> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/catalog/drawtabs/xppen/xppen-md160qh-notes.md). # XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 GEN2 (MD160QH) notes ## **Overall** In summary this is a very nice tablet. Wacom Cintiq Pro models are still better (and cost MUCH more) but this tablet is good overall and I have enjoyed using it. As of July 2024, this is my top pick for a mid-range-cost 16" pen display. ## **Links** * User manual: * Product link: * [Teoh on Tech review of XPPen Artist Pro 16 (GEN 2) review](https://youtu.be/sc4tebm4TTw?si=Y18_c25g6BUvzwk3) 2023-09-09 * [Grant Abbitt review of XPPen Artist Pro (GEN 2)](https://youtu.be/d3Th_HD0tbE?si=5tIvFmxSM2nvS1jh) 2023-08-20 * [MossCharmly - Huion Kamvas Pro 16 vs. XPpen Artist Pro 16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41pv6STOBhY) GEN2 2024-08-03 ## **Design** RATING: EXCELLENT * I like the overall design. Looks and feels very premium. * XP-Pen logo on bottom of tablet. It's present and visible without being obtrusive. ## **Pen** The tablet comes with the the new **XP-Pen X3 Pro Pen**. It is incredibly similar in shape to the Wacom Pro Pen 2. The pen handles pressure very well and has an eraser. More here: [XP-Pen X3 Pro pens](/drawtab/catalog/pens/xppen-pens/xppen-x3propen-notes.md) ## **Display** **Native resolution** - 2560x1600. This is big improvement over an HD (1920x1080) screen at this size. **Refresh rate** - 60Hz. TYPICAL. Normal for pen displays. **Sharpness** - GOOD. The AG treatment does not add any blurriness. **Parallax** - GOOD. Little visible parallax. **Aspect Ratio** - 16:10. It is a little more squarish than the much more common 16:9 aspect ratio. After using it for a few days, I actually like the 16:10 aspect ratio. To me it makes the tablet feel a little larger than it is.
**MacOS** - Some people tell me MacOS has more challenges running at resolutions like the one this tablet uses. I'm not a MacOS expert so I suggest you research this more. ## **Connections and cabling** **Single USB-C cable connection?** YES. I tried the cable that it came with and a Thunderbolt 3 cable. It worked in both cases. More here: [Connecting a pen display with USB-C](/drawtab/guides/connecting/connecting-pen-display/connecting-pen-display-usbc.md) **Ports** There are two USB-C ports on the top edge of the tablet. Both ports are recessed into wells. If you intend to use a 3rd-party USB-C cable, be aware they may not fit into the well. One minor nit. The USB-C cable connects at the top edge this means you see the cable connect. This is normal for pen displays these days. But it does make the device a little less elegant. **3-in-1 cable** If you need to connect via HDMI you will need a 3-in-1 cable from XP-pen. * When I bought the tablet in - this cable was s NOT provided in the box. * However now it seems that XP-Pen is shipping the tablet with the 3-in-1 cable. Before you purchase verify if you are getting the 3-in-1 cable if you need it. I contacted XP-Pen support and they indidcated that this compatible 3-in-1 cable: [https://www.xp-pen.com/store/buy/3-in-1-cable-for-artist-2nd-gen-series-display.html
](https://www.xp-pen.com/store/buy/3-in-1-cable-for-artist-2nd-gen-series-display.html) ## Pointer lag TYPICAL. Normal for a pen display. A Cintiq Pro has slightly less lag. ## Corner accuracy VERY GOOD. Compared to other tablets has very minor inaccuracy at edges and corners. Matched XP-pens stated accuracy numbers. ## **Diagonal wobble** RATING: OK. Diagonal wobble is not uncommon in pen displays - but usually when it is seen it is only seen in SLOW strokes. With the unit I tested I saw it at all speeds - thought wobble slightly decreased as speed increased. Overall - totally acceptable and addding a little brush smoothing eliminates it..
## Legs YES - It has two foldable legs on the back allow it to be propped up at an angle. However, I just use a spare HUION stand for a better angle. ## Express Keys NONE. ## VESA mounting This tablet does NOT support the VESA mounting standard. ## Shape * Thicker toward the top * Thinner toward the bottom * The bottom edge rolls off a bit making it a bit nicer for you hand or arm to rest on that edge. ## Audio features None. No speakers. No headphone jack. ## Touch This tablet does NOT support touch. ## Heat Felt cool (room temperature) to the touch at 100% brightness. Cool on the right side. On the left side it was slightly warm. ## Noise Completely silent. ## Fans The tablet has no fans. ## Remote The tablet comes with a remote with programmable keys. ## Tilt compensation Tilting the pen within the supported tilt range did not significantly alter the pointer position. It remained close to the tip. I tried this with 3 different X3 Pro pens and got the same result. In one of the photos you may notice a slight separation between pointer and tip, I think this is mostly due to the position calibration of the pen and not so much the tilt.
I have heard a few comments on my YouTube channel indicating that some people found very bad tilt compensation. So far I believe if there is an issue it is only with a small number of defective units. ## Anti-glare treatment This tablet uses an etched glass surface instead of an AG film. It does a very good job of glare reduction. It is on par with the Huion Kamvas Pro 19 and a bit more glare reduction than the Cintiq Pro 22. ## Pixel sharpness Pixels are clear and well-delineated. * Slightly sharper than my Cinitq Pro 22 * Noticeably sharper than my Huion Kamvas Pro 19 ## Stand options * XP-pen recommends the ACS05 stand. I'm not a fan of that type of stand. * I think the AC41 stand woudl work better. * In my testing I used the stand that came with the Xencelabs Pen Display 16 which is very similar to the AC41.