My journey for the perfect drawing tablet seems never-ending. The XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad is a device that’s been creating quite a buzz among artists and graphic designers.
I use toon boom and krita personally, so I’m glad Xp-Pen made this) But what sets it apart in a market flooded with options? This XP pen magic drawing pad is a competitor of the iPad or samsung products)
Also see: The top picks I chose for wireless drawing tablets – I plan to add the xp pen magic pad in there – that’s how much I liked this one.
This review dives deep into the capabilities, features, and overall performance of the XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad from an artist’s perspective. Let’s peel back the layers of this drawing tablet and see if this device truly lives up to what you might need
Related: iPad vs Drawing Tablet: Which is better for an Artist? (Comparison)
Unboxing and First Impressions – What I personally thought about it
Unboxing the XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad was an experience filled with anticipation and excitement. The packaging itself was sleek and I felt like a pro with it in my hands (see photos below)
I’ve been asked which drawing apps are compatible with the XP-Pen Magic drawing pad. To be clear Clip studio paint and toon boom both work on this (as well as many other android apps)
I will cover compatibility and apps in this review as well, but of course Procreate (ios only) doesn’t work on this device.
Also check out my experience with the: XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 (Gen 2) – really useful if you like this device
My first impression was that this drawing pad means business. It felt sturdy in my hands, and the build quality was immediately apparent, signaling that this was a tool designed for serious artists – but did it continue to work as well as it looked?
The first time I powered it on, the display came to life with vibrant colors and crisp clarity. It was love at first sight, or rather, first draw.
The pen glided over the surface with a satisfying smoothness that mimicked the feel of paper under graphite. Check it out below, I thought it looked so aesthetically appealing:
From the get-go, it was clear that the XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad wasn’t just another digital drawing tool; it was a gateway to a new level of creative freedom. Keep in mind, these are my initial reactions, but they set the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the device’s capabilities.
Accessories Included and what else is in the box
Diving deeper into the box revealed a treasure trove of accessories that added to the overall value of the XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad. Alongside the tablet and stylus, I found a protective glove, which was a nice touch for those marathon drawing sessions.
Again, here’s what exactly was in the box:
- 1x Tablet
- 1 x Protective Case
- 1 x Charging Cable
- 1x Nib Extractor
- 1 x Quick Guide
- 1x Stylus
- 1 x Power Adapter*
- 8 x Pen Nib
- 1 x Glove
- 1x Warranty Card
I liked this more than Xencelabs medium bundle personally, but this is just my opinion. Objectively though, there were also replacement nibs for the pen, ensuring longevity and uninterrupted creativity. A standout inclusion was the stand, adjustable and robust, providing the perfect angle for drawing.
At a glance thoughts I had after my first use:
- No PC Needed: The Magic Drawing Pad works on its own, so you don’t have to hook it up to a computer. Huge plus for me.
- Software is super compatible: From Toon Boom to Krita, XP-Pen supports a load of creative software. They’ve got a list on their site if you’re curious.
- Minor issues were fixed: Had a minor glitch with the cursor being off, but XP-Pen patched it up fast. They’re pretty good at squashing bugs quickly after launch.
- Be Patient with Shipping: It’s popular, so yeah, it takes a bit to arrive. Ordered mine in February, got it end of March. Worth the wait, though.
- Beats the Competition: Compared to my old iPad 10th Gen, this was a no-brainer. Focused on the artist and the screen feels just right for drawing, and it’s super easy to get around the UI. To see more on apps for This tablet and other xp pen you can that view here
- Has a Stylus Without the Fuss: No charging the pen – a total game-changer.
- App Heaven: Being Android-based, it runs pretty much any app I need. Lightroom, ibis Paint X, Paint Tool Sai – you name it.
In a nutshell, the XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad kinda blew my mind. Great specs, user-friendly, and it slays in the app and software department. Definitely edged out my iPad for daily use.
Tech Specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad |
| Product Model | 9494G |
| Size | 12.2 inch |
| Color | Navy Blue |
| Screen Resolution | CERTIFIED2160 x 1440 |
| Luminance | 360 nit |
| Color Gamut | 109% sRGB |
| Stylus Model | X3 Pro Pencil |
| Pressure Levels | 16384 |
| Stylus Resolution | 2540 LPI |
| Power Input | 9V m2A |
| Battery Capacity | 8000mAh |
| Continuous Operation Time | 28 hours (indoors) |
| Wireless Connection | WiFi (2.4GHz & 5GHz) and Bluetooth (5.1) |
| OS Version | Android 12 |
| CPU | MT8771 Octa-core (2*A76 24GHz + 6″A55 2.0GHz) |
| Internal Storage | 8GB |
| Storage Space | 256GB |
XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad (9494G) was test driven by me and my team. This tablet illuminated its responsive 12.2 inch navy blue screen, boasting a certified resolution of 2160 x 1440 and luminance peaking at 360 nit. The display colors, covering 109% of the sRGB spectrum, bring creations to life with stunning fidelity.
The XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad is more than just its physical build and accessories; its technical specifications are where it truly shines. Boasting a generous drawing area, it offers ample space for artists to express their creativity without feeling cramped. The resolution is equally impressive, providing sharp details that bring digital artwork to life with precision and clarity.
