Unveiling the Ultimate Showdown: Wacom One 12 vs XP Pen Star G960S Plus for Artists

What To Know

The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus, on the other hand, has a slightly larger footprint and a more traditional design.
The Wacom One 12’s plastic construction feels solid and resilient, while the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus utilizes a slightly more textured plastic that provides a good grip.
The Wacom One 12 and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus both offer a range of features that enhance the drawing experience.

Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders often top the list: the Wacom One 12 and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus. Both offer impressive features and affordability, but which one truly reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their strengths and weaknesses, helping you make an informed decision based on your individual needs and preferences.

In This Article

Design and Build Quality
Active Area and Resolution
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
Driver Support and Compatibility
Features and Extras

Design and Build Quality

Both the Wacom One 12 and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus boast sleek and modern designs. The Wacom One 12, with its minimalist aesthetic, features a slim and lightweight profile, making it portable and easy to set up. The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus, on the other hand, has a slightly larger footprint and a more traditional design.

In terms of build quality, both tablets feel sturdy and durable. The Wacom One 12’s plastic construction feels solid and resilient, while the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus utilizes a slightly more textured plastic that provides a good grip. Both tablets come with protective films for the active area, ensuring longevity and scratch resistance.

Active Area and Resolution

The active area refers to the drawing surface where your pen’s movements are tracked. The Wacom One 12 offers a generous 11.6-inch active area, providing ample space for creative expression. The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus, with its 10-inch active area, is slightly smaller but still offers sufficient room for most drawing tasks.

Both tablets boast impressive resolutions. The Wacom One 12 boasts a resolution of 4000 LPI (Lines Per Inch), while the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus offers 5080 LPI. This translates to smoother lines and more accurate pen tracking, allowing for precise details and intricate strokes.

Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity

The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and both Wacom and XP-Pen offer distinct pen technologies. The Wacom One 12 comes with the Wacom One Creative Pen, a passive pen that requires no batteries or charging. It features 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing for subtle variations in line thickness and brush strokes.

The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus utilizes the XP-Pen P03S pen, an active pen with a battery-free design. It boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, surpassing the Wacom One 12 in terms of pressure sensitivity. This higher sensitivity allows for even finer control and more nuanced shading.

Driver Support and Compatibility

Both Wacom and XP-Pen offer comprehensive driver support for their tablets, ensuring compatibility with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS. The drivers provide customization options for pen settings, pressure sensitivity, and other features.

While both tablets are compatible with a wide range of software, Wacom tablets are often considered more universally compatible, especially with professional-grade software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. XP-Pen tablets, however, have made significant strides in compatibility, and their drivers are constantly being updated to support newer software.

Features and Extras

The Wacom One 12 and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus both offer a range of features that enhance the drawing experience. The Wacom One 12 includes a built-in stand that allows for comfortable viewing angles. It also comes with a USB-C connection, providing a more streamlined and efficient connection.

The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus, on the other hand, features programmable shortcut keys on the tablet itself, allowing for quick access to frequently used functions. It also includes a pen holder with eight spare nibs, ensuring a long-lasting supply.

Price and Value

Price is often a crucial factor when choosing a drawing tablet. The Wacom One 12 is generally priced slightly higher than the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus. However, Wacom tablets are known for their premium build quality, driver support, and compatibility with professional software.

The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus, with its more affordable price tag, offers excellent value for money. Its impressive features and performance make it a compelling choice for budget-minded artists and designers.

The Verdict: Which Tablet is Right for You?

The choice between the Wacom One 12 and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities.

Wacom One 12 is ideal for:

Artists and designers who prioritize compatibility with professional software.
Those who value a premium build quality and design.
Individuals seeking a portable and compact drawing tablet.

XP-Pen Star G960S Plus is best suited for:

Budget-conscious artists and designers who seek excellent value for money.
Individuals who prefer a larger active area with higher pressure sensitivity.
Those who appreciate programmable shortcut keys for enhanced workflow.

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Competition

Both the Wacom One 12 and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus are excellent drawing tablets that offer a smooth and responsive drawing experience. They represent the best of their respective brands and cater to different needs and preferences. Ultimately, the best tablet for you will be the one that best fits your workflow, budget, and creative aspirations.