Overview

iPads - specifically those that are compatible with the Apple Pencil 2nd gen or the Apple Pencil Pro - are compelling alternatives to a typical EMR standalone drawing tablet. iPads are lightweight, portable, have a great display, have a lot of apps, and a good pen-based drawing experience.

• 7P notes: Apple iPad versus drawing tablets

• 7P notes: Apple iPad versus Samsung Galaxy Tab S

Terminology

I refer to the Apple Pencil as a pen to keep my documentations consistent.

iPad benefits

Basics

• The display is fantastic - great color and bright for a pen display.

• Does not require a computer to be attached.

Mobility

• All iPad models use WiFi.

• Some models can also use a mobile data plan like a phone.

• It has great battery life.

The overall drawing drawing experience

• The Apple pencil 2nd gen and Apple Pencil Pro

  • Supports pressure, tilt, and hover.

  • Has an excellent pressure range with a low IAF and high maximum pressure - about 500gf in my testing - which is very good.

• iPad apps are optimized to make the most of the screen real estate available and to be responsive to touch.

• Very little pointer lag. Apple iPads have much less lag than pen displays or pen computers. The pointer is comparable to a pen tablet.

Apps

Some popular and excellent drawing applications are available on the iPad

• ProCreate

• Clip Studio Paint

• Adobe Fresco

• Ibis Paint

You can find a more complete list here: applications.

Surface texture

• There are two kinds of texture of iPads

  • Almost all iPads have their standard smooth glass. When using the Apple Pencil with the iPad, most people will find that touching the glass feels "slippery". Some people a do not like this slipperiness and purchase a protective sheet to put over top of it that provides texture for the pen.

  • Starting in 2024, some Apple iPad models can be ordered with a "Nano texture". I don't have any direct experience with this texture.

For protective sheets for iPads there are some options here: Protective sheets. Some of these sheets can help provide more texture for the improved traction with the Apple pencil.

Diagonal wobble

Noticeable diagonal wobble when drawing slowly. But this doesn't seem to hinder people.

Apple Pencil

Key points about the current lineup of apple pencils.

Features

• None of the Apple Pencils have buttons

• None of the Apple Pencils have an eraser

• Only some of the Apple Pencils support hover (and only in combination with some iPads)

Recommendation

If you are going to draw with an Apple Pencil I recommend you get either the Apple Pencil GEN2, or the Apple Pencil Pro. Keep in mind you also have to have an iPad which is compatible with that Apple Pencil model.

Pencil support

• Since around 2015, iPads have supported an Apple pencil. So ensure that the iPad you are purchasing supports the use of a pencil

• Not all iPads support the use of the Apple Pencil. List of iPad Models that support the Apple pencil: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211029

Pencil versions

• There are two multiple models of the pencil. Only some have all the features needed for drawing (pressuyre, tilt, and, hover). \

• These are the Apple Pencil 2nd gen and Apple Pencil Pro

• So, it is better to get a iPad model that supports the Apple Pencil 2 or the Apple Pencil Pro

Pen hover

Pen hover is the ability of a tablet to detect and show the position of the pen without the pen touching the screen. Some people - especially artists - really depend on this feature. For others it is not so important. Read this doc to learn more about it and why it could be important for you: Pen hover

Hover support in iPads:

• iPad Pro models that use the M2 chip with Apple Pencil 2 do support pen hover

• Other models of iPads do NOT support pen hover.

Parallax

iPads that support the Apple Pencil have EXCELLENT (i.e. LOW) parallax. More here: Parallax

Pointer lag

• iPads have incredibly little pointer lag.

• More here: lag

Anti-glare sparkle

• You may or may not be sensitive to the anti-glare sparkle effect. Some people hate it. Some are much less sensitive to it.

• iPads don't show much AG sparkle at all - I would say it is undetectable in the iPads I have examined

• Pen displays have AG sparkle to various degrees. More here: anti-glare sparkle

Size

I prefer to draw on larger devices (16" and above - and strongly prefer 22" to 24") when I am at my desk. That is an advantage of pen displays because they vary in size from 12" to 30".

But for mobile use, the size of the iPad (11" & 12.9") is much more convenient than any pen display.

Accessories

• iPad stands

iPad apps for creative work

There are many great apps for iPad: Apps for iPad.

How I use iPads

I use iPads for drawing - but mostly when I am at not my desk or when I am mobile. Otherwise when sitting at my desk I prefer to use a pen tablet or pen display.

I use these iPad models with an Apple Pencil 2:

• Apple iPad Pro (12.9 inch) (3rd gen) - Does NOT support hover

• Apple iPad Pro (11 inch) (4rd gen) - Does support hover.

I primarily these use iPad apps

• Procreate

• Clip Studio Paint

I occasionally use these iPad apps

• Concepts

Transferring files between iPads and Windows

One easy way to send files easily back and forth between an iPad and Windows is to use a file syncing service. For example OneDrive - which is what I use.

I put my Clip Studio Paint files in a OneDrive folder and sync them to multiple PCs and my iPad. This allows me to edit them with whatever device I want. And changes are automatically synced to all the devices.

Videos

• PiXimperfect - iPad as a Graphics Tablet for Photoshop? Yes! Oct 11, 2019

• Teoh on Tech - iPad vs Computer for Graphic Design: All You Need to Know Oct 1, 2022

• Brad Colbow - How the iPad Became my Go To Drawing Tablet Jun 24, 2019

• Teoh on tech - Can you do graphic design on iPad (vs computer) Oct 1, 2022

• Teoh on tech - Why I prefer Concepts over Procreate for drawing Aug 1, 2022

• Adam Duff - Apple Pencil Hover NOW WORKS! Pro Illustrator First Impressions! Nov 1, 2022

• Ergojosh - 8 Reasons Why I Switched to the iPad Pro for ALL my Art Oct 25, 2023

• Adam Duff - Some Of The Best iPad Pro ARTIST Accessories - Astropad Apr 13, 2023

• Studio Fudelio - Why You Don't Need a Wacom Pen Display Nov 26, 2023

Other resources

• https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/graphics-tablet-vs-screen-tablet

• https://www.makeuseof.com/ipad-vs-drawing-tablet-for-drawing/

• r/ArtistLounge Reasons why you use an Ipad over Graphic tablet/pen display + pc and viceversa? 5/17/2021

• r/ArtistLounge Graphics Tablet, Display, or iPad? 4/29/2022

• r/productivity Should I buy an ipad or a graphic tablet for note taking? 5/7/2022

• r/ArtistLounge Interested in getting an iPad for drawing, has it improved your life? 10/23/2023\

Overview

Apple has several models of the Apple Pencil series. These models differ a bit by the features they support. And only certain IPads are compatible with certain models of the apple pencil. So if you're looking to use the apple pencil with an iPad make sure you check the compatibility and the feature set of that pencil before you purchase anything.

The apple pencil uses a different technology from a drawing tablet pen. It can be polarizing for some people how the apple pencil works. But overall in terms of its ability to draw things I think it is an excellent pen - especially the Apple Pencil 2nd gen and the Apple Pencil Pro.

• product page (includes feature comparison and iPad compatibility)

• Adam Duff - Apple Pencil Hover Is a Big Deal For Artists 2022/11/01

• iPad vs Apple pencil compatibility list - https://www.lifewire.com/apple-pencil-compatibility-with-ipad-5189841

• Pen Tech: Apple pencil uses a proprietary protocol that is similar to Wacom AES. It does NOT use EMR.

• Power: Apple pencil contains an internal rechargeable battery that is not removable.

• Special features of the Apple Pencil Pro. It supports the "find my" feature. Here's a video someone using it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_8P3jmhnrM - but it seems a bit limited.

Core feature comparison

Apple Pencil GEN1

• Released: 2015

• iFixit - Apple Pencil (1st Generation) Tip Replacement

Apple Pencil GEN2

• Released: 2018

• Teoh on Tech - Latency Test: S-Pen 2020 vs Apple Pencil 2 Sep 9, 2020

• iFixit - Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) Tips Replacement

Apple Pencil USB-C

• Released: 2023

• Teoh on Tech - Apple Pencil USB-C: Writing and drawing artist review Nov 3, 2023

Apple Pencil Pro

• Released: 2024

• iFixit - iPad Pro 13" Teardown and Apple Pencil Pro Destruction 2024/05/18

• Adam Duff - M4 iPad Pro & Apple Pencil Pro - PRO ARTIST Review (First Impressions) 2024/05/20

• Tim Mcburnie - Apple Pencil Pro... Pro Artist Review: A Tech-Bump Hellscape 2024/05/31

Overview

I've used both iPads and a Samsung Galaxy Tab extensively. And here are my thoughts about one versus the other in terms of using them as a drawing tablet.

Below or my detailed notes about using each one individually

• 7P notes: Samsung Galaxy Tab S

• 7P notes: Apple iPad

Drawing experience

I think the Galaxy Tab S series wins in the drawing experience category. Having said that I do want to recognize that the Apple pencil as a device is actually very good.

But here are the reasons why I think the drawing experience is actually better on the Galaxy Tab S series

• The Galaxy Tab series uses Wacom EMR technology. This is the same technology that powers all of Wacom's products. And especially if you're coming from a background of using drawing tablets then this will feel more natural to you than using an apple pencil.

• Hover support has always been available with the Samsung Galaxy Tab series. But it is a relatively new feature for apple iPads and only works with certain pens and with certain iPads.

• Depending on which apple pencil you have and which iPad you have.

• Pens that work with the Galaxy Tab series also have a single button. But the Apple iPad pencil does not have such a button

Reliability

I've owned an Apple iPad since they first came out in about 2011. And they've always been highly reliable devices.

I've had Samsung Galaxy Tab S devices for about the last year and a half. And they also seem highly reliable.

Pointer lag

• Apple iPad - very low (which is good)

• Samsung Galaxy S tab - very low but not quite as good as an iPad

In practice both are excellent in terms of pointer lag.

Applications

There is a good set of applications across both types of devices. Though you will encounter some applications that only work with the specific device.

My favorite apps to use are clip studio paint and infinite painter which work on both kinds of devices

Here's a list of some of the more popular apps

more here: applications

Aspect Ratio

iPads are around a 4X3 aspect ratio. And Samsung Galaxy S tablets have a 16 by 9 aspect ratio.

I think the 4X3 aspect ratio of the Apple iPad is in general a better choice. The size of the Galaxy S tablets makes sense for watching things like videos which are often in 16 by 9 aspect ratio but it can feel awkward to hold especially for the larger sizes.

Pens

• Apple iPad: There are multiple pen versions. The one I recommend is the Apple Pencil 2 or the Apple Pencil Pro because they support pressure, tilt, and hover.

