XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad 2025 (MDP1221) notes

Overview

I AM ACTIVELY TESTING THIS DEVICE. So expect my notes to evolve, but here are some initial thoughts: This tablet is a comparable to the Samsung S9FE but in terms of overall performance with a much better pen. There are issues using tilt - but I don't use tilt with brushes so that wasn't a limiting factor for me.

So far, I am enjoying using this device and as long as tilt is not a requirement for you, feel that it is a good choice for a standalone drawing tablet.

Basics

  • Model number MDP1221

  • Note this model (MDP1221 ) is the 2025 of the Magic Drawing Pad

  • OS: Android 14

Naming

Is it a GEN2?

XP-Pen calls this model the 2025 edition and not a "GEN2" because it has only minor differences from the original 2024 version.

In some livestreams I have referred to it as a "GEN2" because originally on the XP-Pen EU store they used he "GEN2" name in the title.

Naming

Unfortunately the 2025 does not appear in the name of the tablet in online stores. Likewise 2024 does not appear in the name of the older model.

Key NEW features in the 2025 model

  • Operating system: Android 14

    • The 2024 model came with Android 12

  • Using it as an external monitor (aka DP-IN)

    • The 2024 model did not have this feature

  • Using it as as a pen display

    • From product page "The Magic Drawing Pad supports the DP-IN function via its Type-C port, allowing it to act as a secondary screen for your laptop. Paired with the X3 Pro Pencil, it enables reverse control, making it easy to take notes, draw."

    • I have not fully tested this so it is unclear to what extent this is true

    • The 2024 model did not have this feature

Tilt Issues

  • I often find the tilt to be "noisy" and van jumps back and forth suddenly.

  • I found the same issue with the XP-Pen Magic Note Pad

  • It sems somewhat dependent on the pen. Most of the X3 pens I tried with this tablet exhibited the problem, but some exhibited the problem less.

  • If you are going to use this tablet - I would recommend being careful about the tilt.

Purchasing tip

In online stores you may see BOTH the 2024 and 2025 editions shown under the name "Magic Drawing Pad".

So make sure you verify the model number of the tablet you are purchasing. The 2025 model number is MDP1221

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