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XPPen Magic Notice Pad: Two-minute assessment
The XPPen Magic Notice Pad goals to ship the perfect of each worlds – a digital writing pad that’s simple on the eyes whereas additionally functioning as a real productiveness pill operating Android 14. It claims to be the primary of its variety, being a digital word pad with an X-Paper show that includes three modes: Ink Paper, Coloration Paper and Common.
Whereas different manufacturers have supplied related performance (like TCL‘s Nxtpaper collection), I feel XPPen’s first foray into writing tablets is a house run. From the second I unboxed and powered it on, I used to be hooked to its paper-like coloration pill. Whereas it is perhaps a notepad first, my preliminary obtain was the Kindle app and my favourite comics had been its first take a look at.
I’ve had loads of expertise studying on tablets earlier than, from low-cost Android ones to an iPad Professional, and whereas the expertise is ok, it may possibly get tiring on the eyes after some time. With this pill – which occurs to make use of TCL’s Nxtpaper display screen expertise – you should utilize the Common show mode, which I discovered much less harsh than different LCD shows, you possibly can simply change to paint ink at a second’s discover. In fact, the colours aren’t as vibrant when switching due to the filters on the display screen, they’re rather a lot higher than when utilizing a coloration ereader just like the Kobo Libra Colour or the Kindle Colorsoft.
This pill sports activities a ten.95-inch show, providing what I feel is the candy spot by way of portability for a digital slate, however including within the additional dimensions of the chassis itself makes it a cumbersome gadget to carry in a single hand.
Nonetheless, utilizing each mitts, or resting it in your lap whereas cradling it with one hand is a small worth to pay for the sensible and versatile studying expertise, though XPPen is eager to let you know that this can be a secondary use case. It needs to be a writing pill first.
And that is the place it is caught me hook, line and sinker as a result of now I do not ever neglect to hold a notepad after I must jot one thing down and I do not lose the pen I must do stated writing.
The X3 Professional Pencil 2, which ships within the field, sticks to the pill by way of a powerful magnet, stronger than any writing e-paper pill I’ve seen.
Whereas the industry-leading 16,384 stress ranges might sound an pointless gimmick in what’s predominantly a writing pill – 8,000 is agreed to be sufficient even for artists – there is not any doubting its very good writing expertise with tender nibs. There’s even a useful shortcut button on the stylus that may open the native notes app when the pill is sleeping, or it may possibly take a screenshot whenever you’re studying one thing, then promptly take you to the notes app for marking up the picture it simply took.
Writing and drawing really feel easy, even with mild stress. It might not completely replicate the texture of pen on paper, nevertheless it comes very shut and affords a unique, equally satisfying expertise.
I am not a lot of an artist, however given how simple it’s to put in writing from even significantly tilted angles, and the way exact the Pencil is, this pill is definitely one which artists not solely may contemplate, however ought to.
It isn’t only a writing, drawing and studying machine both. The three-in-1 versatility of this pill means it is a viable choice for watching your favourite content material on the best streaming services, too. It isn’t the best viewing expertise, given the lamination on the display screen and the 1920 x 1200 decision of this gadget, however I nonetheless discovered it simple to look at, even in vivid ambient circumstances. It isn’t the primary purpose to purchase this pill, however by way of added versatility, it is laborious to beat.
Additional, the XPPen Magic Notice Pad goals to spice up effectivity in each work and artistic expression. That is why this pill features a 13MP entrance digital camera and twin microphones that guarantee you possibly can simply pop into any assembly or on-line class. Plus, with multi-window show help, you possibly can write notes and video chat on the similar time.
Simply 7mm thick and weighing 495g, the XPPen Magic Notice Pad is extremely simple to suit into any bag, even with the included magnet folio that will increase its dimension significantly. And, compared to different writing tablets, it is properly priced.
XPPen Magic Notice Pad assessment: Value and availability
- Launched globally on March 19, 2025
- Checklist worth of $439.99 / £399.99 / AU$629.99
- Out there instantly from XPPen and will likely be bought by way of licensed retailers
The XPPen Magic Notice Pad launched in the UK, United States, and Australia on March 19, 2025 with a launch worth of $439.99 / £399.99 / AU$629.99. On the time of writing, it looks as if UK prospects are getting short-changed as that £400 price ticket is about $520 / AU$815 on the present conversion price.