  • Do NOT buy the Apple Pencil USB-C version - it does not support pressure sensitivity

• Samsung: There are several versions of the S pen and they aren't clearly labelled. The one I am discussing is the one compatible with the Galaxy Tab S series of tablets.

Pen nib retraction

• The apple pencil has a fixed tip.

• Like any EMR drawing tablet, the Samsung S pen features a nib that retracts

Does pen come with tablet

• Apple iPad - you have to buy the Apple Pencil separately. It does NOT come with an iPad.

• Samsung Galaxy S series - the Samsung S pen comes with the tablet.

Pen replacement cost

Don't lose your pen! They aren't cheap to replace. The Apple Pencil is very expensive compared to the Samsung S Pen.

• Apple Pencil 2: $130 USD

• Samsung S Pen for Galaxy Tab: $50

Pen wear

Both pens can experience wear at their drawing end, and you may need to buy replacement tips/nibs.

• For the Apple pencil, the tip can be replaced. Apple sells a pack of 4 for $19 - or $4.75 per tip.

• For the Samsung S Pen, the nib can be replaced. You can find various nibs on Amazon at price of around $1 per nib.

Pen tech

• Apple Pencil uses a proprietary protocol that is similar to AES

• Samsung S Pen uses EMR (Electromagnetic Resonance) which is what drawing tablets from brands such as Wacom, Huion, XP-Pen use.

Pen buttons

• Apple pencil has no buttons

• Samsung S pen has a single button

Videos

• Brad Colbow 2024 iPad Air vs Samsung Galaxy Tab FE 2024/09/16

Other resources

• Teoh on Tech - M4 iPad Pro vs Samsung Tab S9 (artist comparison) 2024/05/23

Laptops

ASUS ProArt PZ13

• 2024/09/05

ASUS ProArt PX13

• 2024/10/04

• 2024/08/12

• - 2024/08/05

ASUS ProArt P16

- 2024/08/05

Pen displays

ASUS ProArt Pen Display (PA169CDV)

• product page:

• (PA169CDV) 2023/11/30

• (PA169CDV) 2023/10/02

• (PA169CDV) 20243/01/25

Artisul D16 Pro

• 2020/01/06

• 2020/11/10

Artisul D16

• 2017/12/18

• 2018/01/18

Artisul M0610 Pro

• - 2019/11/21

ASUS Pro Art Pen Display PA169CDV

• 2023/11/30

• 2023/10/02

Basics

• Dell support page for this product:

Reviews

• 2017/10/16

• 2017/10/05

• 2017/12/06

• 2017/03/16

Other

• 2022/09/22

I don't have any personal experience with this. Below are some links I have found.

• 2023/12/30

• 2022/04/26

• 2019/10/21

Overview

In this document, I compare iPads to these two kinds of drawing tablets:

• pen displays (drawing tablets that have a screen)

• pen tablets (drawing tablets that do NOT have a screen)

Standalone use

• iPads are standalone devices. You can use them without being attached (wired or wireless) to a computer.

• Pen tablets - Cannot be used standalone. They require being connected to a computer. Some require a wired connection. Some require a wireless connection.

• Pen displays - Cannot be used standalone. All pen displays require a wired connection to a computer.

Pen buttons

• Apple Pencil does not have buttons like a normal drawing tablet pen

• EMR pens have at least 1 button. The vast majority have two buttons. A few have 3 buttons.

Pen squeeze

The Apple Pencil Pro has a squeeze feature. As of mid 2024, it isn't widely adopted by applications, but that is likely to change.

No drawing tablets support a feature like pen squeeze.

Pen eraser

• The Apple Pencil does not have an eraser unlike some EMR pens.

• EMR pens most often do NOT have an eraser but some EMR pens such as the Wacom Pro Pen 2 to have an eraser. And the eraser itself is also pressure-sensitive.

Pen hover

• Hover support for an iPad is dependent on the specific combination of iPad model and Apple Pencil model

  • Older iPad Pro models models do not support pen hover regardless of which Apple Pencil us used.

  • Some newer iPad Pro models do support pen hover

• All drawing tablets support hover with their pens.

Pointer lag

Pointer lag is how far behind the operating system pointer is behind the physical tip of the pen. It is always better to have less pointer lag.

• Apple iPads with the Apple pencil 2 have incredibly little pointer lag

• Apple iPad pointer lag is comparable to a pen tablet

• Apple iPad pointer lag is noticeably less than pen displays

Parallax

In 2023, most pen displays have good or very good (meaning low) parallax. But the iPads have even less parallax than even the most expensive pen displays.

In my opinion, even the the iPad is better at having less parallax, the improvement is not so great compared to most modern pen displays that I would make a purchase decision on. You'll only see the difference for older less premium pen displays.

Anti-glare sparkle

• iPads have very little / undetectable amount of AG sparkle.

• Pen displays have AG sparkle to various degrees. But none have as little as Apple iPad.

Pen replacement cost

Don't lose your pen! They aren't cheap to replace. The Apple Pencil is among the most expensive pens in the market.

• Apple Pencil Pro: $130

• Apple Pencil 2: $130

• Wacom Pro Pen 3: $130

• Wacom Pro Pen 2: $90

• Huion PW517: $50

• Huion PW600: $70

• XP Pen X3 Elite pen: $30

• XP Pen X3 Pro pen: $40

• Samsung S Pen for Galaxy Tab: $50

Pen pressure

Initial Activation Force

• IAF is the smallest amount of physical force that the pen can detect. Low IAF = good.

• The best IAF we know of for drawing tablets is with the Wacom Pro Pens that have a <1gf IAF.

• Many people believe the Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil pro have low IAF that is <1gf.

Max Pressure

• It is useful for a pen to have a high maximum pressure (and thus wide pressure range).

• A 500gf max pressure is very good.

• Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil Pro in my measurements have a max pressure of 500gf. In my testing, I'm found them to be consistently near 500gf.

For drawing tablet pens, it varies substantially by the specific pen model. For example the Wacom Pro Pen 2 has a max pressure in the range of 800gf - which honestly is probably more than is needed.

Pressure levels

The number of pressure levels for a pen is a heavily marketing and discussed topic. However, in my opinion all modern drawing tablet pens and the Apple pencil have more than enough pressure levels for any use. I suggest that you do NOT make the number of pressure levels a factor in any decision making.

Size & Active Area

The active area of drawing tablet is the region on the tablet that detects the pen. For a pen tablet, the active area is identified by markings on the surface. For a pen displays and iPads the active area is exactly the same size as the screen.

Measuring diagonally, the difference devices vary in sizes

• Pen tablets - from 7" (small) to 11" (medium) to 15" (large).

• Pen displays - from 13" (small) to 16" (medium) to 24" (large). And there are many other sizes such as 22" and 27" and some are even 32".

• iPads are only available in smaller sizes: usually only 11" to 13"

Some people really prefer drawing on a big screen on their desk so they use pen displays for this reason. For example at my desk I prefer drawing on a 22" pen display.

When drawing on-the-go, the ipad size is quite convenient.

Using both and iPad and a drawing tablet

If it is in your budget, consider using BOTH an Apple iPad and a drawing tablet. Many people love using an iPad when it is convenient to do some initial sketching, but switch to a drawing tablet when they want finish their work.

Apps

The application ecosystem is quite different between drawing tablets and Ipads. With a drawing tablet do you use applications that run on desktop operating system such as windows or MacOS. But with an iPad you'll only be using applications that can run on iOS.

So if you're trying to pick between an iPad and a drawing tablet you should first identify which applications are critical for you.

• Some apps are available on iOS and desktop OS's (MacOS, Windows)

  • Examples:

    • Clip Studio Paint: Windows, MacOS, iOS

    • Infinite Painter: Windows, iOS

• Some applications are either not available on the iPad at all

  • Example: Rebelle, Firealpaca

• Some applications only have a "lite" version on iPad

  • Example: Photoshop only has a "lite" version available on iOS

• Some applications are of course only available on the iPad.

  • Example: Procreate

Notes

Videos

Gaomon WH851 Pen Tablet

• - Dec 18, 2023

Gaomon S620 Pen Tablet

Gaomon M1220 Pen Tablet

Gaomon M106K Pen Tablet

Gaomon M10K 2018 Pen Tablet

Gaomon M1230 Pen Tablet

Gaomon S630 Pen Tablet

Gaomon S830 Pen Tablet

Gaomon M10K Pro Pen Tablet

• https://gaomon.net/products/m10k-pro-pen-tablet

Gaomon M106K Pro Pen Tablet

• https://gaomon.net/products/m106k-pro-pen-tablet

Huion Kamvas Pro 27 (GT2701)

• Model Year: 2024

• product page: https://www.huion.com/products/pen_display/KamvasPro/kamvas-pro-27.html

• 陈瑜璟 - Huion Kamvas Pro 27 开箱，全球首发 2023/12/16

• Brad Colbow review of the Huion Kamvas Pro 27 (GT2702) 2024/02/01

• MobileTechReview - Huion Kamvas Pro 27 4K Pen Monitor Review 2024/06/17

Huion Kamvas Pro 19 (GT-1902)

• Model Year: 2024

• product page: https://www.huion.com/products/pen_display/KamvasPro/Kamvas-Pro-19.html

• my notes on this tablet

• Trent Kaniuga - Review of Huion Kamvas Pro 19 - 2024/12/16

• David Revoy - Huion Kamvas Pro 19 - 2024/11/21

• Create Now Sleep Later - Review of the Huion Kamvas Pro 19 - 2024/09/15

• Teoh on Tech - Huion Kamvas Pro 19 review: 4K touchscreen pen display 2024/06/21

• claybrush review of Huion Kamvas Pro 19 2024/01/09

• Brad Colbow - Wacom Cintiq Pro 17 vs Huion Kamvas Pro 19 2024/03/04

• Brad Colbow review of the Huion Kamvas Pro 19 2024/02/14

• Yanick Paquette review of Huion Kamvas Pro 19 - 2024/02/21

• TheSevenPens Notes on the Huion Kamvas Pro 19 - 2024/03/05

Huion Kamvas Pro 13 2.5K (GT1302)

• Model Year: 2022

• Product page: https://www.huion.com/pen_display/KamvasPro/kamvas-pro-13-2k.html

• Brad Colbow Review of Huion Kamvas Pro 13 2.5K 2022/02/07

• Anastasia Berry of Huion Kamvas Pro 13 2.5K 2022/06/13

Huion Kamvas Pro 16 Plus 4K (GT1562)

• My notes on this tablet

• Model Year: 2021

• User manual: https://www.huion.com/manaul_pdf/en/Kamvas%20Pro%2016%20Plus%20(4K).pdf

• Teoh on Tech review of Huion Kamvas Pro 16 Plus 4K 2021/06/10

• Teoh on Tech - Huion Kamvas Pro 16 Plus vs XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP 2021/08/09

Huion Kamvas Pro 16 4K (GT1561)

• Model Year: 2021

• User manual: https://www.huion.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=manual&id=250

• Brad Colbow review of Huion Kamvas Pro 16 4K 2021/04/17

• Marc Brunet review of Huion Kamvas Pro 16 4K 2021/05/01

Huion Kamvas Pro 22 (2019) (GT2201)

• Model year: 2019

• https://www.huion.com/products/pen_display/KamvasPro/Kamvas-Pro-22(2019).html

• MobileTechReview - Huion Kamvas Pro 22 Review 2018/11/29

• Create Now Sleep Later - Huion Kamvas Pro 22 Review Refreshed Model! 2019/07/16

Huion Kamvas Pro 24 4K (GT2401)

• My notes on this tablet

• Model Year: 2021

• User manual: https://www.huion.com/user-manual-90

• MossCharmly 2 year review Huion Kamvas Pro 24 4K 2023/12/09

• Brad Colbow review of Review of Huion Kamvas Pro 24 4K 2021/09/02

• Teoh Yi Chie review of Huion Kamvas Pro 24 4K 2021/09/17

Has move here: 7P notes: Apple iPad

Anti-glare sparkle

The only issue with this tablet is that it exhibits the strongest anti-glare sparkle that I have ever seen in any device.

