XPPen Artist 12 3rd

SMART CHOICE Are you looking for a mid-range drawing tablet with some premium specs at an affordable price? Then look no further

- Ian Dean

The third generation of the XPPen Artist 12 arrives as a subtle but meaningful evolution in the brand's affordable pen display range.

It's the first model to ship with XPPen's new X4 Smart Chip Stylus, together with a complete redesign that promises faster response, tighter precision and a lighter touch.

Paired with a slimmer, magnetically equipped tablet body, XPPen has seemingly studied its higher-end competitors, such as Wacom's Cintiq Pro and Huion's Kamvas Pro, and reimagined them for hobbyists and students who want pro-grade drawing at a more accessible price.

XPPen has been generous with what's included. Alongside the 11.9-inch drawing display, you'll find the new X4 Smart Chip Stylus, 10 spare nibs, a nib replacement tool, a glove, a cleaning cloth, and, importantly, a foldable stand. You also receive both a USB-C to USB-C cable and a 3-in-1 cable for power and connection, as well as a quick-start card for driver downloads and warranty registration.

HIT THE GROUND RUNNING

It's the kind of setup that enables you to start drawing immediately, without requiring extra purchases, which is something Wacom rarely offers at this price. That said, the packaging feels fairly basic, and the cables could be more compact for travel. Still, it's a solid unboxing experience for a mid-range tablet.