HUION Kamvas 16 (Gen 3): An artist's experience after 3 weeks

The Huion Kamvas 16 (Gen 3) stands out in the tablet market as a mid-range drawing monitor. This device, which costs around €499, offers impressive specifications that digital artists need. The pen display perfectly combines size, weight, screen resolution, and affordability for creatives of all skill levels.

The device features a 15.8-inch screen with a sharp 2560 x 1440 (2.5K) resolution, providing ample detail for precise artwork. Artists will appreciate the new PenTech 4.0 technology with its 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity. The tablet comes with five programmable quick-access buttons and two small dials. The Huion graphics tablet boasts excellent color accuracy (99% sRGB, 90% Adobe RGB) and a unique control layout, making it a compelling choice in its price range.

In this review, we share the practical experiences of a digital artist after three weeks with this digital drawing tablet, to examine its design, performance, and suitability for different types of creatives.

On the further development of the digital drawing experience

In recent years, the increasing digitization of creative workflows has led to the democratization of professional tools for digital artists, illustrators, and graphic designers. While the market for high-end pen displays was almost exclusively dominated by a single vendor ten years ago, the 16-inch graphics tablet now one of the most fiercely competitive.

The Huion Kamvas 16 (Gen 3) represents a significant leap forward in this development, combining technologies from the "Pro" line in a smaller and more affordable format. This product analysis examines the technological advancements of the third generation in detail, presents them within the context of the current market, and assesses their practical suitability for graphic designers, illustrators, and digital artists based on extensive in-house testing and research.

Huion Kamvas 16 (Gen 3) – Unboxing

The Huion Kamvas 16 (Gen 3) makes a great first impression from the moment you open the box. The packaging shows real attention to detail and contains everything you need to start creating art immediately (provided, of course, that you already have a PC and software).

What is included in the delivery?

Huion has included a generous accessory package with the Kamvas 16 (Gen 3). Here's what you'll find inside:

• The Kamvas 16 (Gen 3) pen display
• PW600L digital pen with PenTech 4.0 technology
• PH06 Pen holder with 10 replacement pen springs
• 3-in-1 cable (1.8 m)
• USB-C to USB-C cable (1 m)
• USB power cable and USB-A extension cable (1.2 m)
• USB power adapter
• Optional ST300 adjustable stand
• Cleaning cloth and artist's glove
• Quick Start Guide

You get several options for connecting your device, which shows how well Huion understands different setup needs. The PW600L stylus offers a nice upgrade with three customizable side buttons, while most competing tablets only offer two.

Transparency note : The Huion model was provided to us free of charge for our product test. This has no impact on the neutrality of our review, and we were not influenced by the manufacturer in our free expression of opinion at any time.

The Huion Kamvas 16 (Gen 3) currently available directly from the manufacturer Huion coupon code “KUNST 10” to receive an additional 10% discount (valid until June 2026).

First impressions of the build quality

Despite its mid-range price, this graphics tablet feels surprisingly high-quality. The solid construction is immediately apparent. Its beveled edges and rounded corners give it a sophisticated look, and the attention to detail is evident in both the corners of the screen glass and the overall design.

The graphics tablet weighs about 2.6 pounds – a good compromise between durability and portability. It fits like a standard sketchbook and feels comfortable whether you're using it on a desk or in your lap. The back has a nice matte texture that provides a good grip, although fingerprints do show up easily.

The 15.8-inch laminate screen features a matte glass surface that effectively reduces glare. The glass feels natural when drawing, although it's smoother than real paper. You'll notice the premium feel of the "etched glass" finish compared to cheaper models with plastic film covers.

Interior design experience

Setting up the Huion graphics tablet requires a bit of work, thanks to a few quirky design choices. You can connect it in two ways: either via a 3-in-1 cable that splits into USB and HDMI, or directly via USB-C to USB-C if your device supports it.

The recessed USB-C ports are somewhat inconvenient, as they only work with the included cables, which are rather short. This limits where you can position the tablet relative to your computer. Some users may need to adjust their computer's BIOS settings for the USB-C display to function correctly.

