What To Know
- Two popular contenders in the mid-range category are the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP and the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW.
- On the other hand, the Deco Pro SW opts for a more compact and portable design with a 10.
- While it may seem like a drawback, it offers a more affordable price point and a less demanding setup.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available. Two popular contenders in the mid-range category are the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP and the XP-Pen Deco Pro SW. Both tablets offer excellent features and performance, but they cater to different user needs and preferences. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two tablets, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Artist Pro 16TP and Deco Pro SW showcase distinct design philosophies. The Artist Pro 16TP boasts a sleek, professional look with a larger 15.6-inch display, making it ideal for serious artists and professionals. Its sturdy build and ergonomic design ensure comfortable extended use. On the other hand, the Deco Pro SW opts for a more compact and portable design with a 10.6-inch display. Its lightweight nature and slim profile make it perfect for travel and casual sketching.
Display Technology and Performance
The Artist Pro 16TP shines with its laminated display, eliminating the parallax effect and providing a more natural drawing experience. Its 1920×1080 resolution delivers crisp visuals, while the 8ms response time ensures smooth and responsive drawing. The Deco Pro SW, however, lacks a display, relying on your computer screen for visual feedback. While it may seem like a drawback, it offers a more affordable price point and a less demanding setup.
Active Area and Pressure Sensitivity
Both tablets offer ample active areas for comfortable drawing. The Artist Pro 16TP boasts a spacious 13.5 x 8.5-inch active area, allowing for more freedom of movement and detailed work. The Deco Pro SW provides a 10 x 6.25-inch active area, which is still generous for most drawing tasks. Both tablets feature 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing accurate and responsive line variations.
Pen Technology and Features
The Artist Pro 16TP comes bundled with a battery-free pen that offers excellent pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition. Its responsive tip and comfortable grip ensure a natural drawing experience. The Deco Pro SW also includes a battery-free pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, but it lacks tilt recognition. Both pens offer customizable buttons for shortcuts and ease of use.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Both tablets offer versatile connectivity options. The Artist Pro 16TP supports both USB-C and HDMI connections, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. The Deco Pro SW relies on a USB connection, making it slightly less versatile. Both tablets are compatible with Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Android devices, offering flexibility for diverse users.
Software and Features
The Artist Pro 16TP comes bundled with a range of drawing software, including OpenCanvas, Krita, and Autodesk Sketchbook. It also supports popular software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Clip Studio Paint. The Deco Pro SW doesn‘t include bundled software but works seamlessly with all major drawing applications.
Price and Value
The Artist Pro 16TP is priced higher than the Deco Pro SW due to its advanced features and larger display. However, its high-quality build, professional features, and bundled software justify the price tag for serious artists and professionals. The Deco Pro SW, on the other hand, offers excellent value for its price, providing a solid drawing experience without breaking the bank.
Choosing the Right Tablet for You
The choice between the Artist Pro 16TP and Deco Pro SW ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.
Here’s a breakdown of who each tablet is best suited for:
XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP:
- Ideal for: Professional artists, illustrators, designers, and anyone who values a large, high-resolution display, a natural drawing experience, and professional-grade features.
- Pros: Large display, laminated screen, high resolution, 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt recognition, battery-free pen, bundled software.
- Cons: Higher price point, larger and less portable than the Deco Pro SW.
XP-Pen Deco Pro SW:
- Ideal for: Casual artists, students, hobbyists, and anyone looking for a portable and affordable drawing tablet with a solid drawing experience.
- Pros: Compact and portable design, affordable price, 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, battery-free pen, compatibility with major drawing software.
- Cons: No display, lacks tilt recognition.
Final Verdict: Finding Your Perfect Drawing Companion
Both the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP and XP-Pen Deco Pro SW are excellent drawing tablets that offer a smooth and responsive drawing experience. The Artist Pro 16TP is a powerhouse for professionals and serious artists, while the Deco Pro SW is a great value option for casual users and students. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs, budget, and drawing style.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Can I use the Artist Pro 16TP for photo editing?
A: Yes, the Artist Pro 16TP is suitable for photo editing as its large display and pressure sensitivity allow for precise control and detailed work.
Q: Does the Deco Pro SW support tilt recognition?
A: No, the Deco Pro SW does not support tilt recognition.
Q: Can I use the Artist Pro 16TP with an iPad?
A: No, the Artist Pro 16TP is not compatible with iPads. It is designed for use with Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Android devices.
Q: Is the Deco Pro SW compatible with Linux?
A: While the Deco Pro SW isn‘t officially supported by Linux, some users have reported success with driver workarounds. However, it’s not a guaranteed solution.
Q: What is the warranty period for both tablets?
A: Both the Artist Pro 16TP and Deco Pro SW come with a one-year warranty.