XPPen Artist 12 3rd Release vs 2nd Gen: What Changed?

When XPPen introduced the Artist 12 (2nd Gen), it quickly became a popular choice among digital artists for its affordable price, compact size, and accurate pen performance. Now, with the launch of the XPPen Artist 12 3rd, the company has refined nearly every aspect of the device—from the stylus technology to display quality and user experience. Let’s take a deep dive into how these two generations differ and which one might be right for your creative workflow.

Design and Build: Lighter, Sleeker, and More Refined

At first glance, the XPPen Artist 12 3rd keeps the same compact charm as its predecessor, but it’s even more streamlined. Measuring 327.2 x 189.1 x 12 mm and weighing just 719 g, it’s lighter and smaller than the 2nd Gen (346.2 x 209 x 12 mm, 785 g). This makes it more portable and easier to fit into a backpack or workspace.

The 3rd Gen also introduces a new minimalist design, paired with a foldable stand that offers better ergonomic angles. The previous 2nd Gen model lacked an integrated stand, so artists had to rely on third-party accessories. The one-cable connection (full-featured USB-C or 3-in-1 cable) further helps maintain a clean and organized setup—ideal for mobile creators and students.

Stylus Technology: From X3 to X4 Smart Chip — A Major Leap

Perhaps the biggest change in the XPPen Artist 12 3rd is the new X4 smart chip digital pen, which replaces the X3 Elite stylus found in the 2nd Gen.

This upgrade is significant:

• Pressure sensitivity doubles from 8192 levels to 16,384 levels, giving artists ultra-precise control over line thickness and opacity.
• Initial activation force drops from around 3 g to an impressive 2 g, meaning the pen responds instantly to even the lightest touch.
• The X4 smart chip delivers improved signal processing, minimizing latency and jitter.
• Tilt recognition remains the same at 60°, ensuring smooth shading and natural hand movement.

The overall feel of the pen is smoother, faster, and closer to drawing on real paper. Whether sketching, painting, or retouching photos, the XPPen drawing tablet now provides a more fluid and natural drawing experience.

Display Quality: More Color, More Clarity

Both models feature an 11.9-inch fully laminated display with a 1920 × 1080 (Full HD) resolution, but the improvements in the 3rd Gen are immediately noticeable.

The XPPen Artist 12 3rd delivers a wider color gamut, providing more vibrant and true-to-life colors, especially for digital painting, photo editing, and graphic design.

Additionally, the new AG (Anti-Glare) Nano-Etched Glass surface significantly improves the drawing experience by reducing reflections and fingerprint smudges. It also provides a slight paper-like texture that enhances pen control—something the smoother glass of the 2nd Gen lacked.

Performance and Workflow Enhancements

The 3rd Gen introduces the X-Dial Dual Control Wheel, which is an upgraded shortcut system that allows users to zoom, scroll, and adjust brush sizes effortlessly. Combined with customizable keys, it offers a more fluid workflow for professional creators.

In contrast, the Artist 12 (2nd Gen) includes 8 shortcut keys, which are functional but lack the advanced control dial. This means the newer model provides more customization and faster adjustments without interrupting your creative flow.

Connectivity has also improved. Both tablets support Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Linux, and Android, but the Artist 12 3rd ensures smoother performance and stability with the latest systems. It also supports direct USB-C to USB-C connection, which reduces clutter and setup time.

Power and Portability

Both tablets draw 5V⎓2A power, making them energy-efficient and easy to power through a laptop or USB adapter. However, the 3rd Gen’s one-cable connection design is a major win for portability—it allows users to easily switch between desktop and mobile setups without a tangle of cables.

For creators who work on the go—such as illustrators, students, or designers—the Artist 12 3rd feels more modern, compact, and travel-friendly.

Accuracy and Drawing Experience

Accuracy is another area where XPPen has made noticeable improvements. The Artist 12 (2nd Gen) offers ±0.5 mm center accuracy, while the Artist 12 3rd improves it to ±0.2 mm, ensuring that your cursor follows your pen tip with precision, even during detailed work.

Combined with the full lamination and anti-glare etched glass, the pen-to-screen gap is nearly invisible. The result? A more intuitive, natural, and immersive drawing experience.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Final Verdict: Evolution with Purpose

The XPPen Artist 12 (2nd Gen) remains a solid choice for beginners or hobbyists looking for an affordable, reliable XPPen drawing tablet. It still delivers excellent pen response, color, and value.

However, the XPPen Artist 12 3rd is clearly the more advanced device. Its X4 smart chip stylus, enhanced color accuracy, anti-glare etched display, and streamlined one-cable connection bring a much smoother and more professional drawing experience.

If you prioritize portability, precision, and a more natural pen feel, the Artist 12 3rd is a smart upgrade that truly showcases how far XPPen has evolved in display tablet technology.