I'm not even typically sensitive to anti-glare sparkle. I can tolerate a lot of it. It took me several weeks to adjust to adjust to this. I mostly don't mind it now. Some of you will surely hate the amount of sparkle, and mainy people complain about this model for this reason.

More here: anti-glare sparkle

General

In all other ways, I was satisfied with this tablet.

Using one USB-C cable

I was able to use this with a single Thunderbolt 3 USB-C cable. But one of my computers could supply enough power for it with that cable, and one of my computers could not.

Huion Kamvas Studio 16 (KS1601)

• Product page: https://www.huion.com/products/pen_computer/KamvasStudio/kamvas-studio-16.html

• Teoh on Tech review of Huion Kamvas Studio 16 2023/03/13

• Brad Colbow review of Huion Kamvas Studio 16 Review 2023/03/21

Huion Kamvas Studio 24 (KS2401)

• Product page: https://huion.com/products/pen_computer/KamvasStudio/kamvas-studio-24.html

• Brad Colbow review of Huion Kamvas Studio 24 2023/03/14

Gaomon PD156 Pro Pen Display

• https://gaomon.net/products/pd156-pro-pen-display

• Teoh review of Gaomon PD156 Pro Pen Display - Sep 1, 2021

• weronoyume review of Gaomon PD156 Pro Pen Display Mar 20, 2020

Overview

• Great budget pen display

Weaknesses

• Exhibits moderate anti-glare sparkle

My usage

• I connect it to my PC with a single thunderbolt 3 USB-C cable

Huion Kamvas Slate 10

• EyekooDrawsStuff - Kamvas Slate 10 review 2024/06/02

• Brad Colbow review of Huion Kamvas Slate 10 2024/01/17

• Teoh on Tech review of Huion Kamvas Slate 10 2024/01/21

• Draw your weapon review of Huion Kamvas Slate 10 2024/02/16

Gaomon PD1161 Pen Display

• https://gaomon.net/products/pd1161-pen-display

Gaomon PD2200 Pen Display

• https://gaomon.net/products/pd2200-pen-display

Gaomon PD1320 Pen Display

• https://gaomon.net/products/pd1320-pen-display

Gaomon PD1561 Pen Display

• https://gaomon.net/products/pd1561-pen-display

• weronoyume review of Gaomon PD1561 pen display Dec 21, 2019

Gaomon PD1560 Pen Display

• https://gaomon.net/products/gaomon-pd1560-pen-display

• Brad Colbow - Gaomon PD1560 Review Nov 20, 2017

Gaomon PD1610 Pen Display

• https://gaomon.net/products/pd1610-pen-display

• Teoh on Tech review of PD1610 Pen Display - Dec 8, 2022

• Teoh on Tech PF1610 with Android Support - Dec 19, 2022

Gaomon PD12220 Pen Display

• https://gaomon.net/products/pd1220-pen-display

Gaomon PD1621 Pen Display

• https://gaomon.net/products/pd1621-pen-display

Huion Kamvas 13 GEN3 (GS1333)

• Release year: 2024

• My notes on this tablet

• Brad Colbow - Huion Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) Review 2024/09/23

• Huion - Tutorial | How to connect Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) to your Android Phone 2024/10/29

Huion Kamvas 12 (GS1161)

• Teoh Yi Chie review of Huion Kamvas 12 2021/03/06

• Brad Colbow review of Huion Kamvas 12 Jan 11 2021/01/11

Huion Kamvas 13 (GS1331)

• My notes on this tablet

• User manual: https://www.huion.com/user-manual-70

• Teoh on Tech review of Huion Kamvas 13 2020/05/01

• Brad Colbow review of Huion Kamvas 13 2020/03/26

• Create Now Sleep Later review of Huion Kamvas 13 2020/04/17

• 7P notes: Huion Kamvas 13 vs XP-Pen Artist 13 GEN2

Huion Kamvas 13 (GEN3) (GS1333)

• Product page: https://huion.com/products/pen_display/Kamvas/kamvas-13-gen-3.html

• Teoh on Tech review of Huion Kamvas 13 (GEN3) - 2024/09/01

Huion Kamvas 16 (GS1562)

• Product page: https://www.huion.com/pen_display/Kamvas/kamvas-16-2021.html

Huion Kamvas 22 (GS2201)

• Model Year: 2020

Huion Kamvas 22 Plus (GS2202)

• My notes on this tablet

• Model Year: 2020

• Brad Colbow review of Huion Kamvas 22 Plus 2020/09/08

• Nemanja Sekulic review of Huion Kamvas 22 Plus 2022/03/04

Huion Kamvas 24 (GS2401)

• Model Year: 2021

• Product page: https://www.huion.com/products/pen_display/Kamvas/kamvas-24.html

• User manual: https://www.huion.com/user-manual-90

Huion Kamvas 24 Plus (GS2402)

• Model Year: 2021

• User manual: https://www.huion.com/user-manual-92

• Adam Duff review of Huion Kamvas 24 Plus 2023/10/14

Overall good experience with this tablet. Some pressure instability to be aware of.

Bezel

I wish the bezel was a little wider to provide more space for my wrist to rest on the tablet. The edge feels a little abrupt to me.

Axillary inputs

Has capacitive buttons and a capacitive slider. I found these frustrating to use because I have to take my eyes off the screen and look down at the buttons or slider. That really disrupts my flow. Real physical buttons would have been better. In the end I disabled the buttons and the slider. They were getting triggered by my wrist too often.

Design

Clean and functional. nothing fancy. Very utilitarian.

Pressure instability

At low pressures there is some instability that causes pulsing of pressure. Mostly evident with strokes with really large brushes 200px, 400pn, etc. Can be mitigated to some degree with pressure smoothing in an app.

Basics

• These are entry-level pen tablets launched on August 15, 2024.

• Product pages

  • https://www.huion.com/products/pen_tablet/Inspiroy/Inspiroy-Frego-M.html

  • https://www.huion.com/products/pen_tablet/Inspiroy/Inspiroy-Frego-S.html

• My notes on the Huion Inspiroy Frego M (L610)

• Parka Blogs - Review of Huion Frego M (L610) & S (L310) 2024/08/22

• Create Now Sleep Later - Review of Huion Inspiroy Frego (L610) 2024/09/01

Summary

I really like this tablet. Drawing experience is good but what really sets it apart are the physical controls - especially the TWO dials on the left.

ExpressKeys

The dials make it easy to adjust things like brush size while painting.I tended to accidentally hit the lower dial with my forearm so I disabled that one.

Summary

I do recommend this tablet. The drawing experience is the best Huion's ever had.

Is it as good as a Wacom Cintiq Pro? No. But it is VERY GOOD overall with only a few limitations and minor issues you should be aware of.

Companion video

This companion video covers many but not all of the topics described in these notes: https://youtu.be/CnTBrhUhciM

Basics

• Resolution: 4K (3840x2160)

• PenTech 4.0

• New AG glass

• Multi-touch

  • Support for Windows

  • Support for MacOS (after a firmware update)

• Comes with 2 pens: PW600 and PW600S

• Diagonal size: 19"

  • Actually 18.57"

• Released: Jan 2024

PenTech 4.0

Definitely an improvement over PenTech 3.0. Especially noticable in how pressure is handled.

Pens

Comes with 2 pens: PW600 and PW600S. More manufacturers should do this!

• Pens behave exactly the same in terms of drawing, pressure, etc.

• Both pens are PenTech 4.0 pens

• Both pens have erasers

Compatibility across different PenTech versions

• Older Huion PenTech 3.0 pens DO NOT work with this tablet

• The newer PenTech 4.0 pens DO NOT work with older tablets

Notes on backwards compatibility with the older PW517 pen - not compatible. Or at least not completely compatible. The PW517 pen will move the pointer, but not there is no pressure detected so drawing is useless.

Nibs - The pre-installed nibs are both felt. The felt nibs feel good draw with and add an additional amount of texture. In the month I used the felt nibs I saw no appreciable wear - but I don't draw very heavily so your experience may differ. The tablet comes with replacement felt and plastic nibs.

NOTE: I damaged one of the felt nibs - On the third day of using the tablet the PW600 pen would click or draw even when it was hovering. I did drop the pen at some point during the third day and that may have triggered something. I removed the nib, saw the nib was bent and replaced it with a fresh nib and the problem went away.

Drawing Experience

• Corner/Edge accuracy - NORMAL. This is only visible in the last 2mm and did not affect my normal usage of the tablet. It was so minor, I didn't even bother performing any calibration to address it.

• Pointer lag - NORMAL - standard for modern pen displays.

• Parallax - NORMAL - standard for modern pen displays.

• Pen IAF and Max pressure - See Huion PW600 and PW600S

• Pressure Transition Instability - VERY GOOD. You may remember the issues I pointed out with the Huion Inspiroy 2 L and the Wacom One M. That the problem is not visible with this tablet and pen. Remember: All tablets have some amount of it. Desirable tablets just have a very small amount of it and you have to construct situations to reveal it. This tablet so far seems comparable to what I see with the Wacom Intuos Pro & Cintiq Pro tablets. more here: pressure transition stability

• Pen button stroke interruptions - While drawing with older Huion pens the buttons would might interrupt the drawing - even if you disabled the buttons in the driver. With the new pens, the buttons do not interfere with the stroke.

