Key points
- Both the Artist 12 2nd Generation and the Star G960S Plus boast sleek and modern designs, offering a comfortable and ergonomic drawing experience.
- The Star G960S Plus, on the other hand, features a built-in LCD display, providing a more immersive and convenient drawing experience.
- If you are looking for an affordable and portable option with a large active area, the Artist 12 2nd Generation is an excellent choice.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the market are the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation and the **XP-Pen Star G960S Plus**. Both tablets offer impressive features and affordability, making them attractive choices for aspiring and professional artists alike. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each tablet to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Artist 12 2nd Generation and the Star G960S Plus boast sleek and modern designs, offering a comfortable and ergonomic drawing experience. The Artist 12 2nd Generation features a slim profile and a textured surface that provides a secure grip. Its lightweight design makes it portable, allowing you to take your art on the go. The Star G960S Plus, on the other hand, boasts a more traditional design with a slightly thicker profile. It offers a larger active area, making it suitable for those who prefer a spacious canvas.
Active Area and Resolution
The active area refers to the drawing surface where your pen strokes are registered. The Artist 12 2nd Generation offers a generous active area of 11.6 inches, providing ample space for detailed drawings and intricate illustrations. Its resolution of 5080 LPI (Lines Per Inch) ensures precise and responsive pen strokes. The Star G960S Plus, however, takes the lead with a larger active area of 10 x 6.25 inches and a resolution of 5080 LPI. This larger canvas allows for greater freedom of movement and offers a more immersive drawing experience.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
Both tablets utilize pressure-sensitive pens that mimic the feel of traditional drawing tools. The Artist 12 2nd Generation’s pen boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a nuanced and responsive drawing experience. It features a comfortable grip and a customizable side button for shortcuts. The Star G960S Plus also offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, ensuring accurate and precise line variations. Its pen is lightweight and ergonomic, offering a comfortable grip for extended drawing sessions.
Display and Color Accuracy
The Artist 12 2nd Generation is a pen tablet, meaning it does not have a built-in display. It requires you to connect it to a computer monitor for viewing your artwork. While this may seem like a limitation, it offers a cost-effective solution for artists who prioritize affordability. The Star G960S Plus, on the other hand, features a built-in LCD display, providing a more immersive and convenient drawing experience. Its 10.1-inch display offers a vibrant and accurate color reproduction with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Both tablets offer versatile connectivity options, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. The Artist 12 2nd Generation connects to your computer via USB-C cable, providing a stable and reliable connection. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Android devices. The Star G960S Plus also supports USB-C connectivity and offers compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Android devices. However, it lacks support for Chrome OS.
Software and Features
The Artist 12 2nd Generation comes bundled with XP-Pen’s driver software, which provides access to customization options, including pen settings, shortcut keys, and screen calibration. It also includes free software like OpenCanvas, Krita, and Artrage Lite. The Star G960S Plus features a similar driver software with customizable settings and offers compatibility with popular drawing applications.
Price and Value
The Artist 12 2nd Generation is known for its affordability, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious artists. Its price point is significantly lower compared to the Star G960S Plus, which comes with a built-in display. However, the Star G960S Plus offers a more premium experience with its display and additional features. Ultimately, the choice between the two tablets boils down to your budget and priorities.
Choosing the Right Tablet for You
The decision between the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for an affordable and portable option with a large active area, the Artist 12 2nd Generation is an excellent choice. However, if you prioritize a built-in display for a more immersive drawing experience, the Star G960S Plus is the better option, despite its higher price point.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options
While the Artist 12 2nd Generation and the Star G960S Plus are strong contenders, it’s worth exploring other XP-Pen tablets that might better suit your needs. For example, the Artist 13.3 Pro offers a larger display with excellent color accuracy and a more professional feel. Alternatively, the **Artist 15.6 Pro** provides an even larger canvas for ambitious projects.
The Verdict: A Matter of Preference
Ultimately, the choice between the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus is subjective and depends on your individual requirements. Both tablets offer excellent performance and value, making them worthy contenders in the drawing tablet market. Consider your budget, desired features, and drawing style to make an informed decision.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q1: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The Artist 12 2nd Generation offers an affordable entry point, while the Star G960S Plus provides a more immersive experience with its built-in display.
Q2: What are the key differences between the two tablets?
A: The main difference lies in the presence of a built-in display in the Star G960S Plus. The Artist 12 2nd Generation is a pen tablet that requires a separate monitor.
Q3: Which tablet is better for professional artists?
A: While both tablets offer professional features, the Star G960S Plus might be preferred for its display and larger active area. However, the Artist 12 2nd Generation is still a viable option for professionals who prioritize portability and affordability.
Q4: Can I use both tablets with my iPad?
A: Both tablets are primarily designed for use with computers. However, the Artist 12 2nd Generation can be connected to Android devices, including some tablets.
Q5: What are the pros and cons of each tablet?
A:
XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation:
Pros:
- Affordable
- Large active area
- Portable design
- Versatile connectivity
Cons:
- No built-in display
- Requires a separate monitor
XP-Pen Star G960S Plus:
Pros:
- Built-in display
- Larger active area
- Immersive drawing experience
Cons:
- More expensive
- Less portable