XP-Pen Artist 12 vs 13.3 Pro (Pen Display Review)

[@jcarr242]

I bought the 12 Pro several months ago for right at $175 when XP-Pen had a sale. I have always preferred traditional media so I was worried I would regret the purchase, but the display is fantastic and has really gotten me into digital art more.

[@VeetiHeikkinen]

HellboundNdown is it too small, i dont know should i buy it or 13 pro.

[@splashautumn9163]

Thats so cheap!!! Im only 14 and im taking all my savings and getting my parents to give me money to buy the 13.3

[@Spriteturu]

When did they have the sale? I am looking forward to buy one but I am waiting for a sale...

[@jing34]

Great review. Actually showing the drawing in real-time instead of a sped-up time lapse (like every other youtuber), helped me picture what it would feel like if I used it too. Good tips on the windows ink setting too

[@huuhuy1998]

OMG thank you so much I'm so confused about choosing The 12" or 13.3" and now I have my answer.

[@teohyc]

I'm glad this is helpful

[@wolffwoo27]

So whats ur answer?

[@huuhuy1998]

wolffwoo 27 the 13.3”

[@cesarcardona7459]

@@huuhuy1998 why? Just for being bigger?

[@therese6831]

@@cesarcardona7459 I think both are good sizes tbh but really depends on the type of art you do, I'm getting the 11.6 cause I have a budget and came from using and iphone lol so I think I'll be fine

[@saisanzi21]

Thank you so much for the reviews! I'm an old-school trained grafic designer and allways wanted a interactive screen, so every time I googled the different options, the first video to show up where yours, and they really helped me to choose between the lots of different types and brands (by the way, I will take this one here XD)

[@f1nnies731]

This is the most informative review for these tablets! A lot of other reviewers just chucked numbers but you actually made useful comparisons that actually matter!

[@evebella3118]

*The shadow feature "malfunction" at edge of the screen is NOT a malfunction at all.* If you look more carefully, you can see that the 90 degrees rotation only happens AFTER the initial shadow tool actually MEETS and CROSSES the edge of the screen - so you CAN actually paint **whole screen with same shadow tool orientation**, up to the edges, using the full gradient range (going from 100% color darkness to 0% darkness). Look exactly at **14:40** and further in the video to see exactly that moment explained to you. Therefore, I wonder, after the margin of the shadow tool **touches and goes beyond the physical edges** for example with half of the tool length, what should be rendered, in your opinion ? Maybe a shadow having the range of 100% darkness to 50% darkness, or maybe a 50% to 0% instead, or worse, something in between but just half in length, or even "compressing" the same full gradient range between 100% and 0% to just a half length? Nope. That would be even a greater mistake. Therefore, to solve this potential error, in order to not break the gradient range, the software decides there to turn the angle with 90 degrees. If you still don't like this functionality, you are free to use the hand picking tool, move laterally the canvas, work your shadows as usual, then probably cut the final picture or erase any extra stuff at the edges to still keep some lower darkness in the edgy outline of the picture, if truly needed. Other than that, an excellent review ! Thanks !

[@artbybenjamin]

Great review. I personally prefer the 16" (15.6") models. They give just the right amount of space to draw on and are still portable enough.

[@PatriciaSilveira11]

Thank you!! I bouth it, the 12 inch one, there was a christmas sale and it retailed at 199 dolars... and I can't buy things internationally that cost more than 200, so it was perfect! and it works awesome, it's my first drawing tablet and I'm so happy, thanks for your reviews, I really trust your input. In photoshop cc 2019 and windows ink activated works excellent, illustrator brush tool gave me a little trouble, but it might be my computer too, and it's not the best software to use the brush anyways. Thank you :D

[@kozmizm]

More in depth review than the other videos I watched. Thank you Teoh!

[@angela14962002]

Is there a paper-like screen protector that can be used on the 13 pro...since you said the surface is slippery?