Mac users should be aware that the 15.8-inch screen with 1440p resolution requires some extra attention. They could use software like BetterDisplay to get the sharpest possible image.

Once you've overcome these initial setup quirks, the display truly shines. With 99% sRGB coverage, the colors look fantastic, ensuring your artwork appears exactly as you intended. The included stand allows you to work at angles between 20° and 50° with six different positions, making it easy to find your perfect drawing angle.

Hardware Design: A Closer Look

The physical characteristics of the Huion Kamvas 16 (Gen 3) play a significant role in its daily use by artists. The tablet's design incorporates intelligent technical choices that can either accelerate or slow down your creative process.

The Huion Kamvas 16 (Gen 3), known internally by the manufacturer as GS1563, is a thorough redesign of the popular 2021 model. Despite its compact dimensions designed for portability, fundamental changes have been made to the internal components and surface finish. It has been designed to fit easily alongside a main monitor on a desk, while also being conveniently carried in a backpack for mobile use.

Size, weight and weight. Terms & Conditions

The Kamvas 16 (Gen 3) is immediately noticeable – it's only 12.62 mm thick. The tablet measures 421.2 x 236.81 mm and weighs just 1.245 kg. With a drawing area of ​​350 x 197 mm (15.8 inches diagonally), you have plenty of space to work, yet the tablet remains compact enough to carry around.

The 16-inch tablet takes up about the same amount of space as a regular laptop. You can easily slip it into most backpacks or laptop bags. Artists who work from different locations or enjoy creating outdoors will love its ease of use. The 16:9 screen is compatible with most computer monitors, so switching between screens feels natural.

Knob and rotary control arrangement

The Huion tablet stands out thanks to its intelligent control system. It features six programmable, silent push buttons and two rotary dials – a departure from most competitors. The controls are positioned along an edge, making them easily accessible for both right- and left-handed users.

The knobs protrude only 2 mm from the edge – enough to be felt without being intrusive. They make a subtle clicking sound when turned, which helps to make precise adjustments without taking your eyes off the artwork.

These controls offer exceptional flexibility. Each dial works with multiple pairs of functions, which you can toggle using the center button. Most artists will set up their dials to adjust brush size, opacity, zoom levels, or rotation, depending on what works best for them. In our tests, for example, we used the top dial for brush size and opacity and the bottom dial for zoom and rotation.

Stand and ergonomics

The tablet comes with a stand. This optional, adjustable ST300 stand makes drawing much more comfortable. You can adjust it to six different angles between 20° and 50°.

The ST300 stand is also easy to transport. It folds down to a thickness of just 11 mm and weighs 557 g. The aluminum alloy surface features non-slip mats to keep everything stable while you work.

The tablet is missing only one small feature – it lacks VESA mounting holes. Professional artists who want to use adjustable arms or other stands might find this somewhat disappointing. But the good news is that both right- and left-handed artists can use the tablet comfortably by adjusting the display to their drawing style.

Drawing experience after 3 weeks

the Huion Kamvas 16 (Gen 3) reveals its true potential. Daily creative tasks put both its hardware and software capabilities to the test, demonstrating in practical use what this tablet is really capable of.

PenTech 4.0 – Pen performance and pressure sensitivity

Huion 's technology a major leap forward with the PW600L pen PenTech 4.0 and offers 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity, doubling the 8,192 levels of older models. Artists will notice the difference in nuanced lines, smooth shading transitions, and fine details.

The pen responds to the lightest touch with just 2g of activation force . This makes it a great way to establish preliminary sketch lines without committing to strong marks. Artists who prefer more resistance can adjust the maximum force in the driver settings from 200g to 500g.

The ±60° tilt support allows you to work just like with real pencils, especially for side shading techniques. The pen feels lighter than premium competitors, but its silicone grip ensures comfort during long drawing sessions.

A common drawback of older models was nib wobble. With the PW600L, Huion has optimized the nib retraction to a maximum of 0.35 mm. This results in a much more stable writing experience. Furthermore, the built-in tilt auto-alignment technology eliminates cursor shift that typically occurs when holding the pen at an angle. This eliminates inaccuracies when drawing from natural hand positions and increases productivity by reducing the need for manual corrections.

