Blog

The Ugee UG-2150 22-inch Pen Display offers a unique option for individuals interested in photo editing and digital art. While monitors are not typically the focus of reviews, this pen display caught attention due to its affordability and functionality, especially for those engaged in creative endeavors.

Ugee, a Chinese company, produces the UG-2150 model, a 22-inch pen display that competes with higher-priced alternatives like the Wacom Cintiq 22 HD. Remarkably, the UG-2150 is available on Amazon for approximately $609, making it an incredibly budget-friendly option for a pen digitizer and a full HD monitor. Furthermore, purchasing from platforms like Gearbest offers even greater savings, with prices hovering around $400.

Several similar products from Chinese companies exist in the market, such as the Huion GT 220, XP Pen, and Yinova, but the Ugee UG-2150 stands out for its functional drivers, making it a viable option for creative professionals. While the drivers may not match the sophistication of Wacom’s, they offer sufficient functionality with a bit of patience and technical know-how.

Design-wise, the UG-2150 features a sleek black exterior with a glossy display. Despite the glossy finish, the display manages to avoid excessive glare, providing a comfortable viewing experience. With a resolution of 1920 by 1080 Full HD, it may not offer the higher resolutions found in more expensive options, but it provides ample clarity for most creative tasks.

One notable absence is touch functionality, which some users may miss. However, this also eliminates concerns about palm rejection, although it means the display may pick up hand smudges more easily. To mitigate this, some monitors come with an art glove, although users can also repurpose gloves by cutting off the fingers to achieve a similar effect.

Controls for the UG-2150 are conveniently located on the bottom, resembling those of a traditional monitor. The included stand, a departure from Wacom’s approach of selling stands separately, is both functional and sturdy. Users have the option to remove the stand and use a VESA mount instead, providing flexibility in setup.

Port selection is generous, with options for DVI, HDMI, and VGA, ensuring compatibility with various devices. However, there are no built-in speakers, and audio is not transmitted over HDMI, so users will need separate speakers or headphones for audio output.

The pen included with the UG-2150 features two buttons and offers 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing for precise control and nuanced strokes. While it lacks tilt and rotation functionality, which are typically found in higher-end models, it still provides a satisfactory drawing experience.

Display quality is adequate for most creative tasks, with decent brightness and color gamut coverage. However, contrast levels are somewhat lacking, resulting in less vibrant colors and poorer black levels compared to higher-end displays. This limitation may not pose a significant issue for line art or comics but could be problematic for tasks requiring precise color accuracy.

In terms of performance, the UG-2150 offers smooth pen tracking with minimal jitter, making it suitable for drawing and painting. While there may be some minor parallax due to the glass thickness over the digitizer, it is generally manageable and does not detract significantly from the drawing experience.

Overall, the Ugee UG-2150 22-inch Pen Display presents an appealing option for hobbyists and aspiring artists looking to explore digital art without breaking the bank. While it may not match the quality and features of higher-priced alternatives, its affordability and functionality make it a compelling choice for creative individuals on a budget.

Here’s an extensive list of pros and cons for the Ugee UG-2150 22-inch Pen Display:

Pros:

1. Affordability: The Ugee UG-2150 offers a budget-friendly option for individuals interested in digital art or photo editing, providing similar functionality to higher-priced alternatives at a fraction of the cost.
2. Large Display: With a spacious 22-inch screen, the UG-2150 provides ample space for creative work, allowing for detailed and intricate designs without feeling cramped.
3. Pen Digitizer: The included pen digitizer allows for precise and accurate input, making it suitable for drawing, painting, and graphic design tasks.
4. Full HD Resolution: Despite its affordability, the UG-2150 boasts a Full HD resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels, delivering crisp and clear images for enhanced visual clarity.
5. Functional Drivers: While not as sophisticated as those of higher-end brands, the Ugee drivers offer sufficient functionality for most creative tasks, providing customization options and settings adjustments.
6. Sturdy Stand: The included stand is well-built and sturdy, providing stability and support for the display during use. Additionally, it offers adjustable angles for optimal viewing comfort.
7. Generous Port Selection: The UG-2150 features a variety of ports, including DVI, HDMI, and VGA, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices, such as laptops, desktops, and gaming consoles.
8. Pen Pressure Sensitivity: With 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity, the pen allows for precise control and nuanced strokes, facilitating natural and fluid drawing and painting experiences.
9. Minimal Parallax: While some minor parallax may be present due to the glass thickness over the digitizer, it is generally manageable and does not significantly detract from the overall drawing experience.
10. Compatibility: The UG-2150 is compatible with a wide range of software applications, including popular digital art programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, and more, ensuring seamless integration into existing workflows.

Cons:

1. Limited Color Accuracy: The UG-2150 may exhibit limitations in color accuracy and vibrancy compared to higher-end displays, resulting in less vibrant colors and poorer black levels, which may not be suitable for tasks requiring precise color reproduction.
2. Glossy Display: The glossy display surface may be prone to glare and reflections, particularly in brightly lit environments, which can be distracting and affect the overall viewing experience.
3. No Touch Functionality: Unlike some higher-priced alternatives, the UG-2150 does not feature touch functionality, which may be a drawback for users accustomed to touchscreen interfaces or those who prefer the convenience of touch input.
4. Lack of Tilt and Rotation: The pen does not support tilt or rotation functionality, which may limit its versatility for certain drawing techniques or styles that rely on these features for creative expression.
5. Average Contrast Levels: While adequate for most creative tasks, the UG-2150 may suffer from average contrast levels, resulting in less dramatic contrasts and shadows compared to displays with higher contrast ratios.
6. Potential Driver Issues: While the Ugee drivers offer sufficient functionality for most users, some individuals may encounter compatibility issues or technical difficulties, particularly when using the display with certain software applications or operating systems.
7. Pen Charging Requirement: The pen requires periodic charging via USB, which may be inconvenient for users who prefer battery-free stylus options or who forget to recharge the pen regularly, leading to interruptions in creative workflows.
8. Limited Warranty and Support: Ugee’s customer support and warranty coverage may not be as extensive or reliable as those offered by larger brands like Wacom, potentially leaving users with limited recourse in the event of product defects or malfunctions.
9. Suboptimal Out-of-the-Box Settings: Some users may find that the default settings for the UG-2150, such as brightness, contrast, and color temperature, are not optimized for their specific needs or preferences, requiring manual adjustments to achieve satisfactory results.
10. Potential Durability Concerns: While the UG-2150 offers a compelling combination of affordability and functionality, some users may question its long-term durability and build quality compared to more expensive alternatives, particularly given its budget-friendly price point.

Overall, the Ugee UG-2150 22-inch Pen Display offers a cost-effective option for individuals seeking to explore digital art or photo editing without investing in higher-priced equipment. While it may not match the quality and features of premium brands like Wacom, its affordability and functionality make it a viable choice for hobbyists, students, and budget-conscious professionals alike.