Wacom CINTIQ PRO 16 Review (2021 Version)

[@aaronrutten]

Buy Cintiq Pro 16: aaronrutten.link/CintiqPro16 (Affiliate link) DISCLAIMER: This is not a sponsored video, but Wacom did send me this tablet to review unconditionally. All opinions presented are my own.

[@MatteoCeccarini]

They took 5 years to deliver a subpar upgrade.. what a disappointment Wacom has become!

[@AnimeAttics]

yes

[@vbun4662]

No motivation to do massive refreshes when the competition is so slow to catch up. Wacom still leads the market and until they see a serious threat the only thing driving them forward is quality-of-life user feedback changes.

[@v039483]

looks "poorer" - HDMI! why? DP - standard for PC - no sensor keys... - no sensor strip! this is what you really need. - express keys look like "hey, we've added express keys, shut up and try using it" - and again "super" unbreakable connection ... maybe for stationary use this is enough, but not for mobile (pick up and hear the sound "disconnected device") - ugly wires out from top and blocking the view to another monitor (usb-c out from side - same!) 1500$ Karl!

[@paranoidpanzerpenguin5262]

It has DP through USB-C

[@firerain950]

Great review! I can't believe that even in 2021 the Cintiq Pro 16 still need a power adapter to charge...

[@wRAAh]

Yeah, that takes away all portability. And if a Macbook Pro 16 can run on a battery, why wouldn't a Cintiq 16...

[@cartoonfive]

Thanks, Aaron. You briefly mentioned it, but I need to know for sure: did the fan really get even noisier? Fan noise and the missing VESA mount holes made me send the previous generation 16 pro back. I was hoping the refresh would bring a silent device.

[@aaronrutten]

I don't have the 1st gen to compare the fan noise. But I can hear it on the 2nd gen.

[@cartoonfive]

@@aaronrutten OK thanks

[@christophbodner6518]

Thank you very much for this unbiased review. Unfortunately, an audible fan is an absolute deal-breaker for me. At this price level, a passive cooling should be achievable.

[@kwk-r7x]

Man, this is such a waste. Why did they make another 16 inch screen? Can't we have like a 20 inch screen for a change. A medium between the 16 and 24 is what I'm suggesting. Especially for the price, and being 4k, we don't need any more 16 inch pen monitors.

[@MacronDcapitation]

But the previous 16 pro was discontinued so it's the replacement... I'm glad they bring a new one because I was waiting to get a 16 inch tablet.

[@jbro808]

It's like Wacom just stopped trying, seriously is this all they could come up with. It's a minor refresh with a few buttons. I really hope they can get us excited with the larger models of they ever come out with new ones. It'll probably be overpriced though.

[@FlameRat_YehLon]

This actually looks like a straight up downgrade to me comparing to the last revision. No all USB-C connection, no front facing buttons, and the espress keys really doesn't look that practical to use. I guess the only "good" thing about this revision is the pen sleeve, which likely won't be able to hold the Pro Pen Slim so even if you are to carry it on the go you would have to take with you a pen case anyway.

[@sanderterburg2440]

This new generation might be the answer to a serious problem they had with the first gen. I had the first gen and while it was a great tablet, after just over half a year pixels started to get "stuck" in just one color: blue, green or red. And it was in the general area where I usually have my hand rest and work on the tablet. This was not an uncommen problem. They replaced it without a problem or costs though so cudo's to that. But the second one had the same problem as the first one. This time I got my money back and I bought the Cintiq 22. Great tablet and nice size although I do miss the 4k res.

[@yoservs]

i've had my 16" pen display(not the pro) for nearly two years now, git still gives me great service. i think all these extras on the pro is unnecessary, at least for my personal needs and preferences.

[@GondoDraws]

Can't believe I'm gonna say this, but I now stay flaccid whenever I hear the word Cintiq 😔

[@RayoBeatz]

what will make you people happy? what resolution will permanently make you happy? what features? Idk how real you want things to get or how more accurate you want things to be what will it take for everyone to finally be like "this is it" this is the exact resolution I will ever need with the right screen size and the right price and the right pen with no cons 100% must buy

[@trshape92]

Hello Aaron, can you comfirm that you can display 4k through HDMI / DP ? I don't have a usb C port on my PC. Thank you ! 🙏

[@McCloud23892]

Are we going to see new Cintiq’s in early 2022?