[@trixie9004]

thank you for this review! I find that your videos are very in depth and allow for me to understand what the whole experience with a tablet would be like! :)

[@tech83studio38]

Good morning from Chicago I am a self taught artist looking to purchase my first digital art pad and this model speaks to me.

[@teohyc]

Get at least 13 inches if possible

[@toddspeck9415]

Great review. Really sold on that 12 now. Thanks man.

[@DavidLopes99]

man i love your reviews

[@jay_cadiramen]

Excellent review - answered all my questions. Thanks

[@haidarsulthan]

i think the tilt problem (14:40) happen because the tilt box is bigger than the screen space between the pen cursor and the toolbar. so its maybe because of the drawing software.

[@federicac3646]

Thank you so much! Amazing review ❤️

[@thomascarter3735]

Just ordered the 13 pro. Thanks for the help 😁

[@higherground711]

Excellent review as always. 👍😀

[@Waynimations]

Small display tablets always seem weird to me because I’m not used to drawing with my wrist

[@Saveord]

lol u dont draw with the wrist u draw with your whole arm kinda.

[@Waynimations]

@@Saveord yup! That’s why I said I don’t like small displays because it makes it hard to draw with your arm.

[@princessindigo]

I like that the pen tip almost has a fine lead pencil feeling to it, but capable of various sizes/weight/texture of lines

[@roxanepineda3609]

Hello! Thanks for the review, was really useful for me. I noticed that you didn't used the tablet in a vectorial drawing program, it's normal... But I want to ask you if the tablets have some kind of glitches in Illustrator or Animate CC, I have a XP-Pen Star 05, old model that seems nobody noticed, but when I'm drawing vectors, the tablet starts doing ancle points without I'm putting the pencil on the tablet, just starts drawing random ancle points if I had the pencil near, also in Animate it starts doing stains of ink without having the pencil touching the work area... So if you can prove, specially the Artist 12 pro, in a vectorial drawing program an see if this happens, It would so useful for me. thank you!

[@johnnoelcastro1218]

I wonder if I should buy this or the Huion kamvas 13. So many choices.

[@inkywinki2254]

Just watch reviews haha

[@norma-jeanhamel4101]

Which tablet do you consider better the xp pen 12 pro vs the xp pen 15.6

[@Sportsman134]

Is this matte texture a screen protector like the kamvas 13 or is it embedded into the glass? Asking because I found the kamvas 13’s strokes to look very dull and pixelated.

[@teohyc]

It's a matte screen protector. Unfortunately all matte screen protectors will affect the image quality.

[@august0490]

good review, but I would like to know if I can I use artist 12 pro with Android, did you test it? thanks

[@unknownbakimono2733]

Hey, what's the difference between xp pen artist 12 2nd gen or artist 12 pro? And which is better??

[@yesiam6758]

Hey! Just wanted to let you know that "Content" part is always very helpful :)

[@musrider97]

This guy reviews never disappoint

[@yesiam6758]

@@musrider97 true

[@kenmakozume4427]

Ey sir just wanna ask if which is better huion kamvas 13 or xp pen 13-12

[@smolstuff6634]

My mom just bought me this for my birthday and it just arrived! Sadly i wont be able to use it till then 🥺❤️❤️ but this review helped me a lot! ❤️❤️❤️

[@johnsen9040]

Happy birthday!! 🎂🎂🎉

[@smolstuff6634]

@@johnsen9040 tysm!! 🥺❤️❤️

[@abologyn1430]

XP-Pen Artist 12 vs huion kamvas 12 which one is better and we need vedio of comparison thanks

[@josuefox]

thank you for test. What would you choose between XP-PEN ARTIST 12 PRO and HUION KAMVAS Pro 13 ?? It seems the xp-pen is better

[@teohyc]

Go with at least 13-inches if budget allows

[@sevey9544]

hi! thanks for the review. is the 13.3 version a better purchase than an ipad (non-pro) with apple pencil? it would be a great help if anyone could answer thanks :DD

[@Jwrry1]

if you want to use more powerful drawing programs like Clip Studio Paint (which is on ipad but its subscription based on ipad), or photoshop or adobe animate. that can allow you to use as many layers as you want and other brushes and effects and things then you're gonna want a tablet like this If you where to just get an ipad and apple pencil, not only would it probably cost more than this but you would have to rely on only the apps you can get on there. personally I'd reccomend getting the XP-PEN because it allows you to use better stronger programs

[@shikanata]

Hi I’m thinking of getting one and I’m planning to use it with both Mac and Windows device. Is that going to cause a problem with drivers?