• Pen tilt compensation - VERY GOOD. The pointer stays where the nib is during normal ranges of tilt with some deviation only at extreme angles. more here: pen tilt compensation.

Display

OSD - to get to the OSD Hold the power button for a few seconds and the OSD can appear

Color gamuts supported (as stated by Huion)

• Native

• sRGB – 99%

• AdobeRGB – 96%

• DCI-P3 – 98%

• There is also a "User" mode

I use the sRGB mode exclusively because it most closely matches my other displays.

Refresh rate - NORMAL. Up to 60Hz which is standard for pen displays in 2024. Does not support 120Hz.

Anti-glare treatment - the display uses an etched glass surface which does a good job dispersing light that hits the surface of the tablet. It reduces more glare even than the Cintiq Pro 22.

Anti-Glare sparkle - OK. This is a BIG IMPROVEMENT over some older Huion models. Slightly noticeable at 6 inches. At normal drawing distance for me not noticeable. I am very happy with the outcome. In comparison the Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 (DTK-167) has a little less AG sparkle. More here: Anti-glare sparkle

How the AG sparkle of this tablet compares to other tablets

• Very close to Wacom Cintiq Pro 22

• Very close to Wacom Cintiq Pro 16

• Noticeably more than the Wacom Cintiq Pro 27

• Noticeably less than Huion Kamvas Pro 24 4K

• Noticeably less than Huion Kamvas 13

• Noticeably less than Huion Kamvas 13 2.5K

• MUCH LESS than Kamvas Pro 16 4K Plus

• It SHOULD have less than the Kamvas Pro 27 which has a lower density display panel (lower PPI)

Sharpness - OK. the anti-glare treatment diffuses the light coming from the display. The result is that the pixels on the display are "soft" and not as crisp as on comparable 16" or 22" displays. Several other people with this tablet have commented on the same thing. For me this is not a problem. In comparison, even the Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 (DTK-167) and Cintiq Pro 22 have a slightly soft experience, this Huion has a little more softness than that.

Brightness - seems as advertised. I thought it was fine. It's not especially bright - but I thought it was bright enough at 100%. In comparison I use the Cintiq Pro 22 at 50% (I would use it at 70% but don't like the additional fan noise it creates).

Parallax - VERY GOOD. It has very little parallax. As good as - maybe even a little better than the Wacom Cintiq Pro 22 in my observation. As is typical even for Cintiq Pro tablets, the parallax is not as good as an Apple iPad. More here: Parallax

Connections and cabling

Single USB-C cable connection?

Official Answer: NO. Huion's documentation is explicit on thjis point (see this doc).

I tried testing it with an appropriate cable and could not get a single cable configuration to work with a Microsoft Surface Pro 8 or a M3 MacBook Pro.

However ... this user got it to work with by plugging the single cable into a ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 expansion card: https://www.reddit.com/r/huion/comments/1b22sia/huion_kamvas_pro_19_usbc_cables/

Using third party USB-C cables for display signal & data

I tried a Cable Matters USB-C Thunderbolt cable. It did work, however sometimes slight movements of the cable cause the tablet to lose the display signal and data.

Upon closer examination, the Huion USB-C cable plug is slightly longer than the CableMatters cable. So there is a slight difference on how some third party cables can connect.

For this reason I recommend using the supplied Huion USB-C cable.

Touch

• Touch on MacOS -

  • At time of launch. This tablet did not support touch on MacOS.

  • On 2024/08/01 Huion released a firmware update firmware to enable touch on MacOS.

    • Video: See this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4D0_OpPIgC8

    • I haven't gotten as chance to try this update out yet. But I will soon.

• Touch on Windows - Still under evaluation.

  • By default, touch on the tablet will normally map to whichever display is your "main monitor".

  • You can map touch back to the tablet when it is not the main monitor. See this document from Huion: How to make finger gestures control Kamvas Studio 16/Kamvas Pro 19/Kamvas Pro 27 instead of the external monitor. When I first tried this, it fixed the touch problem, but it had an odd interaction with the pen - when I used the pen on the tablet, the pointer always stayed near the top border. After I uninstalled the driver, restarted the computer, and reinstalled the driver, the problem went away and the pen worked normally.

• Palm rejection: OK. Very TYPICAL for Touch on pen displays.

  • Touch support is not comparable to an iPad's touch support which is EXCELLENT. Too often I accidentally pressed something on the screen because of my palm.

  • I would say it's very on par with the Cintiq Pro 22 and Cintiq Pro 27. I didn't try to use a drawing glove yet.

  • Brad Colbow in his review of the Kamvas Pro 27 noticed that the palm rejection didn't seem to result in accidental drawing, but rather accidental clicks. I had the same experience.

  • Note: I used the tablet without using any drawing glove. In theory a drawing glove would help with the palm-rejection.

Ergonomics

Weight - lighter than I expected. I noticed it immediately when I picked up the box.

VESA mounting - YES. There are 75 mm × 75 mm VESA holes for mounting on the back.

Legs - YES. Two legs. Seemed sturdy. No complaints.

Noise - EXCELLENT. No noise because no fans

Heat - EXCELLENT. After running at 100% brightness for one month days without turning off the tablet, the tablet stays cool. Roughly the same temperature as the Wacom Cintiq Pro 22 - maybe very very slightly warmer. Just very slightly warmer on the right than the left side.

Stand - It does not come with a stand. Instead, I used separately-purchased Huion ST100A stand which attaches to this pen display using the VESA mounting holes.

Surface texture - it feels slightly more textured than the Huion Kamvas Pro 24 4K

Pens and Pressure

Pens - comes with the PW600 and PW600S pens.

Driver & Pens - the driver knows that there are two different pen models and has separate button settings for each. However settings like the driver pressure curve are the shared across both pens.

These pens are very good in terms of pressure. Much more here: Huion PW600 and PW600S

Diagonal wobble

GOOD. LOW amounts of wobble in stroke.

Compared to the Huion Kamvas Pro 24 4K (GT2401)

The Huion Kamvas Pro 24 4K (GT2401) was Huion's flagship pen display for a few years. And now the the Kamvas Pro 19 and Kamvas Pro 27 tablets represent the new flagship tablets.

The new tablets have clear improvements in these areas.

• Pressure handling through the new PenTech 4.0 is clearly better.

• The new pens have an eraser and that night be important for you

• The new tablets have less AG sparkle

• The new tablets have touch

There are a few areas that might not compare as well though

• The new anti-glare treatment gives a slightly soft look to the pixels in the Kamvas Pro 19 at least. I didn't test the Kamvas Pro 27 so not sure how much the softness is present in that model.

• Currently there is no exact match in terms of size to the 24". Drawing on 19" feels very different than 24".

• The new tablets are a bit more expensive for their size.

But for other areas, the Kamvas Pro 24 4K was already a good pen display. So for this reason, if you already have a Huion Kamvas Pro 24 4K (GT2401) then these new tablets are NOT an immediate "MUST BUY". If you are happy with how your Kamvas Pro 24 4K is working, then keep it. I would suggest at least waiting to see if Huion releases something closer to a 24" size.

Other topics

Sound - there's a headphone jack for audio. Some of you may find this convenient.

In Windows if you connect the tablet, it may appear that windows has lost sound output. What is happening here is Windows can automatically switch its default audio to a new audio device - which is what this tablet is. Of course, it doesn't have speakers, so you won't hear anything unless you have a headphone connected.

Driver > Active Area mapping on resume from sleep on Windows - On Windows, when resuming from sleep the Huion driver can occasionally become be confused about how to map the active area of the tablet to the screen. It may choose the wrong screen. It map span across both screens. When it does this it may not track the pen position correctly. This is resolved just by restarting Windows. This is a well-known issue with Huion drivers. Not a serious problem but a minor irritation.

Can you use it as a pen tablet?

Yes. In Windows, you can tell windows to "disconnect" the display in the tablet and you will no longer see anything on the tablet. It will say "no signal" for few seconds then go dark. However, you can still use the pen on the tablet - just like a normal pen tablet (screenless tablet).

NOTE: If you press the button to power down the tablet, it will turn off the display AND it will stop the pen from working.

Summary

The Huion Kamvas 22 Plus is one of the best price-to-performance pen displays in the market.

NOTE: In 2023, with the arrival of the XP-Pen Artist 22 Plus (MD220FH), I think the XP-Pen is an even better choice because of the improved pressure handling of the XP-Pen X3 Pro pen.

Basics

• Model number: GS2202

• Release year: 2020

• Active area: 22" diagonal

• Price - It normally costs about $450 but I see it discounted often to $400

Display basics

• Size: 22" diagonal

• Aspect ratio: 16x9

• Display panel tech: IPS

• Bit depth: 8bpp

• Anti-glare treatment: Etched glass

• Laminated: YES

• Color gamuts: 140% sRGB

Pen

• Pen model id: PW517

• My notes on the PW517 pen

Pointer lag

TYPICAL. - normal for a pen display.

Express Keys

NONE. So, I use keyboard shorts with this device: tourbox

Pen tracking accuracy

• Center accuracy - GOOD. I did not measure

• Corner Accuracy - Seems to me about +/- 3mm on the lower left corner. Other corners had less. A little on the high side, but it will not interfere with drawing.

Tilt compensation

GOOD. Pointer has only very minor displacement when pen tilted at 45 degrees.

Display > Parallax

GOOD - low.

Display > Anti-glare sparkle

VERY GOOD. very minimal. Not noticeable.

Display > Pixelation

With a 1920x1080 display, it looks slightly pixelated. But I don't find that a problem while drawing. My ideal pen display would have the same 22" size but with 2560x1440 resolution

Display > Dead pixels

None detected when I got it. And none present two years later.

Display > sharpness

VERY GOOD. pixels clear and well delineated.

Display > color

Color accuracy: did not measure.

This is a wide gamut display - so you may find that greens and reds are more intense than older displays. You may want to clamp it: Clamping wide-gamut displays to sRGB. Though I just left it the way it was and did not try anything to clamp the range.

VESA

Supports VESA mounting

I have my Kamvas 22 plus mounted to an Ergotron LX. It works great. I especially like that it can lower the tablet enough that the bottom edge can rest on the desk. This adds for some extra stability.

Stand

Comes with a basic stand that attaches via VESA mounting. Nothing fancy. but works great.

Legs

Tablet has no legs.

Scenario

I originally bought this tablet for digital art, and it works fine for that.

Over time I have it setup on my work desk on an arm. I use it as an external display but I pull it in closer when I want to draw on a whiteboard during an online meeting. I still occasionally sketch and paint on it, but since it is on my work desk I don't do as much of it as I used to.

Ergonomics

Heat - display stays cool. I leave it on 24/7 and it has no hot spots.

