XPPen X4 Smart Chip Stylus

Overview

The XPPen X4 Smart Chip Stylus (model PD52A) is the fourth-generation EMR pen that XPPen introduced in October 2025 alongside the Artist 12 3rd, and it is also the pen bundled with the Artist 16 3rd in 2026. It doubles pressure sensitivity to 16,384 levels, drops the initial activation force to 2 g, and shortens initial response to 30 ms while tightening centre accuracy to ±0.2 mm, all handled by the new X4 chip rather than the host display. The 12.4 g barrel carries two programmable side buttons and no eraser, and it attaches magnetically to the top of the Artist 12 3rd for storage. As with every XPPen EMR pen it is battery-free, so there is no charging routine, and it is sold on its own for $49.99 in the US or €45.99 in Europe with ten spare nibs and a nib clip.

✨ Key Highlights

• 16,384 pressure levels, double the 8,192 of the outgoing X3 smart chip pen, with a 2 g initial activation force that lets the pen draw on its own weight
• 30 ms initial response time and 0.3 mm tip travel, which the maker rates 50 percent faster and far steadier than the X3 pen, cutting nib wobble on fine lines
• First magnetic stylus in XPPen's pen display line: it snaps onto the top edge of the Artist 12 3rd for storage instead of rolling off the desk
• Battery-free EMR design: no charging, no pairing, no Bluetooth dropouts, so the pen is always ready when the display is on
• Bullet-shaped tip with ±0.2 mm centre accuracy and 60 degree tilt for natural shading, backed by a 10 mm reading height for hover positioning