Nonetheless, I feel it is competitively priced for what it affords and potential US patrons will profit from an extra 10% early-bird low cost, bringing the worth down to simply $395.99 at launch.
To place that worth into perspective, e-paper writing tablets just like the Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024) and Onyx Boox Go 10.3 will even set you again $399.99 / £379.99 / AU$649 and $379.99 / €419.99 (about £355) / AU$699 respectively, however you will not get the versatile display screen on supply on the XPPen. Investing in a funds Android pill would possibly prevent cash, however you may lose out on the writing and sketching options out there natively right here.
XPPen Magic Notice Pad assessment: Specs
|
Dimensions |
182 x 259 x 7mm |
|
Weight |
495g |
|
Show |
10.95-inch (1920 x 1200) |
|
Storage |
128GB |
|
RAM |
6GB |
|
Processor |
Mediatek MT8781 |
|
OS |
Android 14 |
|
Cameras |
13MP (entrance) |
|
Strain ranges |
16,384 (3g activation drive) |
XPPen Magic Notice Pad assessment: Show
- 10.95-inch X-Paper show
- 1920 x 1200 decision and 90Hz refresh price
- Low blue mild
It is uncommon to discover a product that feels distinctive in a really crowded tech market, however the Magic Notice Pad’s coloration show does. Admittedly it isn’t the primary of its variety – we noticed the tech in our TCL Nxtpaper 10s review – however it’s the first such gadget to supply three display screen modes: Ink paper, coloration paper and commonplace pill modes.
The pill comes with TÜV SÜD certifications for low blue mild and paper-like show requirements, and contains a respectable 1920 x 1200 decision with a not too shabby 90Hz refresh price.
Whereas the Magic Notice Pad goals to be a flexible gadget, its core power lies in writing and XPPen has completed a improbable job optimizing the display screen for that principal function. I completely loved writing on this pill, jotting down a to-do listing, taking notes throughout a documentary, or brainstorming article concepts. The included X3 Professional Pencil 2 delivers an extremely responsive and fluid really feel, with even mimics the noise of a pen on paper.
The 90Hz refresh price ensures minimal latency, making handwriting seem nearly instantaneously on the display screen. With 16,384 stress ranges – properly past the 8,000 ranges thought-about adequate for many digital artists – the stylus permits for a variety of strokes, from mild scribbles to heavy, daring strains.
Writing stays easy throughout all show modes, although the viewing exprience modifications considerably. The XPPen Magic Notice Pad features a Studying Mode designed to cut back eye pressure, however I discovered this characteristic to have minimal impression because the pill’s lamination (aka filters) already improves readability.
The paper modes are finest for studying, although not fairly on par with the best ereaders. For instance, my Onyx Boox Page actually mimics paper, whereas the XPPen Magic Notice Pad nonetheless seems like a pill that is imitating an ereader as it is a modified LCD show and never an E Ink display screen, however the black-and-white Ink Paper mode comes near the ereader impact.
The colour-paper and commonplace modes shine when studying comics or different image-heavy content material. The colour-paper mode is much less saturated, making it simpler on the eyes over lengthy intervals and the usual mode delivers vibrant, detailed colours you’d anticipate from a standard pill.
The show additionally handles video playback properly. The attention-protecting display screen lamination barely impacts viewing angles, however this has little impression on on a regular basis use. Watching content material starting from Avengers: Endgame to Daredevil: Born Once more, Moana 2 and Dune, I discovered the visuals spectacular. The show doesn’t ship deep blacks, however that’s anticipated given its nature.
Picture 1 of 5
It will not be used typically by most individuals, however the paper-like modes do help video playback. Whereas unconventional, I discovered the color-paper mode supplied an distinctive and unexpectedly pleasurable expertise whereas watching Invincible – although it took a while to regulate.
With wonderful writing responsiveness, resistance to unintended touches, and pleasurable studying and viewing experiences, the one drawbacks within the show are anticipated of a tool with this sort of display screen expertise. The XPPen Magic Notice Pad stands out as a compelling selection for writers, artists, and informal readers alike, providing an excellent writing show with stable versatility.
XPPen Magic Notice Pad assessment: Design
- Ships with the X3 Professional Pencil 2
- No rear digital camera bump (flat again)
- Simply moveable
At first look, the XPPen Magic Notice Pad doesn’t stand out. Certain, it’s a nice-looking gadget, however there’s nothing notably putting about it.
