OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Drawing tablets Methodology v1.0
Drawing tablets Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Drawing tablets Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Drawing tablets Methodology v1.0

XP Pen Artist 12 Review | 66 Data compared

Avg. price:~£180Type:pen displayActive drawing area:36864 mm²Resolution:1920x1080Pen pressure levels:8192Report rate:266 RPS

XP Pen Artist 12 Review: Compare 66 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Drawing tablets category and whether it is worth buying.

6.9

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the drawing tablet's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best drawing tablets on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 51% of models
Score components

90%

6.9

Technical score

10%

?

User score

▲Better than 51% of drawing-tablets
6.9

Technical score

Technical score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Drawing tablets category across these key areas: Form Factor, Display & Color, Pen & Input, Connectivity, Controls & Extras.
When it matters
When you want to compare drawing tablets based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 57% of models
Score components

50%

8.4

Pen & Input

40%

5.2

Display & Color

4%

7.6

Form Factor

3%

5.9

Connectivity

3%

5.0

Controls & Extras

▲Better than 57% of drawing-tablets
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the drawing tablet.
When it matters
When you want to know how a drawing tablet performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 81% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ £180

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of drawing tablet XP Pen Artist 12

Technical score
Technical score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Drawing tablets category across these key areas: Form Factor, Display & Color, Pen & Input, Connectivity, Controls & Extras.
When it matters
When you want to compare drawing tablets based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 57% of models
Score components:

50%

8.4

Pen & Input

40%

5.2

Display & Color

4%

7.6

Form Factor

3%

5.9

Connectivity

3%

5.0

Controls & Extras

6.9
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the drawing tablet.
When it matters
When you want to know how a drawing tablet performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 81% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the drawing tablet.
When it matters
When you prefer to buy a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
XP Pen Artist 12 has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than 65% of drawing tablets.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the drawing tablet's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a drawing tablet with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 57% of models
Score components:

60%

6.9

Overall score

40%

9.6

Price

7.7
Type
pen display
Display
yes
Display
yes
▲ Better than 52% of models
This drawing tablet has a display. This feature is present on 47.9% of drawing tablets.
Compatibility
Windows / macOS / Linux
Wireless capability
no
Wireless capability
no
▼ Worse than 19% of models
This drawing tablet does not support wireless use. 18.6% of drawing tablets support wireless use.
Weight
907 g
Weight
907 g
▼ Worse than 59% of models
Market range: <250 g – >5.5k g
This drawing tablet weighs 907 g, heavier than 59% of drawing tablets.
Includes integrated stand.
Show more
Active drawing area
36,864 mm²
Active drawing area
36,864 mm²
▼ Worse than 70% of models
Market range: <15.5k mm² – >127.8k mm²
This drawing tablet offers an active drawing area of 36,864 mm², smaller than that of 69.8% of drawing tablets.
256 x 144 mm.
Screen size
11.6 inch
Screen size
11.6 inch
▼ Worse than 89% of models
Market range: <11.6 inch – >23.8 inch
This drawing tablet has a screen size of 11.6 inch, smaller than that of 89.3% of drawing tablets and equal to that of 8.6% of drawing tablets.
Resolution
1920x1080
Resolution
1920x1080
▲ Better than 53% of models
This drawing tablet has a display resolution of 1920x1080, higher than that of 52.6% of drawing tablets and equal to that of 27.3% of drawing tablets.
Pixel density
190 ppi
Pixel density
190 ppi
▲ Better than 74% of models
Market range: <102 ppi – >239 ppi
This drawing tablet has a pixel density of 190 ppi, higher than that of 74.2% of drawing tablets and equal to that of 8.6% of drawing tablets.
Typical brightness
250 nits
Typical brightness
250 nits
▲ Better than 47% of models
Market range: <220 nits – >310 nits
This drawing tablet has a typical brightness of 250 nits, higher than that of 47.3% of drawing tablets and equal to that of 27.5% of drawing tablets.
Show more
Stylus included
yes
Stylus included
yes
Category Benchmark
This drawing tablet comes with a stylus. This feature is present on 100% of drawing tablets.
Pen technology
EMR (battery-free)
Pen technology
EMR (battery-free)
▲ Better than 5% of models
This drawing tablet uses EMR (battery-free) pen technology, more advanced than that of 4.6% of drawing tablets and equal to that of 95.4% of drawing tablets.
Pen pressure levels
8,192
Pen pressure levels
8,192
▼ Worse than 15% of models
Market range: <8.2k – >16.4k
This drawing tablet supports 8,192 pen pressure levels, more than 9.3% of drawing tablets and equal to 75.8% of drawing tablets.
Pen resolution
5,080 LPI
Pen resolution
5,080 LPI
▲ Better than 6% of models
Market range: <5.1k LPI – >5.1k LPI
This drawing tablet supports a pen resolution of 5,080 LPI, higher than that of 5.7% of drawing tablets and equal to that of 94.3% of drawing tablets.
Report rate
266 RPS
Report rate
266 RPS
▲ Better than 61% of models
Market range: <200 RPS – >290 RPS
This drawing tablet has a report rate of 266 RPS, higher than that of 61% of drawing tablets and equal to that of 22% of drawing tablets.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
no
Bluetooth connectivity
no
▼ Worse than 13% of models
This drawing tablet does not support Bluetooth. 13.1% of drawing tablets support Bluetooth.
USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) ports
0
USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) ports
0
▼ Worse than 17% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This drawing tablet has 0 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) ports, fewer than 17.4% of drawing tablets and equal to 82.6% of drawing tablets.
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-C) ports
?
USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-A) ports
0
USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-A) ports
0
▼ Worse than 1% of models
Market range: <0 – >0
This drawing tablet has 0 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-A) ports, fewer than 1.1% of drawing tablets and equal to 99% of drawing tablets.
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-A) ports
0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-A) ports
0
▼ Worse than 2% of models
Market range: <0 – >0
This drawing tablet has 0 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-A) ports, fewer than 1.6% of drawing tablets and equal to 98.4% of drawing tablets.
Show more
N. of express keys
6
N. of express keys
6
▲ Better than 44% of models
Market range: <0 – >10
This drawing tablet has 6 express keys, more than 43.7% of drawing tablets and equal to 12.6% of drawing tablets.
N. of dials
0
N. of dials
0
▼ Worse than 22% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This drawing tablet has 0 dials, fewer than 21.6% of drawing tablets and equal to 78.4% of drawing tablets.
Stand included
no
Stand included
no
▼ Worse than 30% of models
This drawing tablet does not come with a stand. 30% of drawing tablets come with a stand.
Fold-out legs
no
Fold-out legs
no
▼ Worse than 7% of models
This drawing tablet does not have fold-out legs. 7.3% of drawing tablets have fold-out legs.
Uses separate stand.
Pen stand included
yes
Pen stand included
yes
▲ Better than 41% of models
This drawing tablet comes with a pen stand. This feature is present on 58.9% of drawing tablets.
Pen case doubles as stand.
Show more