[@skybirdification]

The Full 4k HDMI Connector seems a very good addition. It took me weeks to figure out how I could use 4k on my PC with the 2016 version: adding a dedicated DP-over-USB "DP-alt-Mode" PCIe USB-C Card, finding a suitable USB-C Cable for DP-alt-Mode (guess what: there are none, you need to go by luck), looping the DP through the USB-C and using the correct USB-C Port to make use of that USB-C DP-over-USB Connection... not sure which engineer hat that silly idea to use USB for transmitting non-USB data like HDMI. Thanks for the great in depth review!

[@FlameRat_YehLon]

If you are using desktop then the answer is easy. Just get a 20 series GPU and there's your USB-C port.

[@FlameRat_YehLon]

Also, if you are not sure whether the USB-C cable is suitable, just don't try to save money there and get a Thunderbolt 3 cable

[@skybirdification]

@@FlameRat_YehLon Thanks for the Tipp, I didn't know I can use Thunderbolt Cables for this. I've seen there are USB-C ones but couldn't find out if they are compatible. My Card is a Radeon RX580 but it doesn't feature a USB-C-alt-mode Output. I had to buy that PCIe Add-On Card. Only two resellers for whole middle europe :)

[@FlameRat_YehLon]

@@skybirdification just checked, the Wacom link 2 got a mini DP port as well, so maybe that's how you can get 4K60 without USB-C. Did you get the first edition in your box (I've heard that earlier revisions got that instead) and thus no DP on the link box?

[@BLU3NX]

I currently have the non pro 16 and thinking of upgrading cause the screen has always felt fuzzy. Does the pro still have a grainy look to it like the non pro 16?

[@MaheerKibria]

Personally, I think they had it right with the express key remote. I really don't hold the screen while working so the addition of the expresskeys to the display seems like a step back in my opinion adding 100$ to the price tag and including the expresskey remote would have made more sense to me. But on top of that the lack of tactile markers on the keys seems to be another miss especially since we know Wacom can do it since they have them on the Expresskey remote, Cintiq 24 HD, Intuos pro, etc. Also, I am doubtful that Wacom changed the multitouch on this refresh. I just think the drivers have matured. The reason I say that is because I have the original Cintiq pro 16 and have noticed improved performance with driver updates.

[@aaronrutten]

The touch is noticably different when I use my 27 QHD with the same current Wacom driver. The Pro 16 is using a different screen tech, I believe.

[@nottommythao]

I do enjoy the ports on the top and the VESA... But i don't know if I want to upgrade from my 2016 Pro 16 model. Does this work with the link adapter? It provides a one cable look to it whereas this one seems it will always need 2 cables at least. Also I'm assuming no headphone jack? I might've missed it in the review but I found it helpful when sketching.

[@aaronrutten]

I'm not sure about the Wacom Link. I don't have one to test it. You are correct, no audio jack.

[@andykerass3695]

I'm holding off till they release the 44 inch 8k cintiq pro

[@ChinZu]

It's a disappointing refresh. I wish it would include a 120Hz screen, a slimmer body, more modern look, and better connection.

[@nikkirix4659]

Thanks for the info.. can you please tell me how loud is the fan noise making.. do you have decibels of how loud it is? Ta

[@MarkOakleyComics]

$1500 for a 16" Wacom. That's not cheap, but it is a top tier Wacom, and it places it in a competitive spot compared to alternatives. I'd still go for a Samsung 2-in-1 for true portability with a very slick computer attached. The only drawbacks are lower res screen and a less feature-rich pen, (no tilt), but otherwise, it's still using prime Wacom parts and has Samsung's near perfect touch. Same price, too. The only trouble is that I prefer the older models, the Notebook 9 Pro 15 and the Flex 15.6", neither of which are in production anymore. Their new release, the 360 Pro, is too thin and flimsy for my liking and there have been numerous reports of screens spontaneously cracking. Hopefully Samsung will address this with their next refresh. Right now, Samsung's Notebook 9 Pro 15 is, hands down, my favorite laptop ever, and it's an excellent art tool. For a desktop solution, I'm currently running a Dell Canvas 27, which is basically the Cintiq 27 QHD but with a perfect touch system and numerous other refinements. That's not in production today either. If I had to replace it, I'd probably go with a Cintiq 24 Pro, but that fan doesn't thrill me, and I hear the touch on it is less than great. 27 inches is also the perfect size. Did we reach perfection back in 2017 only to back away, I wonder?

[@ichigo1978]

I have the Galaxy Book 12 ( Win 10 and 8 Go Ram) and it's fantastic for portability.

[@MarkOakleyComics]

@@NaPH273 I got mine new three years ago. But yeah, Dell stopped selling them. Too bad.