[@teohyc]

xppen drivers work well on Win and Mac

[@shikanata]

@@teohyc thank you!

[@lordrefrigeratorintercoole288]

i always wanted to get a Graphic pad, but does it also work as a second screen for other functions? Like Videos or other programs?

[@teohyc]

Yes, it works just like a monitor

[@sagunians8111]

My 13.3 pro doesn't seem to work on Mac but works perfectly fine on Windows, When i installed it on my mac book pro, the screen on the tablet glitches like an analog TV with no signal (White Noise). Already tried uninstalling and installing different version of drivers. Im using Mac os Catalina.

[@teohyc]

Not sure what's wrong. Maybe contact XP Pen and ask

[@Seelenzerfall]

It has definitely something to do with Catalina. Many tablets from different brands have issues with Catalina. Struggling with my Wacom tablet at the moment.

[@viva7642]

11:53 & 14:35 any solutions to this problem? Or did they fix it via firmware? It should be fixable tho. Thinking of getting 15.6" size.

[@teohyc]

It's a hardware thing so there's no fix

[@crypticbananaa]

hi im not sure what to get Artist Display 13.3 Pro (13.3 inch) or the HUION 2020 Kamvas 13

[@teohyc]

Kamvas 13 is cheaper hence more worth the money

[@princessindigo]

How heavy/weight would you say the 15" screen is?

[@peishanli2470]

Thank you for sharing. I am thinking of getting my first tablet and hesitating between 12 pro and 13 pro. Do you think pro 12 is big enough for occasional painting purpose (amateur I am😂)? Since Line friends edition is too cute and xp pen official has a promotion on it for the moment making it more affordable for beginners. 😁

[@teohyc]

I recommend 13 if possible. It's just a more comfortable size to work with

[@peishanli2470]

@@teohyc thank you for ur useful advice. Getting my pro 13 then. Hope it doesn't take too long to shift between traditional painting to digital painting. 💪

[@KenWeiG]

I can't find the driver for the latest Mac 14.4

[@VeetiHeikkinen]

Is the 12 pro too small, i think it would be worth it to buy the 13.3 pro but i cant find it where i live so i would need to pay extra to get it.

[@teohyc]

I will recommend 13 inch if you have the budget. Go check out other brands too and see if they are available at your area or if they ship to your place. Check out Huion, Parblo, Artisul, Veikk

[@rabiia_art]

I just got the 12 pro onr 3 days ago and i loving so far its so good, but i got a few problem like its was slow lil bit but not that bothering and sometime the button who supposed to zoom doesnt work sometimes its boring but its fine

[@Rivaldix12]

If you keep using this tablet, would you recommend it ? Also is 11.6 inch too small ? I can't decide between 12 pro and 13.3 pro. If it is too small to draw comfortable I will buy 13.3

[@rabiia_art]

@@Rivaldix12 hm its not too small its still big for me

[@tabithaoftoby6087]

How it working? I'm deciding between the 12 and the 12 pro at the moment and I'm looking for inputs

[@rabiia_art]

@@tabithaoftoby6087 i recommand the 12 pro it's way better , because i had an friend who have the 12 normal and it's not that good, it's cheaper but not good quality so i recommand the 12 pro if you have the budget ^^, the screen for 12 pro it's bigger and the Quality of picture etc are pretty good

[@tabithaoftoby6087]

@@rabiia_art ok, thank you so much! That helps a lot :)

[@ant5747]

This looks like a very professional tablet. Thanks for reviewing this. I do have a question as I'm new to the world of digital arts. I understand to use this, it must be connected to a PC. Does the quality of that PC need to match the tablet in terms of resolution? I would like to use on the go & i like the price of all the xp line, but at the moment i don't see myself in need of a hefty computer as I look forward to use for vector type stuff on illustrator/Photoshop. Thanks.