Ergonomics and functionality of the digitizer

The PW600L features a dust-resistant silicone grip that ensures a secure hold even during extended use. The three side buttons, which you can customize with shortcuts, are a notable new feature. In practical use, functions like "Undo," "Color Eyedropper," and "Right-Click" can be positioned directly on the pen.

However, it should be noted that the pen does not have a physical eraser at the end, which may require an adjustment in workflow compared to some Wacom or XP-Pen models. Thanks to electromagnetic resonance (EMR) technology, the pen is battery-free and requires no charging.

Display quality and color accuracy

One of the key upgrades of the third generation is the switch from Full HD to QHD resolution . The 15.8-inch screen offers a resolution of 2.5K (2560 × 1440) with a pixel density of 186 PPI on a work area of ​​349.6 x 196.7 mm.

For graphic designers, this increase in pixel density is essential because it improves the sharpness of illustrations and renders the user interfaces of programs like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator with greater detail, freeing up more canvas space for the actual design work. This sweet spot between clarity and performance makes text razor-sharp and keeps interface elements perfectly legible.

This tablet truly shines in terms of color accuracy . The screen reproduces 99% of sRGB and 90% of Adobe RGB. Your screen colors closely match your final outputs. One feature that no graphics professional would want to neglect is factory calibration. And here, every tablet leaves the factory calibrated to ΔE<1.5 [5] – exactly what I love about more expensive models.

This level of accuracy allows artists to design their work so that the colors are accurately reproduced on other calibrated monitors. The values ​​were validated through professional measurements using tools like the Spyder X2 , which in some cases even achieved 100% sRGB color space coverage and brightness levels of up to 240 nits.

These values ​​are ideal for accurate color reproduction in digital media and also provide a solid foundation for print workflows, as the Adobe RGB color space covers large parts of the CMYK printing color space. An IPS panel, combined with the ability to display 16.7 million colors, enables stable viewing angles of 178°, which is particularly advantageous when the tablet is used from different angles.

Canvas Glass 2.0 handles glare exceptionally well. You can work in bright rooms without losing color quality.

Palm detection and screen texture

The matte screen surface feels natural, just like drawing on paper. Canvas Glass 2.0 adheres better than older anti-glare films and minimizes the annoying "grainy" appearance with solid colors.

The palm recognition works reliably. You might initially think you need a drawing glove, but most artists get used to working without one fairly quickly.

The full lamination technology eliminates parallax. Your cursor appears directly under the pen tip, without any offset. This is crucial when working on detailed illustrations that require precise placement.

Silent keys and dual dial controllers

The two mechanical dial controllers stand out prominently on the side of the device. They protrude approximately 2 mm beyond the edge, making them easier to locate by touch and rotate precisely. Each dial can have multiple function pairs, which are switched between using a central button. A visual indicator on the screen informs the user of the currently active function.

Common uses include:

• Continuous zooming is possible in the Canvas view.
• Dynamically adjust brush size or hardness.
• Quickly navigate through layers or video timelines.
• Rotate the work surface to optimize the stroke angle.

In addition to the dials, there are also six "Silent Press Keys ." These keys are designed for quiet operation and feature different tactile patterns on their surface, allowing them to be identified without visual aids. This combination enables highly individualized control, which improves productivity, especially with complex programs.

Driver stability and software compatibility

Driver performance, especially under Windows, is a recurring topic in forums. Newer driver versions (e.g., V15.3) from Huion have improved stability and include features like three-point pressure curve adjustment. Nevertheless, users occasionally report problems after waking from standby mode. These issues can cause the workspace mapping to be lost, often requiring a driver or PC restart.

This tablet works well with all major creative apps. We tested it extensively with Photoshop , Clip Studio Paint , Krita , MediBang , and Affinity Photo .

Pressure sensitivity works well in all tested programs. The Huion tablet software allows you to fine-tune button functions, pressure curves, and working areas. This helps optimize your workflow for specific apps.

