What to know
- Conversely, the Deco Fun XS is a pen tablet without a display, meaning you’ll need to rely on your computer screen for visual feedback.
- The lack of a display might be a dealbreaker for some artists, especially those who prefer a more direct drawing experience.
- The Deco Fun XS, being a pen tablet without a display, offers a more budget-friendly option for casual users and students.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. If you’re considering an XP-Pen tablet, two popular choices stand out: the Artist 13.3 Pro and the Deco Fun XS. Both offer excellent features and cater to different needs, making it crucial to understand their strengths and weaknesses before making a decision. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricacies of each tablet, helping you make an informed choice based on your budget and artistic requirements.
Design and Build Quality
The XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro boasts a sleek and professional design, featuring a large 13.3-inch display that closely resembles a traditional drawing monitor. Its sturdy build and integrated stand provide stability and comfort during extended drawing sessions. On the other hand, the Deco Fun XS adopts a more compact and portable design, ideal for travel and on-the-go sketching. Its sleek, minimalist design and lightweight construction make it highly portable.
Display Technology and Resolution
The Artist 13.3 Pro shines with its laminated display, eliminating the parallax effect, which can be distracting for precise drawing. Its 1920×1080 resolution offers a crisp and detailed viewing experience, making it suitable for professional-level artwork. Conversely, the Deco Fun XS is a pen tablet without a display, meaning you’ll need to rely on your computer screen for visual feedback. The lack of a display might be a dealbreaker for some artists, especially those who prefer a more direct drawing experience.
Active Area and Pen Pressure Sensitivity
The Artist 13.3 Pro provides a generous active area of 13.3 inches, giving you ample space to work on intricate details and large-scale projects. Its 8192 levels of pen pressure sensitivity ensure precise line variations and nuanced strokes. The Deco Fun XS, with its smaller 10 x 6.25-inch active area, is more suited for casual sketching and note-taking. Its 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity provide a similar level of detail and accuracy to the Artist 13.3 Pro.
Pen Features and Ergonomics
Both tablets come equipped with XP-Pen’s latest generation passive pens, offering a natural and comfortable drawing experience. The pens are lightweight and feature customizable side buttons for shortcuts and quick actions. Both tablets also offer tilt sensitivity, allowing you to achieve realistic brush strokes and shading effects.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The Artist 13.3 Pro connects to your computer via USB-C, ensuring high-speed data transfer and reliable performance. It’s compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems. The Deco Fun XS also utilizes a USB-C connection for seamless connectivity. Both tablets are compatible with a wide range of creative software, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, and more.
Price and Value
The Artist 13.3 Pro, with its advanced features and larger display, comes at a higher price point, making it a premium choice for serious artists. The Deco Fun XS, being a pen tablet without a display, offers a more budget-friendly option for casual users and students.
The Verdict: Which Tablet Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro and the Deco Fun XS depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Choose the Artist 13.3 Pro if:
- You’re a professional artist or aspiring to be one.
- You prioritize a large active area and a laminated display for precise drawing.
- You’re willing to invest in a premium drawing tablet.
Choose the Deco Fun XS if:
- You’re a casual artist or student.
- You prefer a portable and affordable option.
- You’re comfortable drawing on your computer screen.
Moving Beyond the Basics: A Deeper Look
While the above comparison provides a good starting point, let’s delve deeper into specific aspects that might sway your decision.
The Artist 13.3 Pro’s Advantages
- Immersive Drawing Experience: The Artist 13.3 Pro’s display provides an immersive drawing experience, allowing you to see your work directly on the tablet’s surface. This eliminates the need to constantly switch between your computer screen and the tablet, improving workflow and accuracy.
- Professional-Grade Performance: The Artist 13.3 Pro’s high resolution and laminated display make it suitable for professional-level artwork. Its larger active area allows for intricate detail work and large-scale projects.
The Deco Fun XS’s Advantages
- Portability and Affordability: The Deco Fun XS is highly portable and affordable, making it an ideal choice for on-the-go sketching and casual drawing. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry in a backpack or laptop bag.
- Simple Setup and Use: The Deco Fun XS is easy to set up and use, requiring only a USB-C connection to your computer. Its intuitive interface and user-friendly software make it accessible for beginners.
Final Thoughts: A Drawing Tablet for Every Artist
Both the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro and the Deco Fun XS offer excellent features and cater to different needs. The Artist 13.3 Pro is a powerful and immersive tool for professional artists, while the Deco Fun XS is a compact and affordable option for casual users and students. Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your budget, artistic goals, and personal preferences.
Basics You Wanted To Know
1. Is the Artist 13.3 Pro compatible with smartphones or tablets?
No, the Artist 13.3 Pro is designed for use with computers only. It requires a USB-C connection to a Windows or macOS device.
2. Does the Deco Fun XS come with a pen holder?
Yes, the Deco Fun XS includes a pen holder for convenient storage.
3. Can I use the Artist 13.3 Pro with a Chromebook?
While the Artist 13.3 Pro is technically compatible with Chromebooks, its performance may vary depending on the Chromebook model and its operating system.
4. What is the difference between passive and active pens?
Passive pens, like those used in the Artist 13.3 Pro and Deco Fun XS, do not require batteries or charging. Active pens, on the other hand, require batteries or charging and often offer additional features such as Bluetooth connectivity and pressure sensitivity levels.
5. Can I customize the buttons on the pen?
Yes, both the Artist 13.3 Pro and Deco Fun XS pens allow you to customize the side buttons to perform specific actions within your drawing software.