[@teohyc]

The computer doesn't have to be very powerful. Any computer released in the last 5 years is powerful enough

[@wesperitiochannel2309]

do we have the 2nd gen comparison?

[@pueblonorte]

My son just got this and sometimes it erases and other times he can draw. We cannot figure out why it has him on pen and other times on eraser. Do you know?

[@teohyc]

Probably because the eraser/brush toggle feature is assigned to one of the shortcut buttons on the pen or pen display. See the settings in the driver

[@lol51679]

hello, i couldn't decide on either to get the xp-pen artist15.6 pro or the 13.3........ please help me ;_;

[@eieyzaa]

Can anyone explain this? 2:29 what's the difference? Which is better? By how much?

[@Amber-yn7xg]

I plan on getting a tablet and I just have a couple questions. Do you need a computer? What drawing app is best to use?

[@teohyc]

If you already have a computer, get iPad. If you want to use desktop software, get a pen display.

[@miyachichi25]

Hello , thanks for you reviews they are always a useful guide to me , but there has been this question regarding "Activation Force" bothering me , is this tablet really requires an effort to draw a small line on the screen like will it cause wrist pain through time for light sketchers , and is it like the force on using a bamboo wacom or better because that is what i use now 😟?? thank u

[@teohyc]

It's just light force. Somewhat like the force you need to use a pencil or ballpoint pen.

[@miyachichi25]

@@teohyc thank you so much for your feedback!

[@michaeldyer6378]

Sigh... I don't understand why we have these graphic tablet devices that are so thick when we entire computers like iPad and Samsung galaxy tabs ain such so thin form factors? I want an iPad Pro or Surface Pro Form factor and screen quality with Wacom drawing functionality. One can dream I guess. Excellent video as usual by the way. Thank.

[@teohyc]

The XP-Pen Innovator is extremely thin. However for some reason, the thicker ones feel more sturdy. lol. Anyway, these are quite thin already since they are thinner than most laptops. They are not meant to be portable anyway.

[@1Garrett2010]

Thank you for the good review. I'm left-handed, its possible to wrap the device like in Wacom products driver, in order to use the hardware keys in a more productive way? (for all left-handed like me..)

[@teohyc]

There's left handed mode in the XP Pen driver.

[@1Garrett2010]

@@teohyc Very nice to read that, thanks so much.

[@chesster423]

hey, does it have like drag screen using 2 fingers?

[@teohyc]

No. It does not have a touchscreen.

[@Carmen-jg2fn]

Hi, for this tablet do you need a computer or is just like a tablet you can take anywhere.. ? is for my son

[@teohyc]

You need a computer

[@LucumaKitty]

I love this overview of both tablets. These are so much cheaper than the Wacom, but are either good for lefties?

[@teohyc]

There's left hand mode so you can physically flip the display 180 degrees

[@LucumaKitty]

Teoh Yi Chie That’s great! Thank you for your help. I’m going to buy the smaller one.

[@digitadigita3578]

When will these companies will reduce these huge bezel. The 13 inch then will be a 10 size.

[@Winterhe4rt]

The sizes are refering to the drawing area though.

[@nailahasanah6805]

Is it the screen display itself that is 13.3 inches or the overall the whole body of the tablet that is 13.3 inches?

[@jillyjollyjelly]

@@nailahasanah6805 its the size of the screen

[@BigBrandoGAMES]

When you press the pen nib on the screen does it retract into pen itself because I had that with the huion and I'm thinking of getting this but not if the nib Retracts because it doesn't feel natural

[@teohyc]

Most stylus from pen display will have the tip retract slightly.