Photographers will love how pressure sensitivity helps create precise masks with variable opacity. These natural transitions wouldn't be nearly as smooth with a mouse.

One particular topic the community has discussed concerns the use of the Shift key in Adobe Photoshop. While Wacom drivers interpolate the pressure between two points set with a Shift-click, the Huion driver previously tended to lock in the minimum or maximum pressure. However, recent firmware and driver updates have introduced specific improvements for drawing straight lines with the Shift key.

Connectivity and mobile usage scenarios

The Kamvas 16 (Gen 3) features flexible connectivity options to adapt to the needs of different work environments. Its 3-in-1 port combines HDMI and USB data into a single cable, which is especially useful when older computers lack a USB-C video output. With the included USB extension cable and power adapter, the display always provides reliable power, even when the laptop's USB ports are insufficient.

The full-featured USB-C port is essential for modern setups. Provided the host computer supports USB 3.1 Gen 1 and DisplayPort 1.2, video, data, and power can be transmitted via a single cable. To prevent unwanted connection interruptions, Huion has improved the port's stability.

A surprising detail is the support for Android devices that offer a desktop mode (such as Samsung DeX ). The tablet is therefore a Terms & Conditions for artists who want to create their sketches directly on a smartphone or tablet.

Left-handedness and accessibility

The Kamvas 16 (Gen 3) thankfully features a symmetrical design, making it suitable for both right- and left-handed users. The driver software allows the display to be rotated 180° so that the shortcut keys and dials are on the preferred side.

In this mode, however, the cables must be routed upwards, which can affect their placement on the desk.

What worked well (and what didn't)

Daily use and thorough testing revealed clear patterns regarding the strengths and limitations of the Huion Kamvas 16. Our results are intended to provide an explanation that helps artists to classify this model in terms of performance among digital art tablets of all kinds.

Strengths: PenTech 4.0, laminated screen, customization options

The PenTech 4.0 technology shines as a standout feature of this Huion tablet. The pen delivers remarkable precision with minimal activation force and 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity. Unlike competitors that typically have two buttons, this pen has three customizable buttons.

The fully laminated screen eliminates parallax, providing a natural drawing experience. Users see the cursor directly beneath the pen tip. The etched glass surface feels like paper while maintaining smooth, flowing strokes.

The user-friendly Huion tablet software offers impressive customization options. Artists can do more than just remap buttons. They can adjust pressure curves to their style and configure dual-dial controls

Weaknesses: no touch controls, short cables, no VESA mount

In our opinion, the Huion drawing tablet lacks touch functionality that one would expect to find on tablets in a similar price range. Users have to rely on keyboard shortcuts or rotary dials instead of finger gestures to zoom or rotate canvases. However, this might be a matter of personal preference, as every creative person develops their own workflows over time.

Cable management is somewhat frustrating. The recessed USB-C ports only work with Huion cables, which are only 1-1.8 meters long – too short for most studio setups.

Without VESA mount compatibility, positioning options are also limited. Users must rely on the optional ST300 stand.

How it compares to other digital art tablets

This Huion graphics tablet sits squarely between entry-level and professional options in the digital world. The Kamvas 16 surpasses the Wacom Cintiq 16 with a higher resolution (2.5K compared to Full HD) at a lower cost.

The XP-Pen Artist 16 (2nd generation) matches many of the specifications but lacks the dual-dial controllers that give the Huion tablet a workflow advantage. However, the Kamvas 16 can't compete with the iPad Pro's with apps like Procreate , which offers exceptional touch control.

The Huion tablet offers exceptional added value to beginners and advanced artists by combining professional features with an affordable price.

In the 16-inch display segment, the Kamvas 16 (Gen 3) directly competes with models from XP-Pen and Wacom . Choosing the right device often depends on specific preferences regarding pen technology and the desired aspect ratio.

Huion Kamvas 16 (Gen 3) vs. XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 (Gen 2)

The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 (Gen 2) is among the strongest competitors on the market. Although both tablets have a 2.5K resolution, the XP-Pen uses a 16:10 aspect ratio (2560 x 1600), which creates more space for toolbars vertically.