Fan noise- NONE. It has no fans

Touch - it does NOT have touch support

Connections and Cabling

3-in-1 cable

It comes with a proprietary 3-in-1 cable.

USB-C connection.

You can also connect to your computer with a USB-C cable (for display signal, and data) but you must also use the 3-in-1 cable for power.

Diagonal wobble

very good. has extremely low wobble.

Summary

Introduced in 2022, the Giano G930L is a fantastic value. It's quite nice for drawing and I enjoy the extra size.

Compared to Wacom

Its competitor is the Wacom Intuos Pro Large (PTH-860), and the Giano has some interesting differences:

• The Giano G930L costs about $200 where the Wacom Intuos Pro Large (PTH-860) costs about $500

• The Giano's active area is slightly larger than the Wacom Intuos Pro

Pen

Comes with the Huion PW517 pen.

Surface texture

The tablet has a textured surface. Amount of texture comparable to the Wacom Intuos Pro.

Wireless

One minor nit: By default, the tablet when connected will still go to sleep apparently to conserve its battery. This isn't a problem because you go into the driver and turn off this sleep behavior.

OLED auxiliary display

There's a monochromatic OLED auxiliary display on the upper left of the tablet. This is a nice feature that lets you see the battery level easily.

Working with a large tablet

Large tablets require some adjustment to work with. More here: Using large pen tablets

Pressure instability

Some pressure pulsing visible at lower pressure. Will mostly be be visible with strokes using large brushes.

Diagonal wobble

Rating: VERY GOOD. low amounts of wobble.

Summary

I only tried this tablet for about a week. In most ways it is a good tablet with some nice features.

Pen

This tablet comes with the Huion PW110 pen.

Pen compatibility

• PW110

• PW517 (I tested)

• PW550 (I tested)

Size

Huion puts L in the name of this tablet to identify it is as a "large" tablet. However this tablet is close to size to medium tablets like the Wacom Intuos Pro medium (PTH-660)

It is nowhere close to the true large size of something like the Wacom Intuos Pro Large (PTH-860) or the Huion Inspiroy Giano G930L.

Wireless

The tablet does NOT support wireless connectivity. It must be connected with USB cable.

Express keys

I really enjoyed the flexibility of how the buttons work with the group keys. Even though there are 8 buttons, with the three group keys, you get effectively 8x3 = 24 buttons.

Low pressure instability/wobble

All pens have have a bit of instability/wobble at low pressure. This is most obvious if you use a very large brush (300px or larger) and are drawing pressure-sensitive lines with very very light pressure when the pen is more vertical. With normal brush sizes and normal usage and a more normal pen angle you are unlikely to notice it.

The unit I have had a bit more of this effect compared to my Wacom Intuos Pro with the Pro Pen 2. I didn't notice it in normal drawing, so I had to go looking for the effect. When I did reproduce it I was able to control it using pressure curves and pressure smoothing. Also, just drawing with more pressure will not have the problem.

Not all units seem to exhibit this problem, but certainly some do.

Initially when this tablet was released I saw more of this effect, but the latest firmware has controlled it more.

If you do get this tablet spend some time testing it at the lower pressures you might be drawing with.

Overview

The Kamvas 13 GEN3 (GS1333) is a really good 13" tablet. I recommend this tablet and think it makes an excellent choice for a entry-level tablet.

The drawing experience is good - better than I would expect for an entry-level drawing tablet 2024.

Highlights

• Has two dials in addition to 5 buttons

• Uses the new PW600L pen that has a wide pressure range

• Big upgrade from the Huion Kamvas 13 (GS1331)

Things to be aware of

• If you want to connect via USB-C cable, need to buy that separately

Video

Basics

• product page: https://huion.com/products/pen_display/Kamvas/kamvas-13-gen-3.html

• released: 2024

Active area

• Dimensions: 11.57" x 6.5"

• Diagonal length: 13/27"

• Aspect ratio: 16x9

Pen

It comes with the PW600L pen. It has excellent pressure range. The PWG00L does does not have an eraser like the other PW600 pen models.

More here: PW600 series pens

Compatible pens

The PenTech 4.0 pens work with it. I tested these three:

• PW600L

• PW600

• PW600S

More here: PW600 series pens

Drawing experience

The drawing experience was VERY GOOD.

In summary:

• Smooth pressure transition - VERY GOOD

• Artifacts at low pressure - VERY GOOD

• Diagonal Wobble - VERY GOOD

• Pressure Scan Rate - EXCELLENT

• Pointer tracking accuracy - VERY GOOD

• Tilt compensation - VERY GOOD

• Parallax - GOOD

• Pointer lag - MODERATE (typical for a pen display)

Pen tracking accuracy

Huion states:

• Center :±0.3mm

• Corner: ±2mm

RATING: VERY GOOD

I found the pen tracking very accurate. The pointer follows the tip of the pen very accurately across the entire surface. And in my unit, the corners seemed even more accurate than ±2mm.

Tilt compensation

RATING: VERY GOOD

• At 45 degrees of tilt - I saw almost deflection of pointer away from the tip of the nib

• At 60 degrees of tilt - It was still very good - sometimes as good at 45 degrees - though sometimes I saw maybe a 1mm deflection

Pointer lag

TYPICAL for a pen display. The pointer lag did not interfere with my drawing in any way.

Diagonal wobble

RATING: GOOD. Low amount of diagonal wobble.

Display

• Native resolution: 1920x1080

• Refresh rate: 60Hz

• Aspect ratio: 16x9

• Lamination: YES

• Viewing angle: 178°

• Response time: 25ms

• Brightness: 220 nits

• Contrast ratio: 1000:1

• Anti-glare treatment: Etched glass

• Color depth: 8-bit

Anti-glare treatment

The tablet is etched glass. This is a change from previous model which used an AG matte film.

Anti-glare sparkle

Very little visible. This is a big improvement over the previous model.

Pressure scan rate

GOOD. I drew 50 small quick strokes as fast as I could. No strokes were lost.

Display sharpness

Pixels are clear and well delineated. The image does not look "soft".

Touch

N/A. This tablet does NOT support touch.

Surface texture

GOOD. Provides good grip for the - even if the pen is using the plastic nib. Surface texture seems comparable to the Kamvas Pro 19 - actually the Kamvas 13 GEN3 seems to have slightly more texture.

Connections and cabling

Ports

• 2x USB-C ports

• Upper USB-C port is recessed into the tablet. Intended for use with the Huion 3-in-1 cable

• Lower USB-C port is flush against the surface of the tablet and intended for use with a USB-C cable

USB-C Connection

The tablet can connect to your computer with a single USB-C cable. If more power is needed you can use another USB-C cable plugged into a power adapter.

HOWEVER: The tabler DOES NOT come with these cables. You'll have to order them separately.

3-in-1 cable connection

The tablet comes with a 3-in-1 cable if you need to use an HDMI port with your computer.

VESA

This tablet does NOT support VESA mounting.

Legs

This tablet does NOT have legs.

Heat

I set the brightness to 100% and continued to use the tablet for 1 hour.

The left 2/3rds of the tablet felt like room temperature to my hands.

The right 1/3 of the tablet got slightly warm - most of that was closer to the USB-C port locations. The warmth did not concern me and seemed very normal for pen display.

Audio

This tablet does not have any audio features and does not have a headphone jack.

Compared to the Kamvas 13 (GS1331) and the Kamvas Pro 13 2.5K (GT1302)

Summary

The Kamvas 13 GEN3 (GS1333) is a big upgrade from the older edition Kamvas 13 (GS1331) and is even mostly an upgrade from the Kamvas Pro 13 2.5K (GT1302).

• The GS1333 uses PW600L pen is much better than the PW517 pen that comes with the other two tablets.

  • The PW600L has a slightly better IAF (Huion states 2gf) and a wider pressure range. My notes on the PW600 series pens.

  • The PW517 has a standard IAF (Huion states 2gf) and it's pressure range is variable - it is sometimes OK-ISH and sometimes GOOD depending on the specific unit you get. My notes on the PW517 pens.

• The GS1333 has much less anti-glare sparkle than the GS1333 and GS1331.

• The GS1333 has one USB-C port that is flush with the surface of the tablet, making it possible to use 3rd party USB-C cables. (See Connecting a pen display with a single USB-C cable).

• The addition of the dials to the GS1333 makes it easier to work without having to touch the keyboard.

Which one to get

If you have to choose of these three, I HIGHLY recommend picking the Kamvas 13 GEN3 (GS1333).

If you want that higher resolution of the GT1302, then wait until Huion releases a new version that uses the PW600 pen and reduces the anti-glare sparkle.

Key differences

• Pen in the box

  • Kamvas 13 GEN3 (GS1333) - PW600L (VERY GOOD)

  • Kamvas 13 (GS1331) - PW517 (OK-ISH OR GOOD, depends on the specific unit you get)

  • Kamvas Pro 13 2.5K (1302) - PW517 (OK-ISH OR GOOD, depends on the specific unit you get)

• Anti-glare treatment

  • Kamvas 13 GEN3 (GS1333) - etched glass

  • Kamvas 13 (GS1331) - AG matte film

  • Kamvas Pro 13 2.5K (1302) - etched glass

• Amount of Anti-glare sparkle

  • Kamvas 13 GEN3 (GS1333) - LOW (GOOD)

  • Kamvas 13 (GS1331) - MODERATE (OK)

  • Kamvas Pro 13 2.5K (1302) - MODERATE (OK)

• USB-C Ports

  • Kamvas 13 GEN3 (GS1333) - one flush with the surface, one recessed

  • Kamvas 13 (GS1331) - both ports recessed

  • Kamvas Pro 13 2.5K (1302) - both ports flush with the surface

• Resolution

  • Kamvas 13 GEN3 (GS1333) - Full HD (1920x1080)

  • Kamvas 13 (GS1331) - Full HD (1920x1080)

  • Kamvas Pro 13 2.5K (GT1302) - 2.5K (2560x1440)

Overview

This is a great entry-level tablet. It does all the basics extremely well.

• A good simple tablet. Nothing fancy.

• Good for beginners.

• If you have an older Huion tablet it might be a good upgrade.

• The pen it came with had a very wide pressure range. This range is very good. pen IAF was typical of Huion (i.e. slightly higher IAF than Wacom's pro pens).

Companion video

Basics

• Release year: 2024

Size

This is a medium-sized tablet - with an active area slightly larger than Wacom Intuos Pro Medium (PTH-660).

• Huion Frego M (L610):

  • Dimensions: 10 x 6.25”

  • Diagonal length: 11.79”

• Wacom Intuos Pro Medium (PTH-660):

  • Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.8”

  • Diagonal length: 10.57”

In terms of paper sizes this is about the size of an A5 sheet of paper which has a diagonal length of 10.13"

Aspect Ratio

16:10 - which is common drawing tablets

Build quality and design

Looks very simple and nice. Is very good. I wouldn't say it has a premium look.