That stated, XPPen highlights its 7mm thickness – or thinness – however a number of tablets available on the market are slimmer, together with the 13-inch iPad Pro at simply over 5mm. Maybe what makes it really feel so skinny is the absence of a rear digital camera bump (or any rear digital camera in anyway), creating an exceptionally flat floor made for writing on.
And, whereas the entrance and sides characteristic modern, metallic silver bezels, the again panel is a letdown. The matte white materials feels low-cost in comparison with the remainder of the design.
The gadget has a USB-C charging port on the backside alongside stereo audio system, whereas all of the buttons are positioned on the top-right. The amount buttons sit on the suitable aspect, with the facility button and Nxt Paper Mode button – used for show mode choices – on high.
The actual star right here is the X3 Professional Pencil 2, and it is a pleasure to make use of. Powered by the X3 Professional sensible chip, it requires no charging or Bluetooth pairing – able to go straight out of the field. Its magnetic attachment is impressively sturdy too; there have been a couple of unintended knocks that I assumed would ship it flying, but it remained securely in place.
I’ll dive deeper into the pen’s efficiency within the software program part, however as a bodily software, it’s improbable. Light-weight, comfy to carry and geared up with gel pen-inspired tender nibs, it gives a wonderful writing expertise. And it has some bodily controls of its personal
Within the XPPen Notes app, the pencil’s down key – used for shortcuts exterior the app – features as an eraser. Positioned proper the place my thumb naturally rests, I ceaselessly pressed it by chance. Luckily, the eraser solely removes what the pen has touched on-screen, so I by no means misplaced vital work. Nonetheless, when targeted on taking notes, it turned a substantial frustration, though it was simple to keep away from as soon as I used to be conscious of it.
All stated and completed, whereas the Magic Notice Pad may not have tickled my fancy from a design perspective, it does look nicer than some premium e-paper writing tablets (I am taking a look at you, Kobo Elipsa 2E) and I can wax lyrical concerning the stylus as a result of it is among the best I’ve used on a digital show.
XPPen Magic Notice Pad assessment: Software program
- Runs Android 14
- Minimal bloatware
- Time-saving shortcuts
Working Android 14, the XPPen Magic Notice Pad will really feel acquainted to anybody who has used Android gadgets prior to now. Probably the most putting factor upon booting it up although, was the minimal quantity of natively out there purposes, one thing I completely admire after coming off doing the Poco F6 Pro review.
The one apps I’d contemplate bloatware are Fb, Reserving.com and Adobe Acrobat. In any other case, all that is downloaded is the Google suite of apps, YouTube (Music and Children), WPS Workplace, Google Play Store and obligatory apps like Settings and Digicam.
Opening up the settings, you possibly can change the wallpaper in addition to the colours of icons, textual content and backgrounds. You may as well edit the lock-screen shortcuts.
The true customization is much less about aesthetics, and extra about how you want to make use of the pill. On high of the three show modes – Common, Coloration Paper and Ink Paper – you can even improve the Common mode with picture, video and recreation enhancement, in addition to studying, eye consolation and daylight show modes.
One of many issues I actually favored was the flexibility to carry the down key on the stylus and rapidly faucet the sleeping display screen to instantly open the XPPen Notes app. It is a small gesture, nevertheless it was significantly quicker than the choice.
Picture 1 of 3
Holding the down key and tapping the display screen can even create a screenshot of no matter you’re studying, then instantly open it up within the notes app so that you can doodle on or mark up. You may change this button’s operate to return, go to the house display screen, recents or the shortcut panel. I additionally discovered the flexibility to screenshot by swiping down on the display screen with three fingers useful versus urgent the facility and quantity buttons concurrently.
Additionally price noting is the shortcut panel which will be hidden or left floating on-screen. Inside, you possibly can rapidly open notes, display screen file, write an e-signature, make a handwritten GIF and extra.
The XPPen Notes app deserves its personal particular point out, too. The custom-designed utility has greater than sufficient instruments for any writing state of affairs, from a 15 second purge of your ideas to a devoted listing of lecture notes with dozens of codecs throughout seven classes. You may even add your personal pictures from the Gallery or by way of PDF.
With three pen varieties – fountain, ballpoint and pencil – an eraser and highlighter, you are able to do a heck of rather a lot throughout the native notes app however, because it runs Android 14, you possibly can obtain your most well-liked utility (like OneNote) if you want. Personally, I discovered no want for every other.