[@Wraith26]

Aaron love your reviews, so honest and straight to the point. I've had a 27QHD since it first came out and I love it. I wanted to upgrade it as of lately only because the 4k and higher pen pressure on the new tablets. The reason I haven't is because so many people complain about the new Wacom tablets all having fan noises. I don't understand how an old and bigger tablet like a 27QHD is quieter than a new smaller 16 inch tablet? In my opinion and observation I feel Wacom has gotten cheaper in parts and innovation, only because they have decided to compete with the cheaper brands and not stay premium, like they once were.

[@aaronrutten]

I think the fans are meant to extend the lifetime of the device by keeping it from overheating. The screen is 4K and thinner, so perhaps there is less surface area to dissipate heat. And a higher power consumption creates excessive heat on top of that. In that respect, the fan actually is a premium feature if it keeps your Cintiq working for decades. I just happen to not like it because I record. You can turn the fan down to low and it's not too bad, but still not ideal. It could also be something like the screen or back of the tablet being too warm, so the fan is also meant to help drive some of the heat away from the device to cool its surfaces.

[@legendaryedu]

Do we need a computer or laptop to use a Wacom? I’m been wanting to use one for a while now, i’m in that transition of going from normal drawing art to digital. & where can i get the more newer models (gen)? & is the screen size the same between the regular & pro version? I saw on amazon they have two different size. Sorry for asking to much

[@erhanertem196]

They say Wacom cintiq Pro 24 has color noise (little flow of dots as if you spilled micro water particles best to describe) especially visible on whiter backgrounds. What do you say about it? Or does this new version tablet has similar irritating issue?

[@sofietarkus]

Great info. If you had 700-800 $, and you are a Painter, what tablet would you buy? Considering all the options out there, your only one choice for the price.

[@KeeksSnoogie79]

Ehh I think I'd stick to Wacom One, My Cintiq 24" does what I need most of the Time for my bigger priojects. I just needed something for the road or if I'm moving to one place or another I can't bring my 24" along unless I move. This was a great review as always Aaron, I always appreciate them, I am always team Wacom but some of these devices aren't worth it for that amount at least though I can respect it due to the higher qualities it has over the 22' and One. I think I did my fair share of buying these products xD lol my parents are on me for it. So far I've owned 5 Wacoms :P

[@PillowheadCreations]

The first pro 16 wasn’t loud and the Wacom link has more port options and the touch seemed better

[@PillowheadCreations]

I have a 16 pro first gen and I’ve upgraded to he 24 one only because I wanted draw bigger and had the money lol if I didn’t have the money I’d still be using it lol but seems like the first gen is a better version

[@tutata]

I wish they had a 1440p version, 4k is hard to drive.

[@andykerass3695]

And I'll add that you dont need to have res set at 4k... You can use it at a lower resolution i think

[@tutata]

@@andykerass3695 yes, but with any screen down scaled, it will be blurry

[@andykerass3695]

@@tutata yes it will not be as clear as 4k, but set to 1440p it shouldnt be any more 'blurry' than if the screen was a 1440p display. I personally would recomend a second hand older model if thats what you are looking for or the cintiq without the pro label, the pen tech should still be great still and it would be a bit of a waste to spend the extra for a 4k screen which wont get utilized. Just my thoughts 😉

[@ichigo1978]

Thanks so much Aaron for this review. I wanted to know if the screen got hot as much as the first generation? I love my cintiq 16 for the summer because the screen remains cold despite the heat but I would have liked the pro for the 4K and good colorimetry but with the screen heating up it is impossible for me T_T.

[@aaronrutten]

I don't have the 1st gen to compare it, but the 2nd gen feels cold everywhere except a small area near the top where the fans are. While I was drawing, I didn't notice that it was unusually hot.

[@WC3fanatic997]

Glad I still have my precious 27QHD, best investment I ever made. Using it right now, actually. Actually I need to thank you Aaron, because if it wasn't for you being a snob about stuff and telling like it is, I would have picked a lesser tablet.

[@ChrisKoXP]

8-bit 4k display in 2021 for $1.5k is a joke!!!

[@flo62]

Can this cintiq run on a full HD (1080) pc?

[@aaronrutten]

If it has an HDMI port or something you can convert to HDMI.