Color - matte black all around

Huion branding - On the front nothing is visible. One the back the Huion logo is very slightly visible as some recessed shiny black plastic..

Lights

• green LED on upper right indicating USB connection

• blue LED on upper right indicating Bluetooth operation

Pens

• Comes with the Huion PW550S pen.

• Default nib: felt.

  • I found this a little unusual because the tablet came with 10 replacement plastic nibs.

Other compatible pens

• You can use the Huion PW517 pen with this tablet. But it is not as good as the PW550 and PW550S.

Pen pressure

• IAF - The specific pen I had seemed to have a typical IAF (I am not good at measuring) for a Huion PenTech 3.0+ pen. It seemed to be near 3gf as Huion stated.

• Max pressure - The max pressure of the PW550S that came with the tablet was very high - about 735gf.

Pointer lag

VERY LOW - Typical for a pen tablet. Just a tiny tiny bit more lag than a Wacom in my opinion. This lag is fine and will not affect drawing.

Touch

NONE. This tablet does NOT support touch.

Auxiliary inputs

The tablet has not buttons dials or sliders.

Replaceable surface

No. The surface is not replaceable.

Surface texture

Has a nice amount of surface texture.

With a felt nib - It feels like it has even more texture than a Wacom Intuos Pro (PTH-x60 series) which is widely known as having a heavily textured surface.

With a plastic nib - it felt like slightly less texture than a Wacom Intuos Pro (PTH-x60 series).

Texture sound - Moving the pen (with the felt nib installed) across the surface also produces a clearly audible squeaky sound. You may or may not like that. I prefer my tablets essentially silent. I switched to one of the plastic nibs and then it had a normal amount of noise and no squeaking.

Cables and connections

Wireless - yes supports wireless via Bluetooth. I did not test this.

Ports - a single USB-C port in the upper-left edge.

Ergonomics

• Bottom edge slops down a bit to make it more comfortable for your arm. This is starting to be seen more and more in recently released tablets.

Diagonal wobble

EXCELLENT - almost no perceptible diagonal wobble.

Recommended pressure curve

As is typical for EMR pens, I recommend a pressure curve to reduce the sensitivity at the low end of the physical pressure range.

Pressure transition (low-high-low)

VERY GOOD. test with a 300px brush. Pressure smoothly transitions. A little bit of pressure wobble at the extreme low end of pressure when the pen is very vertical- but that is normal even for the best pens. Use a pressure curve to address it if needed.

Pressure scan rate testing

EXCELLENT. I drew 50 small strokes as fast as I could. The tablet registered all 50 strokes.

Tilt Compensation

OK. Minor displacement at 45deg Totally acceptable for drawing. Likely not noticeable.

Not quite as good as the Wacom Intuos Pro which has excellent tilt compensation.

Other features

Pen holder - a cloth loop affixed on the top edge serves as a convenient pen holder.

Android Usage

This tablet works very well with Android! In fact this is the first tablet, I've seen that works well out-of-the-box.

Note that the Huion Inspiroy Frego S also works well with Android but slightly differently. See Teoh on Tech's review of the Frego where he explains the difference.

Devices tested

All the devices listed below worked well with the Frego.

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9FE

• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Wired vs Wireless

• Wireless - I connected via Bluetooth. And it worked.

Orientation

The tablet should stay in its normal landscape orientation. The android device can be in either landscape or portrait orientation. The tablet will adjust it's active area as needed to adjust for it.

Aspect ratio mapping

When connected to android the tablet keeps sets active area to match the aspect ratio of the android device display. This means that there is no distortion of shapes. if you draw a circle on the tablet, it will draw a circle on the android device.

Cursor/Pointer

NOTE: What I describe below is an interaction between Android and applications. It has nothing to do with the tablet.

Android apps seem inconsistent with how they show cursors. I will contact the creators of these apps and suggest how they should work. Which in my opinion should be: (1) on hover, show the brush outline (2) while drawing show the brush outline.

Bluetooth pointer lag

Even with bluetooth the pen felt very responsive when drawing on an Android device. I didn't notice any lag or skips.

Bluetooth > switching devices

I paired it with android device A. But then to pair it with android device B, I had to go to device A and end the pairing. After that it would work with device B.

Photos

Huion Inspiroy RTS-300

• Model year: 2022

• User manual:

Huion Inspiroy RTM-500

• Model Year: 2022

• User manual:

Huion Inspiroy RTP-700

• Model year: 2022

• User manual:

Summary

This is a slightly older Huion model from 2019 but is still a decent drawing tablet.

If you get it, then it will work fine. But you should consider the newer Huion pen tablets at the same price point as the HS611.

Active area size

This is is a MEDIUM sized tablet, with a diagonal length about 1.5" larger than a Wacom Intuos Pro medium

Aspect ratio

This tablet has a 16:10 aspect ratio.

Pen

Build quality & design

The HS611 has a very simple design. No complaints, though it lacks the refined look and feel of the newer Huion tablets.

It is also available in several colors (Space Grey, Starr Blue, and Coral Red). I have the Space Grey version.

There is one cool aspect of its design. Unlike the vast majority of tablets, this one has regions with a slighted speckled pattern. This adds a bit of visual distinction.

Surface texture

The drawing surface is only very slightly textured. If you are used to a modern drawing tablets, you might find this texture slightly "slippery".

In comparison:

• The texture feels much smoother than the Wacom Intuos Pro (PTH-x60 series).

• A little more texture than the surface of an iPad.

Auxiliary inputs > buttons

It has 10 programmable buttons on the left. 10 more than most other tablets.

The 10 buttons are in 2 groups of 5.

Each group of five s some raised symbols on the buttons to help you identify the buttons by touch alone and without looking.

Auxiliary inputs > touch controls

• Touch controls - At the top there are some additional touch-sensitive keys.

  • One is a slider that can be configured to adjust zoom, brush size, or vertical scrolling

  • The rest control media-related features

Both the buttons and the touch-sensitive controls can be turned off in the dricer.

Touch

This tablet does NOT support touch

Cables and connections

Wireless - This tablet does NOT support a wireless connect

Wired connection - there is a single USB-C port

Tilt compensation

OK. Exhibits a moderate amount of displacement of the pointer when the pen is tilted at 45 degrees. Because it is a pen tablet this amount of displacement will not be very noticable unless you are specifically looking for it.

Drawing fundamentals

• Pressure handling seemed smooth when transitioning between low to high pressure

• Tilt worked as expected

• I didn't notice anything unusual at all.

Pressure instability/wobble

Very good. Even when drawing at very low amount of pressure with a very large brush (1000px) in Krita, pressure didn't exhibit and wild swings or wobble.

Diagonal wobble

It exhibits some diagonal wobble. The wobble is most noticable at slower speeds. In practice when I draw i did not notice this much. Adding a little bit of brush smoothing controlled it.

Huion Keydial Mini K20

• 2024/07/12

• 2023/04/01

Huion KeyDial Mini KD100

• 2021/0/25

Overall

Overall it performs decently. No obvious problems

Design

The pen is a little "plastic-feeling" and does not have a premium feeling.

The nib retracts a little more than than more modern EMR pens. It doesn't impact drawing, but it some people may not like the more "spongy" feeling.

Max pressure

Max pressure is OK at around ~250gf with the unit I tested.

Pressure response

Overview

The Huion PW517 pen is one that comes many Huion tablets that use PenTech 3.0.

It seems (subjectively) to have around an IAF of around 3gf.

It's maximum pressure varies quite a bit depending on which unit your have.

Use the PW550 pen instead

If you have a tablet what is compatible with the PW517 pen, I strongly urge you to consider getting a PW550 pen which is also compatible but has generally a much better pressure range. .

Pressure range measurements

Overview

Huion uses the name "PenTech" for their EMR pen technology and even has version numbers to help it has evolved over the years.

Much more here from Huion:

Huion PenTech history

PenTech

Huion uses the name "PenTech" for their EMR pen technology and even has version numbers to help it has evolved over the years. Much more here:

Notes

Huion pen models

Huion pen compatibility

Huion Inspiroy Giano (G930L)

• Model year: 2022

• User manual:

• 2022/05/25

• 2022/07/06

• 2022/08/08

• 2022/10/04

• G930L 2024/03/14

Huion Inspiroy HS611

• Model year: 2019

• User manual:

• 2021/02/14

• 2020/03/23

• 2020/04/28

Models

• PW600

• PW600S

• PW600L

Pen buttons

• PW600 has 3 buttons

• PW600S has 2 buttons

• PW600L has 3 buttons

Pen button feel - GOOD. the buttons on these pens have a nicer "crisper" clicking action than the buttons of the PW517 which feel a bit soft/mushy in comparison

Pen IAF - GOOD. Huion says 2gf for these pens. Seems accurate. A little more sensitive than the PW517 pen which is at about 3gf.

Pen maximum pressure -

VERY GOOD.

Huion states 500gf. I saw some variance a little bit of variance - not much. Overall the PW600 pens are very consistent.

Pressure response

PW600 series compatibility with older tablets - The new pens are NOT compatible with older Huion tablets.

Pen weight - I measured with a digital scale

• PW600 = 16g

• PW600S = 14g

• PW517 = 14g

Pen eraser

the PW600 and PW600S pens do have an eraser. I don't user erasers so don't have any particular comment on it.

The PW600L does NOT have an eraser.

OnePlus Pad 2

• 2024/08/15

• 2024/08/15

OnePlus Pad

• 2023/05/22

• 2023/07/03

• 2023/07/13

Device size

• Size: 326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5 mm (12.85 x 8.21 x 0.22 in)

• Due to its aspect ratio and size it is very awkward to hold in a hand unlike an iPad.

• This is a tablet that works best sitting on a desk

Display

• Size: 12.38 X 7.74" (313.67 X 196.05mm)

• Aspect Ratio: 16:10

• Diagonal size: 14.6" (369.9mm)

• Resolution: 1848 x 2960 pixels,

• Looks great. Really nothing bad to say about it at all.

• It's crisp and bright.

Performance

• While I didn't stress it, I found it the performance to be good. I had no complaints.

• Scrolling seemed snappy at all times and without any stuttering.

Battery life

Very good compared to a laptop. not as good compared to an iPad.

Also I noticed that when I was not using the device it seemed to quickly run down the battery after a few days. Unlike an iPad which seems to preserve its battery well when it is not in use.