XP Pen Artist 12 vs the average drawing tablet

246810TotalForm FactorDisplay & ColorPen & InputConnectivityControls & Extras
  • 1 % wider sRGB coverage
    sRGB coverage
    100 %
    ▲ Better than 74% of models
    Market range: <96 % – >100 %
    This drawing tablet covers more sRGB than the average drawing tablet (100 % vs 99 %). The average drawing tablet covers 99 % of sRGB.
    100 % vs 99 %
  • 24.2% lighter pen
    Pen weight
    10 g
    ▲ Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <10 g – >16 g
    This drawing tablet includes a lighter pen than the average drawing tablet (10 g vs 13.2 g). The average drawing tablet pen weighs 13.2 g.
    10 g vs 13.2 g
  • Has pen eraser
    Pen eraser
    yes
    ▲ Better than 81% of models
    This drawing tablet includes a pen eraser, while the average drawing tablet does not. 19% of drawing tablets include a pen eraser.
  • Anti-reflection coating
    Anti-reflection coating
    yes
    ▲ Better than 53% of models
    This drawing tablet has an anti-reflection coating, while the average drawing tablet does not. 47.7% of drawing tablets have an anti-reflection coating.
  • 14.2% higher report rate
    Report rate
    266 RPS
    ▲ Better than 61% of models
    Market range: <200 RPS – >290 RPS
    This drawing tablet has a higher report rate than the average drawing tablet (266 RPS vs 233 RPS). The average drawing tablet has a report rate of 233 RPS.
    266 RPS vs 233 RPS
  • 14.5% higher pixel density
    Pixel density
    190 ppi
    ▲ Better than 74% of models
    Market range: <102 ppi – >239 ppi
    This drawing tablet has a higher pixel density than the average drawing tablet (190 ppi vs 166 ppi). The average drawing tablet has a pixel density of 166 ppi.
    190 ppi vs 166 ppi
  • Integrated display
    Display
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This drawing tablet has a display, while the average drawing tablet does not. 48.2% of drawing tablets have a display.
  • 0.3 m longer cable
    Cable length
    1.8 m
    ▲ Better than 74% of models
    Market range: <1.5 m – >1.8 m
    This drawing tablet has a longer cable than the average drawing tablet (1.8 m vs 1.5 m). The average drawing tablet has a cable length of 1.5 m.
    1.8 m vs 1.5 m
  • Integrated display
    Display
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This drawing tablet has a display, while the average drawing tablet does not. 48.2% of drawing tablets have a display.
  • 1 % wider sRGB coverage
    sRGB coverage
    100 %
    ▲ Better than 74% of models
    Market range: <96 % – >100 %
    This drawing tablet covers more sRGB than the average drawing tablet (100 % vs 99 %). The average drawing tablet covers 99 % of sRGB.
    100 % vs 99 %
  • Anti-reflection coating
    Anti-reflection coating
    yes
    ▲ Better than 53% of models
    This drawing tablet has an anti-reflection coating, while the average drawing tablet does not. 47.7% of drawing tablets have an anti-reflection coating.
  • 14.5% higher pixel density
    Pixel density
    190 ppi
    ▲ Better than 74% of models
    Market range: <102 ppi – >239 ppi
    This drawing tablet has a higher pixel density than the average drawing tablet (190 ppi vs 166 ppi). The average drawing tablet has a pixel density of 166 ppi.
    190 ppi vs 166 ppi
  • 24.2% lighter pen
    Pen weight
    10 g
    ▲ Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <10 g – >16 g
    This drawing tablet includes a lighter pen than the average drawing tablet (10 g vs 13.2 g). The average drawing tablet pen weighs 13.2 g.
    10 g vs 13.2 g
  • Has pen eraser
    Pen eraser
    yes
    ▲ Better than 81% of models
    This drawing tablet includes a pen eraser, while the average drawing tablet does not. 19% of drawing tablets include a pen eraser.
  • 14.2% higher report rate
    Report rate
    266 RPS
    ▲ Better than 61% of models
    Market range: <200 RPS – >290 RPS
    This drawing tablet has a higher report rate than the average drawing tablet (266 RPS vs 233 RPS). The average drawing tablet has a report rate of 233 RPS.
    266 RPS vs 233 RPS
  • 0.3 m longer cable
    Cable length
    1.8 m
    ▲ Better than 74% of models
    Market range: <1.5 m – >1.8 m
    This drawing tablet has a longer cable than the average drawing tablet (1.8 m vs 1.5 m). The average drawing tablet has a cable length of 1.5 m.
    1.8 m vs 1.5 m
  • 20 % narrower Adobe RGB coverage
    Adobe RGB coverage
