The XP-Pen Artist 12 (2nd Gen), released in 2022, is still a standout entry in the budget pen display market. It offers a blend of portability, functionality, and affordability. This drawing tablet is designed for beginners and hobbyists looking to venture into digital art without breaking the bank. In this XP-Pen Artist 12 review, we’ll explore its build, design, display quality, and stylus performance. We’ll also examine its software and how it compares to other models in the market.
Build and Design
The XP-Pen Artist 12 (2nd Gen) boasts a compact and robust build. Weighing enough to feel substantial without being cumbersome, this 12-inch drawing tablet offers an 11.6-inch drawing area. Its construction materials ensure durability, making it easy to transport with confidence. The device supports USB-C connectivity, enhancing its portability. This eliminates the need for an additional power source when used with compatible devices. The tablet is available in four attractive colors—classic black, pastel blue, pink, and green. This allows artists to express their personality without extra cost.
Display Quality
A key feature of the XP-Pen Artist 12 (2nd Gen) is its fully laminated screen. This design choice not only reduces glare but also offers a slight texture that mimics the feel of drawing on paper. The 1080p IPS display covers 127% of the sRGB color gamut, ensuring vibrant and accurate colors. This feature is crucial for digital art. The screen’s lamination significantly reduces the parallax effect, making the pen tip and the cursor alignment feel more natural and precise.
Stylus and Performance
The redesigned stylus is another highlight of the XP-Pen Artist 12 (2nd Gen). It’s lighter and more comfortable than its predecessors, featuring a slimmer profile and a customizable rocker-style button. The stylus supports 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt functionality, providing a responsive and natural drawing experience. However, users might notice some pen jitter during slow strokes, a common issue in this price range. Adjusting the pressure curve in the driver settings can help mitigate this, although the settings might not always save between sessions.
Software and Customization
XP-Pen has significantly improved its driver software, offering a more user-friendly interface. Users can easily calibrate their workspace, customize express keys, and adjust pen settings. The tablet includes eight customizable express keys with varied textures to help identify them by touch. This thoughtful design allows artists to work more efficiently without constantly glancing away from their work.
How to Use the XP-Pen Artist 12
Using the XP-Pen Artist 12 (2nd Gen) is straightforward and user-friendly. The tablet is connected to a computer via the included USB-C cable, which splits into a 3-in-1 connection with two USB-As and an HDMI port for comprehensive compatibility. This setup ensures the tablet receives both power and data from the connected computer. Once connected, users need to install the appropriate drivers from the XP-Pen website to fully utilize the tablet’s features. The tablet then acts as a secondary screen, allowing artists to draw directly onto the display with the stylus, making the digital art creation process intuitive and seamless. The customizable express keys can be set up to perform various functions within different art software, enhancing productivity and workflow.
Accessories and Extras
While the XP-Pen Artist 12 (2nd Gen) excels in many areas, it does fall short in terms of included accessories. The package lacks a USB-C to USB-C cable, and the provided cable is a 3-in-1 solution that may not be ideal for all setups. Additionally, although it comes with a detached stand, there is no built-in stand or travel case. These omissions may require additional purchases, slighly diminishing the tablet’s overall value.
Comparisons and Generational Differences
When comparing the XP-Pen Artist 12 (2nd Gen) to other models, it’s essential to acknowledge the differences between the Artist 12 (1st Gen) released in 2018 and the Artist 22 (2nd Generation) released in 2021. The 2nd Gen models have seen significant improvements, particularly in display lamination and stylus technology, providing a more seamless drawing experience. The Artist 12 (2nd Gen) offers advancements over the 1st Gen with better color accuracy and reduced parallax, making it a more appealing choice for digital artists.
Competition and Alternatives
In the competitive landscape of budget pen displays, the XP-Pen Artist 12 (2nd Gen) holds its own against models from Wacom and Huion. While Wacom’s tablets, such as the Wacom One, offer brand reliability and slightly larger screens, they lack the customizable express keys found on the XP-Pen and you pay a premium for the brand. Huion’s KAMVAS 12 is a direct competitor, offering similar features and an integrated stand. The choice between these models often comes down to personal preference and specific needs.
Conclusion
The XP-Pen Artist 12 (2nd Gen) is a compelling option for beginners and hobbyists. It offers an affordable, portable, and functional drawing tablet. Despite some minor drawbacks, such as the absence of certain accessories and occasional pen jitter, it offers excellent value for its price. The fully laminated screen, improved stylus, and customizable express keys make it a versatile tool for digital artists on the go.
Overall, this XP-Pen drawing tablet review underscores the Artist 12 (2nd Gen) as a worthy investment for those starting their digital art journey. It is also an excellent choice for those needing a secondary tablet for portable use. Its blend of features, quality, and affordability positions it well in the budget pen display market, making it a strong contender for anyone considering an XP-Pen drawing tablet.
XP-Pen Artist 12 Review: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable Price: The XP-Pen Artist 12 (2nd Gen) is priced competitively, making it an excellent choice for beginners and hobbyists.
- Fully Laminated Screen: Reduces glare and parallax, providing a natural drawing experience similar to pen and paper.
- Portable Design: Compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and use on the go.
- High Color Accuracy: The 1080p IPS display covers 127% of the sRGB color gamut, ensuring vibrant and accurate colors.
- Customizable Express Keys: Eight express keys can be customized for different functions, improving workflow and productivity.
- Improved Stylus: The redesigned stylus is more comfortable, lightweight, and responsive, with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt functionality.
- USB-C Connectivity: Enhances portability by allowing the tablet to be powered and connected via a single cable.
- Multiple Color Options: Available in classic black, pastel blue, pink, and green, allowing for personal expression without extra cost.
Cons
- Limited Accessories: The package does not include a USB-C to USB-C cable, stand, or travel case, which may require additional purchases.
- Small Drawing Area: The 11.6-inch drawing area may feel restrictive for some users, especially those used to larger tablets.
- Pen Jitter: Users may notice some pen jitter during slow strokes, though this can be mitigated by adjusting settings.
- No Built-in Stand: The tablet does not come with an integrated stand, which could be inconvenient for some users.
- Driver Software Issues: Some users have reported that the driver settings, particularly the pressure curve adjustments, do not always save between sessions.
- Reflective Screen: The screen is not fully matte, which can cause reflections if used under direct light sources.
Overall, the XP-Pen Artist 12 (2nd Gen) offers a solid balance of features and affordability, making it a strong contender in the budget drawing tablet market. However, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations and may need to make additional purchases to fully optimize their drawing experience.