Picture 1 of 5
There is a built-in AI assistant that may reply questions and skim your doc, in addition to instantly convert your messy handwriting into textual content for a extra orderly listing of notes. I discovered the handwriting-to-text conversion inconsistent, nevertheless it often acquired the gist of what I used to be writing – and my handwriting is messier than most.
Clear, simple to traverse and providing personalization that ranges from the quirky to noticeably productive, the XPPen Magic Notice Pad is a pleasure to make use of. I might suggest studying the consumer guide although, as I discovered it fairly difficult to determine all the probabilities supplied by the pill and its stylus.
XPPen Magic Notice Pad: Cameras and audio
- 13MP entrance digital camera, however no rear lens
- Twin audio system and mics
Admittedly the Magic Notice Pad wasn’t determined to take images, nevertheless it does have a 13MP front-facing digital camera for video calls (and the odd selfie possibly). With a target market of execs and college students who a flexible digital notepad, that is greater than sufficient to fulfill the same old wants.
Certain, a rear digital camera can be good, it might even be close to unimaginable to put in writing on – so the 13MP entrance digital camera is simply effective for getting via on-line uni lessons and your weekly 9am staff assembly. The digital camera high quality is obvious, and the twin audio system and precision microphones made sure I may each clearly hear and be heard on the uncommon event after I wasn’t utilizing headphones.
And, whereas I would like to have used headphones in most eventualities, the twin audio system carried out greater than adequately when watching content material.
It will not be competing for any prizes within the digital camera and audio class, nevertheless it wasn’t designed to both.
XPPen Magic Notice Pad assessment: Efficiency
- MediaTek MT8781
- Struggles with heavy hundreds
- Easy common day by day use
The XPPen is just not going to switch your laptop computer and deal with your complete workload, nevertheless it’s a lot highly effective for what it goals to do.
Powered by the MediaTek MT8781 8-core processor, the Magic Notice Pad was quick and easy after I indulged in some mild gaming, watched YouTube movies, wrote notes, studying or did a number of of them concurrently when in a video name. It did battle just a little when it was multitasking, nevertheless it’s not an iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab S collection to take a complete lotta load.
Within the 3D Mark Wildlife take a look at, which checks graphic efficiency, the XPPen Magic Notice Pad scored 1244 at 7.45fps. For reference, the Lenovo Yoga Tab 11 and Alldocube iPlay 50 Professional, two low-cost tablets, in addition to the Huawei MatePad Paper, boast larger scores.
I used the Geekbench 6.2.2 benchmark to check the Magic Notice Pads CPU efficiency for on a regular basis duties, and XPPen’s newest pill scored 728 (single-core) and 1949 (multi-core). These scores place it properly behind even a pill just like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 (1,198 / 3200).
Nonetheless, I did not really feel any efficiency points in my time with the XPPen Magic Notice Pad, and throughout writing, studying, watching and calling, you are not more likely to. This XPPen pill runs a number of apps with ease and allows you to seamlessly write notes whereas on a name or watching a video, nailing the whole lot a writing-focused productiveness pill ought to at this worth vary, however there are definitely related, extra highly effective gadgets available on the market.
XPPen Magic Notice Pad assessment: Battery
- 20W charging
- 21% cost in half-hour
- 9+ hours video playback at excessive brightness
Boasting an 8,000mAh battery, the XPPen Magic Notice Pad has a better battery capability than another tablets, just like the 2021 iPad and ReMarkable 2, which has solely a 3,000mAh battery. It is definitely not massive for a pill although, with big-screen gadgets just like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 boasting capacities that far exceed 10,000mAh.
After watching Avengers: Endgame and Deadpool & Wolverine back-to-back at 83% brightness – that is nearly 5.5 hours – the XPPen Magic Notice Pad was nonetheless at a really wholesome 40% battery. Meaning you may see at least 9 hours of screentime earlier than it faucets out, and lots greater than that when simply studying or writing on a decrease brightness.
The truth is, XPPen states that you will get as a lot as one week of utilization out of the Magic Notice Pad with a day by day utilization of three hours at 50% brightness. In my expertise, studying on the best way to work, making a couple of notes all through the day and even hopping into a fast on-line assembly or watching some YouTube, that approximation appears about proper.
I additionally discovered that battery consumption is completely different relying on which show mode you are in and the exercise being carried out. Whilst you would possibly assume the paper modes require much less battery, I discovered that wasn’t the case. It is laborious to nail down the distinction, however for instance, one hour of video in Ink Paper Mode used 13%, in comparison with the 8% in Common Mode.