    72 %
    ▼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <72 % – >99 %
    This drawing tablet covers less Adobe RGB than the average drawing tablet (72 % vs 92 %). The average drawing tablet covers 92 % of Adobe RGB.
    72 % vs 92 %
  • 2 fewer nibs included
    N. of nibs included
    8
    ▼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <6 – >20
    This drawing tablet includes fewer replacement nibs than the average drawing tablet (8 vs 10). The average drawing tablet includes 10 replacement nibs.
    8 vs 10
  • 4 inch smaller display
    Screen size
    11.6 inch
    ▼ Worse than 89% of models
    Market range: <11.6 inch – >23.8 inch
    This drawing tablet has a smaller screen than the average drawing tablet (11.6 inch vs 15.6 inch). The average drawing tablet has a screen size of 15.6 inch.
    11.6 inch vs 15.6 inch
  • 300 :1 lower contrast ratio
    Contrast ratio
    700 :1
    ▼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <1k :1 – >1.2k :1
    This drawing tablet has lower Contrast ratio than the average drawing tablet (700:1 vs 1000:1). The average drawing tablet has 1000:1 for Contrast ratio.
    700 :1 vs 1,000 :1
  • 3,900 mm² smaller work area
    Active drawing area
    36,864 mm²
    ▼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <15.5k mm² – >127.8k mm²
    This drawing tablet has a smaller active drawing area than the average drawing tablet (36864 mm² vs 40764 mm²). The average drawing tablet offers an active drawing area of 40764 mm².
    256 x 144 mm.
    36,864 mm² vs 40,764 mm²
  • Older release
    Release date
    2018
    ▼ Worse than 81% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This drawing tablet was released earlier than the average drawing tablet.
    2,018 vs 2,021
  • 6.16x less popular
    XP Pen Artist 12 has a lower popularity than the average drawing tablet (1 vs 6.2).
    1 vs 6.16
  • 22.6% heavier design
    Weight
    907 g
    ▼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <250 g – >5.5k g
    This drawing tablet is heavier than the average drawing tablet (907 g vs 740 g). The average drawing tablet weighs 740 g.
    Includes integrated stand.
    907 g vs 740 g
  • 6.16x less popular
    XP Pen Artist 12 has a lower popularity than the average drawing tablet (1 vs 6.2).
    1 vs 6.16
  • Older release
    Release date
    2018
    ▼ Worse than 81% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This drawing tablet was released earlier than the average drawing tablet.
    2,018 vs 2,021
  • 22.6% heavier design
    Weight
    907 g
    ▼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <250 g – >5.5k g
    This drawing tablet is heavier than the average drawing tablet (907 g vs 740 g). The average drawing tablet weighs 740 g.
    Includes integrated stand.
    907 g vs 740 g
  • 20 % narrower Adobe RGB coverage
    Adobe RGB coverage
    72 %
    ▼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <72 % – >99 %
    This drawing tablet covers less Adobe RGB than the average drawing tablet (72 % vs 92 %). The average drawing tablet covers 92 % of Adobe RGB.
    72 % vs 92 %
  • 4 inch smaller display
    Screen size
    11.6 inch
    ▼ Worse than 89% of models
    Market range: <11.6 inch – >23.8 inch
    This drawing tablet has a smaller screen than the average drawing tablet (11.6 inch vs 15.6 inch). The average drawing tablet has a screen size of 15.6 inch.
    11.6 inch vs 15.6 inch
  • 300 :1 lower contrast ratio
    Contrast ratio
    700 :1
    ▼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <1k :1 – >1.2k :1
    This drawing tablet has lower Contrast ratio than the average drawing tablet (700:1 vs 1000:1). The average drawing tablet has 1000:1 for Contrast ratio.
    700 :1 vs 1,000 :1
  • 3,900 mm² smaller work area
    Active drawing area
    36,864 mm²
    ▼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <15.5k mm² – >127.8k mm²
    This drawing tablet has a smaller active drawing area than the average drawing tablet (36864 mm² vs 40764 mm²). The average drawing tablet offers an active drawing area of 40764 mm².
    256 x 144 mm.
    36,864 mm² vs 40,764 mm²
  • 2 fewer nibs included
    N. of nibs included
    8
    ▼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <6 – >20
    This drawing tablet includes fewer replacement nibs than the average drawing tablet (8 vs 10). The average drawing tablet includes 10 replacement nibs.
    8 vs 10