Pen

The tablet comes with a Samsung S Pen. My notes on the Samsung S Pen

Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra Book Cover Keyboard

• The cover keyboard is two pieces

  • One piece attaches to the back of the S8 Ultra

  • One piece is the keyboard

  • The two pieces magnetically attach

• Typing experience is OK

• The cover is strongly attached to the back of the Tab S8 Ultra. it's not easy to dislodge.

• The strength of the attachment between the two pieces is very weak

  • it is very easy to dislodge the connection accidentally

  • Absolutely Do NOT lift the device by the keyboard part only. Even if it stays connected initially it will detach from the part of the cover that is attached to the tablet.

Overview

The Microsoft Surface Pro is a tablet-style laptop almost always used with an optional keyboard cover.

Surface Pro versions 8 and above

With the optional Surface Slim Pen 2, the Surface Pro 8 and above can serve well for note taking. And if needed can work somewhat as a drawing tablet. Though I do not recommend purchasing one for use as a drawing tablet.

Surface Pro versions 7 and below

Compared to versions 8 and above, the pen experience is worse. Again it can serve OK for notetaking but not for drawing.

Microsoft Surface Pro 11

• The Surface Pro 11 uses an ARM chip. More here: Windows on ARM

• Teoh on Tech - Surface Pro 11 (2024) artist review: Pen and OLED issues, amazing battery life 2024/09/22

• MobileTechReview - Microsoft Surface Pro 11 OLED Review - Snapdragon CoPilot+ PC 2024/06/28

• Brad Colbow - 2024 Surface Pro Review (Snapdragon X) - 2024/06/26

• Teoh on Tech -Surface Pro 11 - Handwriting Note Taking Test 2024/09/29

Microsoft Surface Pro 9

• Product page: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/d/surface-pro-9

• Brad Colbow review of Surface Pro 9

• MobileTechReview review of Microsoft Surface Pro 9

Microsoft Surface Pro 8

• Product page: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/d/surface-pro-8

• 7P notes: Microsoft Surface Pro 8

• MobileTechReview review of Microsoft Surface Pro 8

• Brad Colbow review of Surface Pro 8

• Tech on Tech review of Microsoft Surface Pro 8

• Teoh on Tech: Pad Pro vs Surface Pro 8 vs S8 Ultra (artist review)

• Teoh on Tech: ketching on the Surface Pro 8

• Teoh on Tech: Surface Pro 8 and Slim Pen 2 handwriting & note taking

Microsoft Surface Pro 7

NOTE: I do NOT recommend the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 for use as a drawing tablet.

• Brad Colbow Surface Pro 7 Review 2019/10/28

• MobileTechReview review of Surface Pro 7 2019/10/30

• Tablet Pro - Microsoft Surface Pro 7 artists hands on first look 2019/10/02

Microsoft Surface Pro 6

NOTE: I do NOT recommend the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 for use as a drawing tablet.

• Teoh Yi Chie - Artist Review: Surface Pro 6 (2018) 2019/02/13

• Brad Colbow - Surface Pro 6 - An Artist's review 2018/10/17

• MobileTechReview - Surface Pro 6 review 2018/10/18

• Tablet Pro - Surface Pro 6 - Photoshop and Painter 2019 test 2018/10/16

Overview

• My notes on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S Series

• My notes on the Samsung S Pen

• 7P notes: Apple iPad versus Samsung Galaxy Tab S

• Apps for Android

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10

• Release Yeasr: 2024

• Product page: https://www.samsung.com/us/tablets/galaxy-tab-s10/

• Brad Colbow - Galaxy Tab S10 -VS- iPad Pro 2024/10/15

• Brad Colbow - Review of Samsung Galaxy S10 Ultra 2024/10/07

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9

Basics

• https://www.reddit.com/r/GalaxyTab/

• Product page: https://www.samsung.com/us/tablets/galaxy-tab-s9/

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

• Teoh on Tech review of Samsung Tab S9 Ultra Aug 7, 2023

• Teoh on Tech: Pros and cons of note taking on Tab S9 Ultra Aug 5, 2023

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE

• Teoh on Tech review of Samsung Tab S9 FE and FE Plus 2023/10/30

• Brad Colbow Review of Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE 2023/10/23

• Brad Colbow - Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE 6 months later 2024/03/11

• reddit - first 48 hours with samsung Galaxy s9 FE 2023/10/08

• Teoh on Tech - Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE handwriting & note taking review 2023/11/14

• Draw Your Weapon review of Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE 2023/12/29

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+

• MobileTechReview review of Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ 2023/12/05

Misc

• Teoh on Tech review of Samsung NotePaper Screen for Tab S9 tablets Aug 9, 2023

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

Tab S8 Ultra

• Brad Colbow review of Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra Mar 1, 2022

• Teoh on Tech review of Samsung Tab S8 Ultra Mar 6, 2022

• Teoh on Tech long-term review of Samsung Tab S8 Ultra Jun 9, 2022

• Techisode: This Is Not A Tablet - Top 50 Unknown Tab S8 Ultra Features! Aug 8, 2022

• RADER TECH - Samsung Second Screen vs SuperDisplay vs SpaceDesk | Get the most out of your Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra! May 7, 2022

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7

Models

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 (released: 2020)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ (released: 2020)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE (released: 2021)

Links

• Brad Colbow Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE - Is it still Good? 2022/12/02

• MobileTechReview review of Galaxy Tab S7 FE 2021/09/01

• Tech Gear - You should the Galaxy Tab S7 and here is why 2021/03/22

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6

S6 Lite 2024

• Samsung announced this early in 2024 but it isn't widely available for purchase.

• Brad Colbow review of the Samsung Galaxy S6 lite 2024 2024/05/03

S6 Lite 2022

• My notes on this tablet

  • If you are a beginner budget is constrained you might find that this slightly older tablet might meet your needs and is still not too expensive ($230)

• Teoh on Tech review of Samsung Tab S6 Lite 2022 Nov 26, 2022

• Brad Colbow: Review of Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022 Edition) Jun 28, 2022

• EyekooDrawsStuff: Affordable iPad alternative for drawing beginners - Galaxy Tab S6 Lite Nov 2, 2022

S6 Lite 2020

• Get a more recent version edition (2022 or above) instead

Overview

I don't own these devices, but I think they are good choices to investigate if you're looking for a windows laptop that can work like a drawing tablet.

The Galaxy book 360 brings these key attributes to the discussion:

• You can fold it around so that you see just the screen. This makes it convenient for drawing.

• It comes with the Samsung S Pen which uses It uses Wacom EMR technology. This gives you a drawing experience that is just like a drawing tablet.

Samsung Galaxy Book4 360

• Samsung Galaxy Book4 360 (product page)

• Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 360 (product page)

• Release year: 2024

• Brad Colbow - Galaxy Book4 Pro 360 Review 2024/03/25

• MobileTechReview - Galaxy Book4 Pro 260 Review 2024/03/30

Samsung Galaxy Book3 360

• Release year: 2024

• Brad Colbow - Galaxy Book3 Pro 360 Review 2023/02/15

• MobileTechReview - Review of Galaxy Book3 Pro 360 2023/02/24

• Ben G Kaiser - Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra Vs Pro 360 2023/05/03

Older models

• Tech Gear Talk - GOOD AND BAD - 1 Month with the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 2021/07/14

Overview

If you are looking for running Windows desktop apps on a standalone tablet for notetaking rather than art, then the Surface Pro 8 (and above) is a good choice when combined with Surface Pro Signature Keyboard and Slim Pen 2.

Drawing experience with the Surface Pen

With a Surface Pro, you can use various versions of the surface pen. None of these are great for art. But some are tolerable. I would consider them OK for "occasional use" for art. I really find these devices and their are more suited to note taking rather than drawing.

• Surface Pro 7 ands below do not have good pens for drawing. They exhibit too much line wobble.

• I find the drawing experience to be OK / Tolerable with the Surface Pro 8 and above with the Surface Slim Pen 2. It doesn't match what you get from the iPad or the Samsung Galaxy Tab series.

Using it with the Surface Dock 2

I connect it the Microsoft Surface Dock 2 for power and network connectivity.

I use two Thunderbolt 3 cables from the Surface Pro 8 to connect two 4K 60Hz displays (one of those will be the a 4K pen display)

The Surface Pro can be used for drawing with its own pen. However I don't like drawing with the Surface pen. Instead, I prefer to use attached drawing tablets.

Using it with the CalDigit TS4 dock

Since about June of 2024, I've been using it with the CalDigit TS4 dock since that dock provides more ports than the Surface Dock.

Limitations on number of simultaneous displays

Including the built in laptop display, I've only every been able to use 3 displays connected to the Surface Pro 8. Even if I connect 4 (using a dock) only a maximum of 3 displays will be used by the Surface Pro 8.

Connected drawing tablets

I have extensively used these tablets with my Surface Pro 8:

• Wacom Intuos Pro (PTH-860)

• Wacom Cintiq Pro 27 (DTH-271)

• Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 (DTH-167)

• Huion Kamvas Pro 19 (GT-1902)

Though I've used every brand of tablet successfully: Huion, XP-Pen, Xencelabs, etc.

Content has moved to Samsung Galaxy Tab S series

Content has moved to Samsung Galaxy Tab S series

Models

• Inspiroy 2 S (H641P)

• Inspiroy 2 M (H951P)

• Inspiroy 2 L (H1061P)

Huion Inspiroy 2 L (H1061P)

• My notes on this tablet

• Product site: https://www.huion.com/products/pen_tablet/Inspiroy/H1061P.html

• Teoh on tech review of Huion Inspiroy 2 L Feb 15, 2023

• Create Now Sleep Later review of Huion Inspiroy 2 L Apr 24, 2023

• SweetMonia review Huion Inspiroy 2 L 2023/02/14

Content has moved to Samsung Galaxy Tab S series

Overview

The Samsung Galaxy Tabs S series of tablets with the and the Samsung S Pen can play the role of drawing tablets very well and are a compelling alternative to Apple iPads.

Specific models I own:

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra

  • RECOMMENDED. High performance. Great display. (my notes on this tablet)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE

  • HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Great value at reasonable cost. (my notes on this tablet)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 LITE (2022 edition or 2024 edition)

  • RECOMMENDED as great BUDGET choice for esp. for beginners. Performance is a but sluggish compared to other models but is enough for basic drawing.

These tablets come with the Samsung S Pen: My notes on the Samsung S Pen

Size

The Samsung Galaxy Tab series has many models that span a wide range of sizes.

Size has a huge impact on how the tablet feels to use especially with the 16X9 aspect ratio of these tablets. So put careful thought into picking the appropriate size for you.

• The size of the S9 FE is compact which makes it portable but big enough for me to draw on the couch and in bed and when I am travelling.

• The S8 Ultra is very big. This works great when using it like a laptop, but it's size with its 16x9 aspect ratio can a bit just too much to deal with when holding close to drawing.

