XPPen Deco 01 V3 Review: Big Drawing Area, Small Price
Quick verdict
The biggest drawing area you can get for very little money, with tilt and Chromebook support. The pen may need more pressure to start a line than newer rivals.
Buy it if
- You want a large drawing area on a tight budget.
- You use a Chromebook or Android device.
- You're buying for a kid or a beginner.
Skip it if
- You sketch with very light strokes.
- You want wireless.
- You want the nicest pen at this price. Look at the Inspiroy 2 Medium.
Specs
| Active area | 254 x 159 mm (10 x 6.25 in) |
|---|---|
| Pen | Battery-free |
| Pressure levels | 16,384 (claimed) |
| Tilt | 60° |
| Shortcuts | 8 keys |
| Connection | USB (USB-C adapter in box) |
| Wireless | No |
| Weight | - |
| Works with | Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Android, Linux |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large 10 x 6.25 inch drawing area.
- Tilt support and 8 shortcut keys.
- Works with ChromeOS and Android.
- Thin and light.
Cons
- Seven Pens measured a heavier pen touch than modern rivals.
- Android support can be hit or miss.
- Wired only.
- Several Amazon versions make it hard to know which pen you'll get.
Real-world math
Drawing space. 10 x 6.25 inches is 254 x 159 mm, about 403 square centimeters. The Huion Inspiroy 2 Medium is about 305. So this one gives you about 32% more room, and about two and a half times the tiny Huion H640P.
How it maps to your screen. On a 24-inch monitor, each millimeter on the tablet moves the cursor about 2.1 mm. That's a relaxed, precise feel, and it stays usable on a 27- or 32-inch screen.
The pen question
XPPen lists 16,384 pressure levels and 60° tilt. Seven Pens reported that the V3 they looked at came with an older pen that needs about 6 to 9 grams of pressure to start a line. Newer pens start at 2 or 3 grams. You'll notice it on light sketch lines, less on inking.
There are several Amazon listings for this tablet, including "updated" versions. Check which pen the listing names before you buy.
Setup and compatibility
It's USB, with a USB-C adapter in the box. XPPen supports Windows, Mac, Linux, ChromeOS and Android. The Chromebook support is a real plus for students. Android is less reliable. Seven Pens hit the same problems they had with the older V2.
Owners on XPPen's store call it great for beginners and kids, durable and easy to install.
How it compares
| Spec | XPPen Deco 01 V3 | Huion Inspiroy 2 Medium | Wacom Intuos Medium Bluetooth |
|---|---|---|---|
| My rating | 7.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
| Active area | 254 x 159 mm (10 x 6.25 in) | 221 x 138 mm (8.7 x 5.4 in) | 216 x 135 mm (8.5 x 5.3 in) |
| Pen | Battery-free | PW110, battery-free | Wacom Pen 4K, battery-free |
| Pressure levels | 16,384 (claimed) | 8,192 | 4,096 |
| Tilt | 60° | ±60° | No |
| Shortcuts | 8 keys | 8 keys + 3 group keys (24 shortcuts) + scroll wheel | 4 ExpressKeys |
| Connection | USB (USB-C adapter in box) | USB-C (wired) | USB |
| Wireless | No | No | Bluetooth, 15+ hours |
| Weight | - | 420 g | 410 g |
| Works with | Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Android, Linux | Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Android, Linux | Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Android |
| Check price | Check price Review | Check price Review |
FAQ
- Does the Deco 01 V3 work with a Chromebook?
- Yes. XPPen lists ChromeOS 88 or later, plus Windows, macOS, Android 10 or later, and Linux.
- Does it work with a phone?
- XPPen says it works with Android 10 or later using the XPPen tools app. Foldable phones aren't supported, and Seven Pens had trouble with Android.
- Is the pen really 16,384 levels?
- XPPen lists 16,384 levels. Seven Pens reported an older pen with a heavy initial press on its unit. Check the pen named on the listing you buy.
- Is it good for osu!?
- Many players use it. The large area and low price are a good fit.
Bottom line
If you want the most drawing space for the least money, this is it. If you draw light and delicate, I'd spend a little more on the Huion Inspiroy 2 Medium.