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

D
digitalarttabletguides.wordpress.com
18/10/2018
Summary of the review
XP-Pen Artist 12 Review - Digital Art Tablet Guides
T
tablet-market.de
06/04/2020
Summary of the review
XP-PEN Artist 12 Guide and Review
(Translated)Show original
O
online-zeichenkurs.de
20/10/2023
Summary of the review
Review & Partnership: Artist 12 Pen Display (2nd Gen)
(Translated)Show original
M
matablettegraphique.fr
14/12/2018
Summary of the review
XP-Pen Artist 12 review and test - My graphics tablet
(Translated)Show original
Z
zephy.fr
08/02/2022
Summary of the review
The Best Drawing Tablet? (XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Gen)
(Translated)Show original
M
mangakoaching.com
26/09/2021
Summary of the review
Review: The XP-PEN Artist 12 Pen Display (2nd Gen)
(Translated)Show original
L
laurielle.net
06/12/2021
Summary of the review
Review: XP-PEN Artist 12 Pen Display Tablet - Laurielle
(Translated)Show original
T
tabletsguide.jouwweb.nl
Onbekend
Summary of the review
My Personal Experience with the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro (Review Section)
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What we like about XP Pen Artist 12

  • High value for money with professional features at an entry-level price point
  • Excellent portability due to its slim, lightweight design and compact size
  • Vibrant display with high color accuracy and full lamination to minimize parallax
  • Highly responsive battery-free stylus with high pressure sensitivity and stable performance
  • Customisable shortcut keys and dials (on newer models) that significantly improve workflow
  • Comprehensive package including essential accessories like a drawing glove, nibs, and cables

What we don't like about XP Pen Artist 12

  • The 11.6-inch to 11.9-inch screen can feel cramped for complex software interfaces
  • Cabling can be cumbersome; the 3-in-1 cable is often described as thick and messy
  • Does not include a built-in stand, often requiring an additional purchase for ergonomic use
  • Potential durability concerns with the USB-C port becoming loose over extended use
  • Does not support finger-touch gestures, which some users find limiting on smaller displays

Verdict

The XP-Pen Artist 12 is a compact, entry-level drawing tablet featuring an 11.6-inch Full HD IPS display with a 1920x1080 resolution and 72% NTSC (roughly 100% sRGB) color gamut coverage. It includes 6 customizable shortcut keys and a slim touch bar to streamline creative workflows, paired with a battery-free P06 passive stylus that offers 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity and a digital eraser. Main advantages include its high portability, anti-reflective screen coating for eye protection, and excellent value for beginners, though some users find the drawing area somewhat restrictive and the lack of a built-in stand or tilt support on the standard model to be a drawback.

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