XPPen Magic Drawing Pad review: excellent iPad alternative for artists

Take your digital art outside for less.

XPPen Magic Pad review; a person uses a tablet while resting on a wooden bridge
(Image: © Future / XPPen)

Our Verdict

XPPen Magic Pad is a genuinely good alternative to iPad for artists. This is a light, responsive drawing tablet with an impressive 16K of pen pressure, making it ideal for outdoor digital art.

For

  • Excellent drawing experience
  • Display designed for art
  • Lightweight and responsive

Against

  • Struggles with some simulations

Why you can trust Creative Bloq Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Recent updates

This review was updated July 2024 after XPPen improved aspects of the tablet's software that solved some issues raised in the review, as well as the release of new accessories, including a travel case and keyboard.

XPPen Magic Drawing Pad specs

XPPen Magic Pad review; a tablet resting on a wooden bridge

(Image credit: Future / XPPen)

Display 12.2-inch, 3:2 ratio, matte anti-glare finish, 60 Hz, 300 nits
Resolution 2160 x 1440, 109% sRGB, 82% Adobe RGB, 77% NTSC
Stylus 16,384 levels of pen pressure, EMR tech
Memory 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, expandable to 512GB via MicroSD card
Connectivity Bluetooth 5.1, WiFi, USB-C 2.0
Dimension 27.9 x 19.2 x 0.69 cm
Weight 599g
Processor 8-core MT8771
OS Android
GPU ARM G57 MC2
Audio 2 microphones, 4 speakers
Cameras 13MP (rear), 8MP (front)

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The Verdict
9

out of 10

XPPen Magic Drawing Pad

XPPen Magic Pad is a genuinely good alternative to iPad for artists. This is a light, responsive drawing tablet with an impressive 16K of pen pressure, making it ideal for outdoor digital art.

TOPICS
Editor, Digital Arts & 3D

Ian Dean is Editor, Digital Arts & 3D at Creative Bloq, and the former editor of many leading magazines. These titles included ImagineFX, 3D World and video game titles Play and Official PlayStation Magazine. Ian launched Xbox magazine X360 and edited PlayStation World. For Creative Bloq, Ian combines his experiences to bring the latest news on digital art, VFX and video games and tech, and in his spare time he doodles in Procreate, ArtRage, and Rebelle while finding time to play Xbox and PS5.

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