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UGEE UE16 vs XPPen Artist 16 (2nd Gen)
Short answer
Get the UGEE UE16: stand and every cable in the box, a 16K pen with an eraser and more shortcuts. The XPPen has a great pen but costs more once you add a stand and cable.
Side by side
| Spec | UGEE UE16 | XPPen Artist 16 (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| My rating | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| Screen size | 15.4 in | 15.4 in |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (16:9) | 1920 x 1080 (16:9) |
| Panel | IPS, fully laminated | IPS, fully laminated |
| Glass | Anti-glare coating | Anti-glare matte |
| Color (claimed) | 143% sRGB (Parka Blogs measured 99% sRGB) | 127% sRGB, 94% Adobe RGB |
| Brightness (claimed) | 220 nits (Parka Blogs measured 191) | 220 nits (Parka Blogs measured about 176) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Pen | U-Pencil, battery-free, eraser | X3 Elite, battery-free, no eraser |
| Pressure levels | 16,384 | 8,192 |
| Tilt | ±60° | 60° |
| Shortcuts | 10 keys + wheel | 10 keys |
| Touch | No | No |
| Connection | Full-featured USB-C or 3-in-1 cable (both in box) | 3-in-1 cable (USB-C to USB-C sold separately) |
| Stand | Included, 21–64° | Not included |
| Weight | 1.28 kg | - |
| Works with | Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Android, Linux | Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Linux (Android limited) |
| Check price Review | Check price Review |
Where the UGEE UE16 wins
- What's in the box. Stand, USB-C to USB-C cable and 3-in-1 cable. The XPPen has neither the stand nor the USB-C cable.
- The pen. 16,384 levels with an eraser, versus 8,192 and no eraser.
- Brightness. Parka Blogs measured 191 nits versus about 176.
- Shortcuts. 10 keys plus a wheel.
Where the XPPen wins
- Build. The UGEE feels plasticky and squeaks; the XPPen feels more solid.
- Surface. Parka Blogs found the XPPen's matte surface smooth and not too rough. On the UGEE, it saw visible sparkle and grain.
Where they're the same
Same 15.4-inch 1080p size and the same drawing area, about 654 square centimeters. Both measured close to 99% sRGB.
My pick
I'd buy the UGEE UE16. It includes everything you need and has the better pen on paper. Neither is bright, so keep either one away from sunny windows.