[@a4ak13]

Should I get the 13.3 pro or wacom one? Ive used different company tablets before and I only felt quality on my wacom intous, however trying to upgrade to a a screen tablet. Wacom one is more expensive tho and has no hot keys. But im worried about durability and performance

[@teohyc]

These work well, at least when I was testing them. Build quality for competing companies are now very good. These companies like XP-Pen, Parblo, Huion have been making such products for many years. Check out the pros and cons list on my blog to compare www.parkablogs.com/tags/pen-display

[@drich52]

What about the 13.3 pro or 15.6 pro? Is it worth paying the difference? What would you recommend ?

[@teohontech7141]

@@drich52 It's just size difference. 15.6 is a good size to work with. 13.3 is not too bad if you have a lower budget

[@ExpresiiPaint]

I just got mine but the pen is not sensed when it's moved near the edges of the screen. Not just tilt is not sensed, but even the cursor doesn't move and this makes me not able to press any buttons or menu items near the edges of the screen. Teoh, do you encounter the same problem?

[@teohyc]

I've the same problem with the 13.3 Pro www.parkablogs.com/content/review-xp-pen-artist-133-pro-pen-display

[@ExpresiiPaint]

@@teohyc Thanks for your reply. However, I can't see anywhere you mention the same issue I encounter. You only mentioned tilt not working near edges, but the issue with mine is the pen being not sensed at all near the edges, not just tilt. Anyway, I think the pen that came with my Artist 12 Pro is defective, as a day later, it gives random clicks, toggles eraser on its own and more, and using a pen from Deco Pro on the same Artist 12 Pro doesn't give the issues I mentioned.

[@ExpresiiPaint]

@@teohyc okay, so I was to made a video to show the problems, but then end up with a video that also shows how we got the issues fixed with some tinkering: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3SWi3uopMqtg5I

[@joviteh6355]

Still kinda torn between getting the 13.3 for larger screen size or 12 for the nicer texture to draw on :/

[@hypnotwist8943]

Jovi Teh its literally just 1 inch

[@joviteh6355]

@@hypnotwist8943 I ended up buying the 15.6" lol. It's quite big to carry around tbh

[@hypnotwist8943]

Jovi Teh lol nice

[@kennymuliamin2631]

@@joviteh6355 Is it worth the extra drawing space? I'm torn between the 15.6 and 13.3. Which one would you recommend? I don't go around witch my drawing tools a lot so portability is definitely not an issue :)

[@weetiong6194]

Hi you keep saying that the tablet needs to be connected to the computer. Sry, I mean isn't a laptop which runs on Window 10 is the same as a computer. So, I can connect the tablet to my laptop, right? Pls advise, tks.

[@teohyc]

Your laptop is also a computer. So, yes.

[@aaduzz_world886]

Sir, Why pen of xp pen doesn't make impreaaions properly

[@artbyjuwecurfew1896]

i got 12 pro as well... not bad

[@cqllel5186]

Can I use a USB-C to USB-C connector? Is it purely HDMI only? If so, will an HDMI to USB-C work? Edit: On the Artist 12 Pro, I mean

[@teohyc]

USBC to USBC is not supported with this model. And this model does not support USBC video.

[@Dustydusker]

So guys, which one do you think i should buy better? The huion kamvas pro 13 or the xp pen artist 13.3 pro?? :")

[@chefhomeboiardee4574]

@@rritsu 🤔¯\_(ツ)_/¯🤔¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@もあな-c2b]

Would the xp-pen 12 pro work fine on clip studio paint with the surface pro 6?

[@grumpybearbear]

yes

[@aarupoudyal1378]

Just buy a surface pen... cheaper and more fluid experience?

[@javiersumano976]

@@aarupoudyal1378 I don't get used to drawing on the desktop and having it appear on the screen

[@y29dmw6]

Good video but im unable to get pen pressure in Adobe illustrator although its there in the pen tablet settings. So frustrating after re-installing the driver software dozens of times :(

[@teohyc]

Windows or Mac? For Windows, sometimes you need to re-start your computer after driver installation. For MacOS, you may install Wacom Intuos driver in addition to XP-Pen driver.