[@zaynen550]

10:03 which software is that? seems quite interesting

[@aaronrutten]

Corel Painter 2022

[@FlameRat_YehLon]

This looks like a big downgrade... Like, like it or not, having all usb-c ports is a big "pro" feature to me because you can always buy non proprietary stuffs to use with it. I personally just use two USB-C cables to connect the display to PC and power and that's it. Not even using the official power supply or official cables, everything third party and it just works, which means there's no risk if those breaks. I just hope that they skip this revision entirely in China so that I can still recommend the same display I'm using to other people

[@AnimeAttics]

hope they make the Cintiq 24 bezel thinner

[@donbartolo1243]

Hello. Did you notice any change concerning the blurry matte coating on this particular model. The first gen Cintiq Pro 16" is so blurry, it's hardly noticable sometimes to really know if its 2K or 4K. (Mobile Studio Pro 13" has better coating for reference, even if it's 2K.) Or does is seems the same on both Cintiq Pro 16" to you? By the way, from what i understand in this video, there is still that problem of connecting smoothly with thunderbolt. Duh ^^; And still that unchanged horrible pricetag and screen ratio. ^^; As the remote takes a part of the screen working area when laying on the tablet, those buttons are welcome. But your remark about ergonomics is totally right. Thank you for this review.

[@aaronrutten]

I don't have those models to compare, but compared to the MSP16, I don't see any difference. The Thunderbolt connection seems to have something to do with the USB-A cable when I plug it in. Windows has troubleshooting tips that mention not to connect it to a hub. Or that your DP Alt bandwidth may be spent on other devices. All I had to do was try a different USB port (on my motherboard, not on a hub) and it worked.

[@donbartolo1243]

@@aaronrutten Thank you for the feedback!

[@FlameRat_YehLon]

The 2016 model uses etched glass for the surface so I'd say there aren't much blurriness really, just a bit soft. 2021 model likely would be the same. There's no "hard to tell the resolution" because you can still tell the presence of each pixel. It's not "retina display" after all (even though so called "retina" display still got very pronounceable pixels)

[@donbartolo1243]

@@FlameRat_YehLon I can easily tell because i have both products I mentionned above and compared them side by side countless times. It's that bad i didn't opened the Pro 16" since 2 years and Only use the MSPro 13" when i have to work on Toon Boom Harmony. Even more: I totally abondonned Wacom for Ipad Pro that blows it out of the water when using Clipstudio. For this soft, the Ipad beats Wacom in so much hard and software areas... So yeah, there is a difference between specs on paper and reality that you clearly see when you work hard day in/day out on those machines. ;) Now just buy what you like... Wacom is still a better choice on Windows but its days of glory are over. Or they decide to innovate instead of revamping existing products with same tech, or they will be beaten by competitors.

[@marieseltenrych]

I bought a second-hand Cintiq and have been working with PS Elements 2021 which keeps crashing. I do like the new Cintiq 16 but I find the slight noise a little annoying, like a scratching, which I didn't find on the Wacom flat tablet (shown on PC screen above). I would like softer pencils with soft tops that never seem to wear out. I still have 2 sets of pencil nibs. My Cintiq has only 3 spare black topped nibs, which is a worry. I take your recommendations seriously so thanks for being honest to a tee. I am getting uses to moving from screen to tablet but it can be hazzardous and get Lexi gets a few calls accidentally. Thanks a lot.

[@STICKYArt]

Ooo shiny! Looks like a nice refresh

[@klaceysphotography1107]

Why aren't there any wacom centriq online instructions on how to use this device and the remote control? It doesn't even come with a users manual or the chance to get one online? Not only that, I can't get it connected to my Apple computer and I've done everything I can think of to open up security blocks? You pay almost $2K for this device and don't know how to trouble shoot third level issues or how to use it?

[@aaronrutten]

Wacom.com has instructions for everything. Also, I have made tutorials for many of their models.

[@softwaremaniacgsm2687]

This is horrible. Aaron, did they drop the extra USB-C port that could be used for external media drives or other devices (like Logitech USB adapter)? I couldn't tell.

[@rathodmukendra8924]

I pad sims good option here in price comparison.

[@deepseakraken89]

they should upgrade the non pro line to

[@mb-fh6qr]

120hrz Wacom pls

[@margoram7430]

so mine is an older version? why i feel mine is much better, the small key board is much convenient than those 8 keys. jajaja,

[@Trid3nt861]

I can truly say that Wacom has gotten lazy...... They've become Apple :(. Competition is what is needed.

[@shishirdutta999]

Can i get it free

[@rainbow4352]

No

[@coopstadter1211]

nope

[@adityatyagi9421]

Yes

[@robertoaguiluz7350]

I remember when Wacom used to be cool