• Pen performance : The Huion PenTech 4.0 is often praised for its superior line quality, especially for slow diagonal strokes, where competing products sometimes exhibit slight jitter.
• Workflow : While XP-Pen often uses a separate remote control (shortcut remote), Huion integrates the dials and buttons directly into the device. We often found Huion's integrated solution to be more robust and responsive.
• Color gamut : XP-Pen specifies an extremely wide sRGB volume of 159%, which, however, can lead to unnaturally saturated colors without precise calibration. For a more realistic representation, Huion relies on factory calibration with a Delta E < 1.5.

Huion Kamvas 16 (Gen 3) vs. Wacom Cintiq 16

Wacom remains the industry standard, as evidenced primarily by the stability of its drivers. However, the standard Cintiq 16 (2025 version or older) is technologically less advanced in some aspects.

• Display technology is significantly less sharp compared to the QHD resolution of the Huion
• Lamination and glass : This is not the case with many standard Cintiq models; they are not fully laminated and use an anti-reflective film instead of etched glass. The result is noticeable parallax and reduced scratch resistance compared to the Kamvas 16 (Gen 3).
• Price-performance ratio : The Kamvas 16 (Gen 3) comes with newer hardware features and a significantly more attractive price, while with Wacom pay for the brand name and established support.

Expert-approved application scenarios

The suitability of a graphics tablet only becomes apparent when considered in a specific application context. Thanks to our expertise and experience with various workflows, we can outline clear profiles for using the Kamvas 16 (Gen 3).

Digital illustration and concept art

Illustrators need to be mindful the PenTech 4.0 Clip Studio Paint or Rebelle 7 allow for highly controlled brushstrokes that respond instantly to the slightest touch. The optional felt nibs (PN06F) increase friction on the canvas glass, mimicking the feel of markers or pencils on paper, which is particularly appreciated by more traditionally oriented artists.

Precise tilt detection (60°) is essential for shading techniques. Thanks to the 2.5K resolution, fine textures and details of the illustration are visible without constant zooming, which lessens the disruption to the creative flow.

Graphic design and typography

In classic graphic design (Adobe Illustrator, InDesign), color accuracy and dial controllers are the greatest advantages. A 90% coverage of Adobe RGB colors is acceptable for designers working for both web and print because it allows for a reliable preview of the CMYK color space.

The dials are invaluable when working with paths: one dial is for smooth zooming, while the other rotates the workspace to allow for curves at a natural hand angle. Thanks to the high pixel density, even small fonts and vector edges are rendered sharply, making it easier to assess kerning and line weights.

Photo retouching and post-production

Factory calibration and a stable contrast ratio are advantages for photographers. In Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop, precise pen input allows for local adjustments that are impossible with a mouse. Positioning the tablet flat next to the keyboard offers an ergonomic advantage: while retouching on the Kamvas, the main monitor can be used for a large-scale overview of the entire image.

Target audience: Who should buy the Huion Kamvas 16?

The right audience for a digital art tablet makes all the difference in purchasing decisions. The Huion Kamvas 16 works differently for different user groups, depending on their needs and expectations.

Excellent choice for students and hobbyists

Students and hobbyists will love the Huion drawing tablet's exceptional value for money. It combines affordability with professional features. The 16-inch screen provides ample space to unleash creativity without overwhelming new users.

New digital artists will appreciate the user-friendly interface and quick setup process. Traditional artists can quickly adapt to this Huion tablet thanks to its paper-like texture and simple controls.

Is it good enough for professionals?

Professional artists seeking affordable alternatives to premium brands will find the Huion pen tablet quite capable. It offers all the necessary features for professional artwork, especially when paired with a keyboard for additional shortcuts. The laminated screen with minimal parallax allows for the precise stroke placement required for commercial projects.

A considerable number of professional artists have already switched from more expensive competitors to Huion and, in the majority of cases, have noticed hardly any difference in performance despite the enormous cost savings.

When should you consider other Huion graphics tablets?

Artists with limited desk space might find the more compact Kamvas 13 a better fit. However, many users on Reddit and online forums complain that the 13-inch screen seems too small for complex projects. Artists who need more space for detailed illustrations should consider Huion's larger models.

