Quick notes
- This allows for a direct and immediate visual representation of your strokes, making it ideal for beginners or those who prefer a more immersive drawing experience.
- The Star G960S Plus, on the other hand, offers a more affordable option with a built-in display, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious artists or those new to digital drawing.
- However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with a built-in display for immediate visual feedback, the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus is a compelling contender.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the mid-range segment are the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus. Both offer compelling features and affordability, but which one emerges as the champion for your creative endeavors? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro boasts a sleek and modern design with a black and silver color scheme. Its slim profile and lightweight construction make it easy to transport and set up. The tablet surface is made of a textured material that provides a comfortable and responsive drawing experience.
On the other hand, the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus adopts a more traditional design with a black and red color combination. It’s slightly larger and heavier than the Artist 12 Pro, but still remains portable. The tablet surface is smooth and offers a different drawing feel compared to the Artist 12 Pro.
Active Area and Resolution
The Artist 12 Pro offers a generous active area of 11.6 inches, providing ample space for creative expression. Its 5080 LPI resolution ensures precise linework and detail. The Star G960S Plus, however, has a smaller active area of 9.6 inches and a slightly lower resolution of 5000 LPI. While the smaller active area might feel restrictive for some users, it’s still suitable for most drawing tasks.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
Both tablets utilize XP-Pen’s latest battery-free passive pen technology, offering a natural and responsive drawing experience. The Artist 12 Pro features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing for nuanced strokes and subtle variations in line weight. The Star G960S Plus also boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a similar level of precision and control.
Display and Viewing Angle
The Artist 12 Pro doesn‘t come with a display, relying on a separate monitor for visual feedback. This can be advantageous for artists who prefer a larger screen or have specific display preferences. The Star G960S Plus, however, integrates a 9.6-inch display with a 1920×1080 resolution. This allows for a direct and immediate visual representation of your strokes, making it ideal for beginners or those who prefer a more immersive drawing experience.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Both tablets connect to your computer via USB-C, ensuring a stable and reliable connection. They are compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and Chrome OS, making them suitable for a wide range of devices and operating systems. The Star G960S Plus also supports Bluetooth connectivity, offering added flexibility and convenience.
Additional Features
The Artist 12 Pro comes with eight customizable express keys and a touch ring, allowing for quick access to frequently used functions. The Star G960S Plus features four customizable express keys, which might be limiting for some users. Both tablets include a pen holder and a cleaning cloth, ensuring a comfortable and well-maintained drawing experience.
Price and Value
The XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro is generally priced higher than the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus. However, its larger active area, higher resolution, and additional features justify the price difference for those seeking a premium drawing experience. The Star G960S Plus, on the other hand, offers a more affordable option with a built-in display, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious artists or those new to digital drawing.
Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Tablet for You
The best drawing tablet for you ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a large active area, high resolution, and customizable express keys, the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro is an excellent choice. Its versatility and precision make it suitable for professionals and serious hobbyists alike.
However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with a built-in display for immediate visual feedback, the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus is a compelling contender. Its compact size and user-friendly features make it ideal for beginners or those who value portability.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring More Features
While the Artist 12 Pro and Star G960S Plus offer a solid foundation for digital drawing, they can be further enhanced with additional accessories and software. Consider investing in a screen protector to safeguard your tablet’s display, a pen stand for convenient storage, and drawing software like Adobe Photoshop or Clip Studio Paint to unleash your creative potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro or Star G960S Plus with my smartphone?
A: Both tablets support Android devices, allowing you to draw and create on the go. However, you might need an additional adapter to connect them to your smartphone.
Q: Is there a difference in pen pressure sensitivity between the two tablets?
A: Both tablets offer 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a similar level of precision and control.
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus is arguably a better choice for beginners due to its built-in display, which provides immediate visual feedback and makes learning easier.
Q: Can I use the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro or Star G960S Plus with a Mac?
A: Yes, both tablets are compatible with macOS.
Q: What are the warranty options for these tablets?
A: XP-Pen offers a standard one-year warranty for both the Artist 12 Pro and Star G960S Plus. You can check their website for specific details and extended warranty options.