But the real star of the show is the stylus. With 16k pressure sensitivity (16,384 levels to be exact), it captures every nuance of your hand movements, from the lightest touch to the firmest stroke. This sensitivity, coupled with virtually no lag, makes for an incredibly intuitive drawing experience.
The pen’s ergonomics further enhance this, designed to reduce fatigue during long drawing sessions. These specs not only promise but deliver a drawing experience that closely mimics the feel of traditional media.
Display Characteristics
When it comes to digital art, the quality of the display is paramount. The XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad’s screen is a marvel in this regard. It showcases vibrant colors and deep contrasts, ensuring that artwork is seen exactly as intended.
The matte finish reduces glare and reflections, a big plus for artists who spend hours in front of the screen. This thoughtful design choice also adds to the paper-like drawing experience, making digital art creation feel more natural and less straining on the eyes.
The display’s responsiveness is another highlight. It reacts instantly to the stylus, making for a seamless interaction between artist and canvas.
This immediate feedback is crucial for fine-tuning details and achieving the precise results that professional artwork demands. In essence, the display characteristics of the XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad elevate the digital drawing experience, marrying visual excellence with functional brilliance.
Drawing and Creative Performance
The true test of any drawing pad is its performance under the creative demands of professional artists. The XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad rises to the challenge with aplomb. Its paper-like drawing experience is not just a marketing claim but a tangible reality.
I like that the texture of the drawing surface offers just the right amount of resistance, mimicking the feel of drawing on high-quality paper. This feature alone enhances the overall drawing experience, making the transition from traditional to digital art feel almost seamless.
App compatibility and performance are equally impressive. The XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad works flawlessly with a wide range of software, including industry standards like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Clip Studio Paint.
The pad’s responsiveness and accuracy remain consistent across different applications, allowing artists to switch between programs without missing a beat.
Portability and Design
Creating on the go is crucial for many artists – the XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad scores high marks in this area – this is thanks to its thoughtful design and portability.
Its slim profile and lightweight construction make it easy to slip into a bag and take wherever inspiration strikes. Despite its portability, there’s no compromise on durability.
The build quality is strong, capable of withstanding the rigors of travel and frequent use. The only thing I didn’t like is the battery life, but thats because I don’t like the battery life of most tablets as I prefer to be connected to a computer (wired).
The design of the XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad is sleek and minimalist, appealing to artists who appreciate aesthetics as much as functionality. The layout of buttons and controls is intuitive, enabling a smooth workflow without the need to constantly refer to the manual. This blend of form and function ensures that the drawing pad not only performs exceptionally but also looks good on any artist’s desk.
Battery and Power Management
For a device that’s designed to be portable, efficient battery and power management are essential. The XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad excels in this area, offering impressive battery life for continuous use. As mentioned, I prefer a wired connection because I don’t like waiting around to plug the device back in, many artists disagree with this and this is subjective.
I actually have a post on the best wireless drawing tablets and plan to add the xp pen magic pad in there.
Most can expect hours of uninterrupted creativity, a significant advantage for those who work long sessions or travel frequently. The charging features are equally convenient, with fast charging capabilities that minimize downtime.
Power-saving features are another thoughtful addition, extending battery life and ensuring that the device is ready when inspiration strikes. These features include an automatic sleep mode that activates after periods of inactivity, conserving power without disrupting the workflow. This attention to power management details underscores the XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad’s design philosophy: to support artists in their creative endeavors without technical interruptions.
User Experience and Interface
The user experience and interface of the XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad are where it truly distinguishes itself. The integration with Android systems opens up new possibilities for artists, allowing them to connect the device to a wide range of smartphones and tablets. This feature expands the creative workspace and offers flexibility in how and where artists can work.
Customization options are abundant, enabling users to tailor the device to their specific needs and preferences. From programmable buttons to adjustable pressure curves, the drawing pad adapts to the artist, not the other way around.
Comparison with Other Drawing Tablets
In a market filled with options, how does the XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad stack up against its competitors? The price to performance ratio is a standout feature. Offering professional-grade features at a mid-range price point, it presents a compelling value proposition for artists. This affordability does not come at the expense of quality or functionality, making the drawing pad an attractive option for both aspiring artists and seasoned professionals.
Unique selling points such as the paper-like drawing experience and robust app compatibility set the XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad apart from other tablets. While many devices offer similar basic features, it’s the attention to detail and artist-centric design that elevates the XP-Pen above the crowd.
Should you get it and is it worth $499+?
Is the XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad worth the investment for artists? The answer is yes, especially if you like the ipad an don’t use procreate since this competes so closely in regards to functionality and design.
Whether you’re a graphic artist, illustrator, or designer the drawing pad offers a blend of performance, versatility, and value that’s hard to beat.
For those contemplating the leap from traditional to digital art, the XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad serves as an ideal bridge, offering a familiar yet innovative drawing experience. Seasoned digital artists, on the other hand, will appreciate the device’s precision, efficiency, and customizability.
In a crowd of drawing tablets the XP-Pen stands out as a tool that truly understands and meets the needs of artists, truly. It’s not just an investment in a piece of technology; it’s an investment in your artistry and creative potential especially if you like the wireless life.