[@y29dmw6]

Wow, thanks for the info, I'm on a mac so will give it a try andlet you know, cheers

[@y29dmw6]

Hi Teoh, I have installed the Wacom Drivers but it made no difference, cheers

[@teohyc]

@@y29dmw6 You may need to restart the Mac

[@y29dmw6]

Think Ive restarted several times after uninstalling the drivers. Works very well under windows and xp pen support are on the case. Thanks for your help :)

[@reyanmorenooo1499]

Can the screen be disabled? And use it as a graphic tablet?

[@teohyc]

I don’t think so

[@feconway]

you can mirror the screen of your computer/laptop if you want to use it as a graphic tablet. though i dont think you can disable it

[@aarupoudyal1378]

If you want a graphics tablet only get the deco Pro or if you want a hybrid when connected to a pc hold on the power button and it should go into power saving mode, which let's you use the tablet without the screen!

[@DonnieDisasters]

Can the tablet run on lower resolution (like 1280*720), or is it stuck in 1920x1080?

[@teohyc]

Yes resolution can be lowered to 720P

[@DonnieDisasters]

@@teohyc thx for the fast answer ! 😀

[@ebrastudios3050]

I wash it was a tablet as I can use it even at bed but this one needs ur laptop always

[@ytng1661]

Can this tablet use with Samsung dex?

[@teohyc]

No

[@ytng1661]

@@teohyc thank you

[@auntyseptic]

Great review, as always! Do you think you will also review the XP-Pen Artist Display 22R Pro, when it releases in December?

[@teohyc]

XP Pen will be in Singapore this week. I'll see if they have the unit

[@auntyseptic]

@@teohyc Awesome, thank you.

[@rory1er]

Do you have to switch pens or they universal?

[@teohyc]

The pens are interchangeable for these two models. But XP-Pen pens can only be used on their own products.

[@johnsen9040]

So is the difference only at the size? 12 and 13.3

[@teohyc]

Yes. Different price points for different people

[@sidneygosschalk9674]

Can you get illustrator on it

[@momonatu4998]

no, it's a monitor, not a computer.

[@johnalvicalbano3077]

any solution on offset?

[@heyii3546]

Is a computer required for this tablet?

[@teohyc]

Yes because this is not a tablet but a monitor, one that you can draw on.

[@tallardur5099]

If I get it should I connect to pc.....?

[@teohyc]

It needs to be connected to a computer

[@vladimirlee5928]

9:25 this is John Lennjn!

[@felipevalentinmunozloaiza674]

Does anyone the artist for the boxart?

[@conniesilva8930]

these both are not standalone?

[@teohyc]

They are monitors so they need to be connected to a computer and power source.

[@wolffwoo27]

Can it connects with laptop?

[@teohyc]

It needs to connect to a computer

[@azharitaja]

@@teohyc what it cant connect to notebook? I have xp pen star and it can connect to my notebook

[@laos85]

@@azharitaja It should be able to connect to laptop as long as the laptop spec is within the system requirement.

[@khilmanahmadi664]

where you buy?... please link..

[@khilmanahmadi664]

in indonesia

[@feconway]

di lazada murah bro, ngga sampai 3jt

[@aaduzz_world886]

What is the problem

[@kristheog8546]

Can it connect to Android?

[@teohyc]

Not this model

[@No_Frills_Carnivore]

Can you do animation on this? My daughter loves drawing and animating and she wants an iPad pro, which is why I'm here.. if you can do animation on this, it might be for her because it's a proper drawing tool. Unlike the iPad which is multimedia. We don't need any more phones or tablets in the house.

[@teohyc]

You can. But this is a monitor so you need to connect to a computer with animation software to do so

[@namineee111]

Does the 12 Pro work on Windows??

[@namineee111]

Haha sorry didnt watch the whole video through

[@malachicline3058]

18:58

[@tofumetal]

i’d buy the 13 pro over the 12 pro but it seems too big to fit inside my backpack 🥲