Wacom One 12 vs Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small: Which One Draws the Best? Find Out Now!

What To Know

Wacom has long been a dominant force in the drawing tablet market, and the One 12 is a testament to their legacy.
The Wacom One 12 is one of the most affordable drawing tablets on the market, making it an excellent entry point for aspiring artists.
The Xencelabs pen offers a more versatile experience with its side buttons and eraser, while the Wacom One 12’s pen is more basic.

Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the overwhelming array of options available. Two popular contenders that often come up in discussions are the Wacom One 12 vs Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small. Both offer impressive features and affordability, making them attractive to both beginners and seasoned artists. But which one emerges as the ultimate champion? Let’s delve into their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

In This Article

Wacom One 12: The Industry Giant
Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small: The Up-and-Comer
Choosing the Right Tablet: A Head-to-Head Comparison
The Verdict: A Matter of Personal Preference
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Other Considerations

Wacom One 12: The Industry Giant

Wacom has long been a dominant force in the drawing tablet market, and the One 12 is a testament to their legacy. This entry-level tablet boasts a familiar and intuitive design, catering to both newcomers and those transitioning from traditional art.

Strengths of the Wacom One 12:

Widely recognized brand: Wacom’s reputation for reliability and quality is undeniable. This brand recognition can be a comforting factor for those seeking a trusted name.
Affordability: The Wacom One 12 is one of the most affordable drawing tablets on the market, making it an excellent entry point for aspiring artists.
Good pressure sensitivity: With 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity, the Wacom One 12 offers a decent range for capturing subtle strokes and variations in line weight.
Intuitive software: Wacom’s software is user-friendly and offers basic editing features, making it a good starting point for those new to digital art.
Widely compatible: The Wacom One 12 works flawlessly with a wide range of software, including popular options like Adobe Photoshop and Clip Studio Paint.

Weaknesses of the Wacom One 12:

Limited active area: The Wacom One 12’s active area is relatively small, measuring 10.6 inches diagonally. This can feel cramped for some artists, especially those accustomed to larger tablets.
Plastic build: The tablet’s plastic construction might not feel as premium as some competitors, and it can be prone to scratches.
Basic pen: The included pen lacks features like side buttons or an eraser, which some artists may find limiting.

Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small: The Up-and-Comer

Xencelabs has recently emerged as a strong contender in the drawing tablet market, offering compelling features at competitive prices. Their Pen Tablet Small is a compact and versatile option that targets both casual and professional users.

Strengths of the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small:

Large active area: Despite its “Small” designation, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small offers a surprisingly generous active area of 10.6 inches diagonally, providing ample space for drawing.
Premium build: The tablet boasts a sleek, minimalist design with an aluminum body that feels substantial and durable.
Ergonomic pen: The included pen is praised for its comfortable grip and balance, featuring two side buttons and an eraser for added functionality.
Customizable buttons: Both the pen and the tablet offer customizable buttons, allowing users to personalize their workflow and optimize efficiency.
Excellent software: Xencelabs’ software is feature-rich, offering advanced options like brush customization, color palettes, and pressure sensitivity settings.

Weaknesses of the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small:

Higher price: Compared to the Wacom One 12, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is slightly more expensive.
Limited software compatibility: While Xencelabs software is excellent, it may not be as widely compatible with other programs as Wacom’s offerings.

Choosing the Right Tablet: A Head-to-Head Comparison

When deciding between the Wacom One 12 and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small, it’s essential to consider your individual needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of key factors to help you make the right choice:

Budget: If affordability is your primary concern, the Wacom One 12 is the more budget-friendly option. However, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small offers greater value for money if you’re willing to spend a bit more.
Active area: If you prioritize ample drawing space, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small’s larger active area is a significant advantage.
Pen features: The Xencelabs pen offers a more versatile experience with its side buttons and eraser, while the Wacom One 12’s pen is more basic.
Software: Wacom’s software is widely compatible but offers more basic features. Xencelabs software is more feature-rich but has limited compatibility.

The Verdict: A Matter of Personal Preference

Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your specific requirements and artistic style.

Wacom One 12: Ideal for beginners, budget-conscious artists, and those seeking a familiar and accessible experience.
Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small: A compelling option for artists who value a larger active area, a premium build, and advanced software features.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring Other Considerations

While the Wacom One 12 and Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small are excellent choices, it’s important to consider other factors that might influence your decision:

Screen size: If you prefer drawing directly on a screen, consider a drawing tablet with a built-in display.
Pressure sensitivity: Higher pressure sensitivity levels offer greater control and nuance in your strokes.
Pen technology: Some tablets offer advanced pen technology, such as tilt support or customizable buttons, which can enhance your workflow.
Software compatibility: Ensure that the tablet you choose is compatible with the software you use for digital art.

Farewell, Conclusion: Embarking on Your Artistic Journey

Choosing the right drawing tablet is an exciting step in your artistic journey. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a curious beginner, both the Wacom One 12 and Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small offer exceptional value and performance. By carefully considering your needs and preferences, you can confidently select the tablet that will empower your creativity and bring your artistic visions to life.