Pens

Standard pens

The Galaxy Tab models come with an Samsung S Pen. Here are my notes: 7P notes: Samsung S Pen.

Compatible Pens

These tablets. they are also compatible with a few other pens.

Using the Wacom One 2019 GEN1 Pen CP-913

The Wacom CP-913 pen provides an better experience with this device. When I draw with a Samsung S series tablet Some people (including myself) use the CP-913 that came with my Wacom One (DTC-133) with Samsung Tablets.

Using the Wacom One 2023 GEN2 Pen CP-923

This pen is trash. Avoid it. My notes: 7P notes: Wacom One Pen 2023 GEN2 (CP-923)

Pointer lag

RATING: Very good

All three exhibit very low pointer lag. A bit more than the apply pencil, but less than even high end pen displays such as a Wacom Cintiq Pro.

System lag

• The S8 and S9 are incredibly responsive and I don't notice much lag. They seemed almost as responsive as an iPad.

• The S6 LITE is a little laggy when scrolling and using apps, but for basic line art with the Infinite Painter app I felt it was responsive.

Apps

As for software here are the apps I use with it. Stars indicate the my favorite apps.

• Clip Studio Paint ⭐

• Infinite Painter (works similar to Procreate on iPads) ⭐

• Krita

• IbisPaint X

A common question from people considering the Samsung Galaxy tab series is whether the procreate app works on these tablets. The answer is no. Procreate only works on iPads.

More here: Applications

Versus the Apple iPad

You might be interested in the Tab S series as an alternative the Apple iPad. If so, go here: 7P notes: Apple iPad versus Samsung Galaxy Tab S

Using a Galaxy Tab S tablet as an external monitor via USB-C

This means sending a display signal from a computer to this tablet. These tablets have no built in way to act as a monitor for your PC via USB-C.

Some people report that they can use software called SuperDisplay to make this happen, but I have not tried it.

Using an external monitor via USB

This means sending a display signal from the tablet to an external monitor. Whether this works depends on the model involved. My understanding is that only the Galaxy Tab S Ultra series can do this.

In my testing

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra- can use an external monitor

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE - can not use an external monitor

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 LITE - can not use an external monitor

Overview

I DO NOT RECOMMEND purchasing the Galaxy Tab A series tablet if you want to do digital art. The key issue is that The A9 series DOES NOT SUPPORT an EMR pen. This series only supports capacitive pens which are very bad for digital art.

Alternatives

Look at the Galaxy Tab S series which works with the Samsung S pen - which is a decent EMR pen. If you are looking to save money check out the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 lite.

Notes

• General notes on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S series

• My notes on the Galaxy Tab S series

Note

There are several different Samsung S Pens. I am referring to the S Pens that come with the Samsung Galaxy Tab series.

Overall

RATING: GOOD. The S Pen uses standard Wacom EMR and delivers a consistent drawing experience to what you would find in drawing tablets. I prefer it to the Apple pencil though it is not as good as the Wacom Pro Pen 2 in terms of pressure range.

Pressure

The overall pressure of the S pen is good.

maximum pressure

In my testing it has a good maximum pressure of about 250gf.

Initial activation force

It's supposed to be around 3gf.

I have not independently verified this.

Buttons

The S Pen has one physical button, unlike the Apple iPad. This also differs from the pens of most drawing tablets like the Wacom Intuos or Wacom Intuos Pro. Those pens have two buttons, and some have three.

My usage

I have 3 Samsung S pens. They are all the same model but different colors. They came with my purchases of the S6 Lite (2022 edition), S8 Ultra, S9 FE.

They use the same Wacom EMR tech. In fact they are cross compatible, you can take the Wacom One GEN1 Pen (CP-913) and use them instead of the S Pen with the Galaxy Tab S series tablets. And the reverse is true, I can use Samsung S Pen with the Wacom One tablets.

And just like those Wacom pens they don't need to charge - they get their energy from being near the tablet.

Different S Pen version

There are several versions of the S Pen listed here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S_Pen

I can't speak to all of them, just the ones that came with Galaxy Tab S series.

Reddit threads

• https://www.reddit.com/r/GalaxyTab/comments/u38kp9/s_pens_initial_activation_pressure_terrible_is/

If you are new to Wacom, you should understand this issue because it is a constant source of confusion for people looking to buy a Wacom tablet, get help with a Wacom tablet, or buy a replacement pen for their Wacom tablet.

The problem: Wacom makes two very different devices with confusingly similar names:

"One by Wacom" refers to any of 2 pen tablets

• One by Wacom Small (CTL-472)

• One by Wacom medium (CTL-672)

"Wacom One" can refer to any of 5 drawing tablets in two generations

• Wacom One GEN1 (DTC-133) - a pen display

• Wacom One 12 GEN2 (DTC-121) - a pen display

• Wacom One 13 touch GEN2 (DTH-134) - a pen display

• Wacom One S GEN2 (CTC-4110WL) - a pen tablet

• Wacom One M GEN2 (CTC-6110WL) - a pen tablet

Overview

An EXCELLENT pen display.

Although there are newer Cintiq Pro models from 2022 and 2023, the Cintiq Pro 16 from 2021 competes with them strongly. Wacom may have improved the new models support for color or added support for higher refresh rates, but they did not improve upon the already great drawing experience with this tablet.

Noise

While it does have a fan, the tablet isn't very loud, unlike the Cintiq Pro 27. If you are sensitive to fan noise though, it may be an issue.

The amount of noise is based on the brightness setting. But even at 100% brightness it is quieter than a Cintiq Pro 27.

Pointer lag

TYPICAL for a pen display. You can see the pointer trail the physical tip of the pen.

Apple iPads with the Apple Pencil have much less pointer lag

Pen tablets also have very little pointer lag in general.

Anti-glare Sparkle

Rating: LOW. It has more than the Cintiq Pro 27 - but that is to be expected since it is a 4K display.

Ports

It has 3 ports located on the top edge:

• HDMI

• USB-C (DP alt mode support)

• Power.

My connection configuration

I have it connected with a thunderbolt 3 cable and the Wacom power adapter that it came with.

Pen tracking accuracy

VERY GOOD. Very accurate. Like all pen displays veyr slight inaccuracy at the last 1mm to 2mm at the edges or corners.

Pen Pressure

The Wacom Pro Pen 2 (KP-504E) has an excellent low IAF and an excellent large maximum pressure.

Parallax

Very good. Low amount of parallax for a pen display. On par with other Cintiq Pro models such as the Cintiq Pro 22.

Using single USB-C cable

Unlike many other 16" pen displays, a single USB-C cable is not enough to power this tablet. You Still have to use their supplied power adapter.

Heat

Fans keep it cool. At the default brightness, the tablet is cool to the touch. At maximum brightness slightly warm.

VESA mounting

It is VESA mountable.

Stand

It does not come with a stand. I use a VESA-compatible Huion stand to hold this tablet at an angle.

Legs

No legs

Diagonal Wobble

Rating: VERY GOOD. Low wobble in all velocities tested.

Buttons

These pens have two buttons which is typical for an EMR pen.

Pressure testing notes

I tested four PW550 series pens on 2024/08/30

• 1x PW500S

• 4x PW550

Pressure: IAF

I'm not good at measuring IAF but each seemed to be around 3gf.

Pressure: max pressure (approximate)

3 of 4 of the my PW550 pens have GOOD or EXCELLENT max pressure. One outlier has an OK max pressure.

Pressure: Response curve

As is typical for EMR pens, these pens have a response that bows up. All 4 hit 50% at around 100gf.

So as I often recommend, you should consider a pressure curve to linearize this response so that you have more pressure control at the lower end of the physical pressure range.

Photos

Overview

This is my standard recommendation for anyone who wants to get an entry level standalone drawing tablet.

It's just an all around good device.

• The drawing performance is very good

• The screen looks good.

• there are many apps you can use with it.

• It's at a very convenient price.

• And it's highly competitive with an Apple iPad.

Line wobble

Content has moved to

Overview

For their Intuos Pro line of pen tablets, Wacom sells several texture sheets that replace the texture that came with the tablets.

Below are three examples of some of the texture sheets Wacom sells.

Tablet compatibility

These texture sheets are available for these models:

• Wacom Intuos Pro Large

• Wacom Intuos Pro Medium

Texture types

They come in three texture variations:

• Standard <- this is what the Intuos Pro models use out-of-the-box

• Rough

• Smooth

Benefits

These texture sheets have two benefits:

• If you have damaged the surface of your tablet, you can restore it to brand new condition

• If you simply prefer a different texture feel

Availability

Unfortunately these texture sheets are often out of stock and are very hard to find these days. The smooth texture sheet in particular is a rare item.

Installation

Here's an example of how to install a texture sheet:

While you have the old sheet removed and before you apply the new sheet, I suggest you make use of this moment to clean the surface of the tablet to remove any dust and grime.

Basics

• There are several Samsung S Pen models. I am discussing the ones that come with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S series of devices. .

• .

Links

• General

  • 2022/05/20

  • 2023/08/06

• S Pen creator edition

  • 2023/10/30

  • 2023/11/02

  • - 2023/11/01

Overview

Wacom has existed for over 40 years. In that time they've released many different drawing tablets.

In this document I'll point you to different lists of tablets depending on what you're interested in.

Wacom's official current tablet models

You can see a list of all the tablets Wacom currently sells on their website (). However, this information does not cover the tablets they historically sold.

Kuuube's Wacom tablet mastersheet

Tablet expert Kuuube maintains a which as far as I know lists every Wacom drawing tablet ever made.

Overview

The One By Wacom series of pen tablet (CTL-672, and CTL-472) are very good tablets. I highly recommend them for beginners. They are very reliable, have a good drawing experience, and allow you to explore drawing tablets without spending too much.

If you want to save some money you can find them on eBay. More here:

Models

• One by Wacom Medium (CTL-672) - released 2019

• One by Wacom Small (CTL-472) - released 2019

Core features

• Pen - The tablet comes with a Wacom 2K Pen (LP-190K). This is a standard 2-button pen.

• Other compatible pens - None. This tablet onlyu works with the LP-190K.

• Pen pressure range - and has a very low IAF (which is EXCELLENT) and an OK Maximum pressure of around 300gf. My notes on this pen:

• Pressure Levels - 2048. This may seem low when you see other tablets rated at 8K or 16K pressure levels. Do not worry. 2048 is enough pressure levels for creative tasks. This is absolutely not going to affect the quality of the art you can make with this tablet. I maintain all you need are about 2000 levels of pressure.

• Tilt - this tablet does NOT support tilt

  • For a beginner this may not be an issue. Many people do not need tilt.