Huion Kamvas RDS 160 vs XP Pen Artist Pro 16: How to Choose the Right Drawing Tablet for You

Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the mid-range segment are the Huion Kamvas RDS 160 and the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16. Both offer impressive features and affordability, making them attractive choices for aspiring and professional artists alike. But which one emerges as the victor? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

Both tablets boast sleek and modern designs, with a focus on ergonomic comfort. The Huion Kamvas RDS 160 features a slim profile and a textured surface, offering a secure grip during extended drawing sessions. The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16, on the other hand, opts for a slightly thicker design with a glossy finish, which might be prone to fingerprints.

In terms of build quality, both tablets feel robust and durable. The Huion Kamvas RDS 160’s stand is sturdy and offers multiple viewing angles, while the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16’s stand is more compact and might feel less stable at certain angles. Both tablets come with a protective film pre-applied to the screen, which can be easily removed once you’re ready.

Display and Screen Technology

The display is arguably the most crucial aspect of a drawing tablet, and both the Huion Kamvas RDS 160 and the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 excel in this department. Both tablets feature a 15.6-inch full HD (1920×1080) IPS display with a 178-degree viewing angle, providing vibrant colors and sharp images. The color accuracy is impressive, with both tablets offering a wide color gamut coverage, ensuring that your artwork is reproduced faithfully.

The key difference lies in the screen technology. The Huion Kamvas RDS 160 utilizes a laminated display, which eliminates the air gap between the glass and the screen, resulting in a more natural drawing experience with reduced parallax. The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16, however, uses a non-laminated display, which might lead to a slight parallax effect, especially when drawing fine details.

Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity

The pen is the heart and soul of any drawing tablet, and both the Huion Kamvas RDS 160 and the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 offer excellent pen performance. Both tablets feature battery-free pens with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing for precise control and nuanced strokes. The pens are lightweight and comfortable to hold, with customizable buttons for added functionality.

The Huion Kamvas RDS 160’s pen boasts a slightly higher reporting rate of 266 PPS (points per second), compared to the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16’s 233 PPS. This translates to smoother and more responsive linework, especially when drawing quickly. However, the difference is subtle and might not be noticeable for most users.

Connectivity and Compatibility

Both tablets offer a range of connectivity options, including HDMI and USB-C ports. The Huion Kamvas RDS 160 also includes a mini-HDMI port, providing additional flexibility. Both tablets are compatible with Windows, macOS, and Android devices, making them versatile options for various digital art workflows.

Software and Features

Both Huion and XP-Pen offer their own software packages for customizing pen settings, calibrating the display, and managing shortcuts. The Huion software is relatively straightforward and user-friendly, while the XP-Pen software offers a wider range of customization options.

Price and Value

The Huion Kamvas RDS 160 and the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 are priced similarly, making them highly competitive in the mid-range segment. The price difference might vary depending on promotions and sales, but both tablets offer excellent value for the features they provide.

Which One to Choose?

Choosing between the Huion Kamvas RDS 160 and the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 ultimately comes down to individual preferences and priorities.

Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Choose the Huion Kamvas RDS 160 if:

• You prioritize a laminated display for a more natural drawing experience.
• You need a slightly higher pen reporting rate for smoother linework.
• You prefer a slimmer and more ergonomic design.

Choose the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 if:

• You’re on a tight budget and are willing to compromise on a non-laminated display.
• You prefer a more compact and portable design.
• You need a wider range of software customization options.

The Verdict: A Tie!

Both the Huion Kamvas RDS 160 and the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 are excellent drawing tablets that offer impressive features and affordability. While the Huion Kamvas RDS 160 edges out slightly with its laminated display and higher pen reporting rate, the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 remains a solid contender with its compact design and comprehensive software. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

Q1: What’s the difference between a drawing tablet and a monitor?

A drawing tablet is a device that allows you to control a cursor on a computer screen using a pen. It doesn’t have its own display, so you need to use a separate monitor. A drawing monitor, on the other hand, has a built-in display, allowing you to draw directly on the screen.

Q2: Can I use these tablets with my smartphone?

Yes, both tablets are compatible with Android devices via USB-C connection. However, you might need to check if your specific phone model is supported.

Q3: What kind of pen is included with these tablets?

Both tablets come with battery-free pens with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity.

Q4: Do these tablets come with a screen protector?

Yes, both tablets are shipped with a protective film pre-applied to the screen.

Q5: What are the warranty terms for these tablets?

Both Huion and XP-Pen offer a one-year warranty on their drawing tablets.