AI upscalers leverage deep learning models trained on millions of images to intelligently predict and generate missing pixel information, producing results that often surpass the quality of the original low-resolution source.

Top AI Photo Upscalers in 2025

1. Topaz Gigapixel AI 8.0

Topaz Labs continues to dominate the professional market with Gigapixel AI 8.0, which introduces their next-generation “Recovery” model. This version excels at reconstructing fine details in faces, textures, and complex patterns. The software now supports real-time preview at 4K resolution, allowing users to compare multiple upscaling models simultaneously. Its batch processing capabilities make it ideal for photographers handling large volumes of images.

Key Features:
– Six specialized AI models for different image types
– Face recovery with natural skin texture preservation
– Support for up to 16x magnification
– Integration with Photoshop and Lightroom plugins

2. Adobe Photoshop Super Resolution 2025

Adobe’s continued investment in AI has made Super Resolution a formidable tool within the Photoshop ecosystem. The 2025 update introduces “Adaptive Enhancement,” which analyzes image content to apply optimal upscaling parameters automatically. For portrait photographers, the new “Portrait Detail” mode preserves eyelashes, hair strands, and skin pores with remarkable accuracy.

Key Features:
– Seamless integration with Creative Cloud workflow
– Adaptive AI that adjusts to image content
– Support for 8K output from standard resolution images
– Cloud-based processing for faster performance on lower-end hardware

3. ON1 Resize AI 2025

ON1 has carved a niche with its focus on print-quality output. Resize AI 2025 introduces “PrintMatch” technology, which optimizes upscaling parameters based on target print size and viewing distance. The software’s “Grain Matching” feature is particularly valuable for film photographers, as it intelligently adds appropriate grain structure to upscaled images.

Key Features:
– Print-specific optimization algorithms
– Film grain simulation for authentic analog look
– RAW file support with non-destructive editing
– Standalone application with extensive batch processing

4. Let’s Enhance Pro 4.0

For users seeking a cloud-based solution, Let’s Enhance Pro 4.0 offers exceptional convenience without compromising quality. The platform now supports up to 100 megapixel output and includes a dedicated “Product Photography” mode that enhances texture and color accuracy for e-commerce applications. Its API integration makes it popular among developers and businesses requiring automated workflows.

Key Features:
– Cloud processing with no hardware requirements
– Specialized modes for portraits, landscapes, and products
– Color correction and compression artifact removal
– Team collaboration features with usage analytics

5. Waifu2x Extended 2025

While originally developed for anime and illustration, Waifu2x Extended 2025 has expanded its capabilities to handle photographic content with impressive results. The open-source community has contributed specialized models for different art styles and photography genres. Its lightweight architecture makes it ideal for users with modest hardware.

Key Features:
– Open-source and completely free
– Specialized models for various art and photo styles
– Command-line interface for automation
– Extremely fast processing on GPU-equipped systems

Performance Comparison

When evaluating these tools, several factors determine their suitability for different applications:

Resolution Enhancement: Topaz Gigapixel AI and Adobe Super Resolution lead in maximum magnification capabilities, consistently producing usable results at 8x to 16x enlargement. ON1 Resize AI excels at moderate 4x to 6x upscaling with exceptional print quality.

Detail Preservation: For portrait and fashion photography, Topaz and Adobe demonstrate superior facial feature reconstruction. In landscape photography, ON1 and Let’s Enhance Pro show better texture preservation in natural elements like foliage and water.

Processing Speed: Waifu2x Extended offers the fastest processing times, particularly on GPU systems. Cloud-based solutions like Let’s Enhance Pro provide consistent performance regardless of local hardware, while Topaz and Adobe require powerful GPUs for optimal speed.

Use Case Recommendations

Professional Photographers: Topaz Gigapixel AI remains the gold standard for demanding professional work, offering the most comprehensive set of tools and highest quality output. Adobe Photoshop Super Resolution is ideal for photographers already invested in the Creative Cloud ecosystem.

Print Studios: ON1 Resize AI’s print-specific optimization makes it the top choice for large-format printing applications. Its grain matching and color management features ensure consistent results across different paper types and printing technologies.

E-commerce and Product Photography: Let’s Enhance Pro’s specialized product photography mode and cloud-based workflow make it perfect for businesses requiring consistent, high-volume image enhancement.

Budget-Conscious Users: Waifu2x Extended offers impressive capabilities at no cost, making it an excellent starting point for hobbyists and students exploring AI upscaling.

Future Trends

As we progress through 2025, several emerging trends are shaping the AI photo upscaling landscape. Real-time video upscaling is becoming increasingly viable, with several tools now offering frame-by-frame enhancement for video content. Additionally, the integration of generative AI models allows for “creative upscaling,” where the AI can plausibly reconstruct missing details beyond simple pixel interpolation.

The democratization of AI technology continues, with mobile applications now offering desktop-quality upscaling through cloud processing. This trend is making professional-grade image enhancement accessible to a broader audience, from social media influencers to small business owners.

Conclusion

The best AI photo upscaler in 2025 ultimately depends on your specific needs, workflow, and budget. For uncompromising professional quality, Topaz Gigapixel AI 8.0 leads the market with its sophisticated AI models and extensive feature set. Adobe Photoshop Super Resolution offers unparalleled integration for Creative Cloud users, while ON1 Resize AI excels in print applications. Cloud-based solutions like Let’s Enhance Pro provide accessibility and convenience, and open-source options like Waifu2x Extended ensure that high-quality upscaling remains available to everyone.

As AI technology continues to advance, the gap between original high-resolution captures and AI-enhanced images continues to narrow. The tools available in 2025 represent a remarkable achievement in computational photography, empowering creators to breathe new life into their images and push the boundaries of what’s possible with digital imaging.