Users seeking maximum durability may prefer models with aluminum backs for enhanced protection. iPad owners should experiment with digital art on their existing device before purchasing a dedicated Huion graphics tablet.

conclusion

The Huion Kamvas 16 (Gen 3), priced at $499, proves to be a remarkable mid-range drawing pen display. I've been using it almost daily for three weeks now. The tablet's main value lies in its crisp 2.5K screen, PenTech 4.0 technology with 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity, and innovative dual-dial controls. This creates a drawing experience that rivals more expensive competitors.

The fully laminated display with minimal parallax is one of this tablet's best features. Artists can work with great precision on detailed illustrations. The etched glass surface perfectly combines smoothness and texture. Its compact yet functional size makes it ideal for studio setups and on-the-go use.

However, the tablet also has drawbacks that need to be considered. Users might find the lack of touch controls limiting. Cable options are restricted, and there is no VESA mount. Furthermore, while the optional stand works well, it doesn't offer as many positioning options as artists might desire.

Students and hobbyists will love how this tablet delivers beyond its price range. It opens doors to serious digital art without emptying your wallet. Professional artists looking for alternatives to expensive tablets can create commercial-quality work with minimal compromises.

The true value of the Huion Kamvas 16 depends on your needs. Most digital artists will appreciate its balance of performance, quality, and affordability across many creative projects. While not perfect, its strengths far outweigh its limitations. This makes it a solid investment for anyone serious about digital art but working with a limited budget.

Key findings at a glance

After three weeks of real-world testing, here is a clear summary of the most important findings about the HUION Kamvas 16:

• Exceptional value for money at $499 – offering 2.5K resolution, 16,384 pressure levels and professional features usually found in much more expensive tablets.
• The PenTech 4.0 pen is a standout feature of this model – an extremely low activation force of 2 g and three customizable buttons ensure a precise, natural drawing experience.
• Dual dial controllers enhance workflow – a unique feature allows for quick adjustments of brush size, opacity, and canvas control without interrupting the creative flow.
• Perfect for students and hobbyists – offers professional features at an affordable price for beginners getting into digital art
• Cable limitations can be frustrating – short, proprietary cables and recessed connectors restrict setup flexibility and may require adjustments to the workspace.

The Kamvas 16 proves that top-notch drawing experiences don't require top-notch prices, making professional digital art accessible to creatives at all levels while delivering real added value that justifies the investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I expect a Huion Kamvas 16 to last?

With proper care and regular use, a Huion Kamvas 16 can last for several years. Many artists report using their tablets for 3-5 years without any significant problems, although individual experiences may vary depending on usage and handling.

Is the Huion Kamvas 16 suitable for professional artists?

Yes, the Huion Kamvas 16 is suitable for professional work. Its 2.5K resolution, PenTech 4.0 technology, and customizable features make it a viable option for professionals seeking a cost-effective alternative to more expensive brands.

How does the Huion Kamvas 16 compare to other tablets in its price range?

The Huion Kamvas 16 offers excellent value for money, with a higher resolution (2.5K) than some competitors and unique dual-dial controllers. It provides a drawing experience comparable to more expensive tablets, making it a strong contender in its price range.

What are the outstanding features of the Huion Kamvas 16?

Key features include the PenTech 4.0 pen with 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity, a fully laminated 2.5K resolution display, dual dial controllers for more efficient workflows, and a textured drawing surface that mimics paper.

Are there any significant disadvantages to the Huion Kamvas 16?

Although generally well-received, some users point out limitations such as the lack of touch controls, short proprietary cables, and no VESA mount compatibility. However, these drawbacks are often considered minor compared to the tablet's overall performance and value.

Transparency note

For our product test, the Huion model was provided to us free of charge. This has no impact on the neutrality of our review, and we were not influenced by the manufacturer in our free expression of opinion at any time.

The Huion Kamvas 16 (Gen 3) currently available directly from the manufacturer Huion coupon code “KUNST 10” to receive an additional 10% discount (valid until June 2026).