The XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro is a robust entry in the professional pen display market, offering an impressive balance of affordability, functionality, and quality. This review synthesizes insights from both Ben Brady and Cole Martin to provide a thorough evaluation of the XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro, highlighting its strengths and areas for improvement.
Build and Design
The XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro boasts a substantial 23.8-inch display with a 2560 x 1440 (2K QHD) resolution, providing ample workspace for professional artists. The anti-glare, textured film overlay enhances the drawing experience by mimicking the feel of pen on paper, reducing reflections, and ensuring a comfortable working surface. However, the screen is not fully laminated, which can introduce some parallax, although it’s not overly disruptive.
The tablet is designed with a sturdy, adjustable stand that supports angles from 16 to 90 degrees, ensuring ergonomic flexibility. Weighing in at nearly 7kg (15.43 pounds), the Artist 24 Pro is more suited for a stationary setup rather than portable use. Its matte black bezel reduces fingerprint smudging and complements its professional aesthetic.
Display Quality and Drawing Experience
The 2K resolution of the XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro, coupled with 90% Adobe RGB color accuracy, delivers vibrant and accurate colors, essential for digital art. Despite not being a 4K display, the 2K resolution is sharp and detailed, suitable for most professional needs. The lack of touch screen functionality is a notable omission but not a dealbreaker for most users.
The pen, featuring 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and 60 degrees of tilt functionality, provides a precise and responsive drawing experience. However, some users may find the pen’s buttons overly sensitive, which can interrupt workflow if not handled carefully. The package includes two battery-free styluses, a pen holder, and eight replacement nibs, ensuring longevity and convenience.
Connectivity and Setup
The XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro offers multiple connectivity options, including USB 2.0, HDMI, and USB-C, making it versatile for various setups. Installation can be somewhat challenging, with multiple restarts and potentially unhelpful instructions. However, once set up, the performance is reliable, and the pen display can double as a secondary monitor.
Software and Performance
XP-Pen has improved its driver software, making it more user-friendly. The software allows for calibration of the monitor and customization of the 20 express keys and two rotary dials, enhancing workflow efficiency. The driver UI supports various popular drawing applications, ensuring compatibility and ease of use.
Pen jitter is minimal, and any issues can typically be resolved with brush settings adjustments. However, some users have reported occasional spikes at the end of strokes in specific applications, likely a software-related bug that could be addressed in future updates.
Competition and Alternatives
In comparison to its main competitors, the XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro holds its ground well. It offers a more budget-friendly alternative to Wacom’s Cintiq 24-inch Touch Pro, which supports 4K and touch functionality but at a significantly higher price point. The Huion Kamvas 24 is another competitor, featuring a fully laminated screen and similar price, but lacking some of the express key functionalities of the XP-Pen.
Pros
- Affordable price for a professional-grade pen display.
- Large 23.8-inch drawing area with 2K resolution.
- 90% Adobe RGB color accuracy.
- Battery-free pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity.
- 20 customizable express keys and two rotary dials.
- Robust and adjustable stand.
Cons
- Not a fully laminated screen, leading to some parallax.
- No touch screen functionality.
- Installation process can be cumbersome.
- Pen buttons are overly sensitive.
- Slightly dimmer display compared to high-end monitors.
The XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro is an excellent choice for professional artists seeking a large, high-quality pen display without the premium price tag of competitors. Its robust build, impressive color accuracy, and extensive customization options make it a worthy investment. While it has some limitations, such as the lack of a fully laminated screen and touch functionality, these are minor compared to its overall value. If you’re looking for a reliable, professional pen display that won’t break the bank, the XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro is a solid contender.