Whether or not or not it lasts every week with out charging is not actually the sticking level, although. As a piece and study-focused pill, it wants to have the ability to final the six to 10-hour days at work or college when it is wanted. And, whereas battery drain will rely upon what actions it is used for, it should not have any challenge doing so.
In case you are planning on being a heavy consumer of this pill although, draining the battery every day and requiring common charging, you may wish to accomplish that in a single day. From lifeless, the gadget expenses simply 3% in 5 minutes, sitting on 21% after half-hour – placing a full cost at round 2.5 hours.
Ought to I purchase the XPPen Magic Notice Pad?
|
Attributes |
Notes |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Worth |
The XPPen Magic Notice Pad is an costly gadget, however as a daily pill, ereader and digital word pad multi functional, it affords very good worth. |
4 / 5 |
|
Show |
Relying on what your wants are from a pill, there are a number of drawbacks on this show. Nonetheless, as a jack-of-all-trades, its 3-in-1 X-Paper show nails it throughout the board. |
5 / 5 |
|
Design |
Skinny and lightweight, the Magic Notice Pad will get the necessary issues proper. Nonetheless, a cheap-looking again cowl, massive Pencil bench and display screen border are price noting. |
4 / 5 |
|
Software program |
Working Android 14 with minimal bloatware, a wonderful notes app and a ton of useful shortcuts, gestures and settings, there’s not a lot to dislike on the software program entrance. |
4.5 / 5 |
|
Cameras |
You will not be taking breathtaking images or dragging it on a hike for a photograph on the peak, however for video calls and the uncommon selfie it is greater than passable. |
3 / 5 |
|
Efficiency |
In comparison with common tablets, the Magic Notice Pad may very well be seen as weak. It isn’t a daily pill although, and for writing, studying, watching and just a little work, it is as much as the duty. |
4 / 5 |
|
Battery |
The XPPen Magic Notice Pad’s battery is nothing greater than passable on this area, nevertheless it ought to each final lengthy sufficient and cost quick sufficient to maintain most customers comfortable. |
3.5 / 5 |
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
XPPen Magic Notice Pad assessment: Additionally contemplate
| Header Cell – Column 0 |
XPPen Magic Notice Pad |
ReMarkable 2 |
XPPen Magic Drawing Pad |
Apple iPad 10.2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Value |
$439.99 / £399.99 / AU$629.99 |
$399 / £399 / AU$679 |
$499.99 / £539.99 / AU$799.99 |
$329 / £319 / AU$499 |
|
Dimensions |
182 x 259 x 7mm |
188 x 246 x 4.7 mm |
279 x 192 x 6.9mm |
250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5mm |
|
Weight |
495g |
403.5 |
599g |
487g |
|
Show |
10.95-inches |
10.3-inches |
12-inches |
10.2-inches |
|
Storage |
128GB |
8GB |
256GB |
64/256GB |
|
RAM |
6GB |
1GB |
8GB |
3GB |
|
Battery |
8,000mAh |
3,000mAh |
8,000mAh |
8557mAh (estimated) |
|
Cameras |
13MP (entrance) |
– |
13MP (rear), 8MP (entrance) |
8MP (rear), 12MP (entrance) |
How I examined the XPPen Magic Notice Pad
- Overview take a look at interval = Two Weeks
- Testing included = Common day by day use, writing, studying and watching content material, video calls
- Instruments used = 3D Mark, Geekbench 6.2.2, built-in Android instruments
The XPPen Magic Notice Pad was my new finest buddy for 2 weeks, coming with me all over the place I went. From making notes within the morning and studying on the best way to work to watching YouTube whereas working and becoming a member of on-line conferences with it, it was an important addition to my day by day life.
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To check it, I purposefully ran a number of apps throughout work conferences, multitasking and scribbling gibberish (and precise notes) through the assembly. I ran motion pictures for hours on finish and performed cellular video games like Conflict Royale, Marvel Snap and Hearthstone.
I additionally used the 3D Mark Wildlife and Geekbench benchmarks to place a quantity to how the pill was performing, and the way it in comparison with different tablets available on the market. I did all this whereas conserving in thoughts that this pill is priced very pretty, aiming to assist college students and employees with productiveness.
[First reviewed March 2025]