Quick Overview
- The pressure sensitivity, a crucial aspect for digital artists, is excellent on both models, offering a responsive and natural feel.
- The Artist 12 Pro doesn’t incorporate a display, relying on a monitor for visual feedback.
- The Artist 12 Pro is a portable and affordable option for artists who prioritize portability and value for money.
Choosing the perfect drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. XP-Pen, a renowned name in the digital art world, offers two popular contenders: the Artist 12 Pro and the Artist 15.6 Pro. Both boast impressive features, but which one emerges as the champion? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their strengths and weaknesses, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Artist 12 Pro and Artist 15.6 Pro sport a sleek, minimalist design, seamlessly blending into any workspace. The Artist 12 Pro, with its 11.6-inch active area, is compact and portable, making it ideal for artists on the go. Its lightweight design adds to its portability, allowing you to easily carry it to different locations.
The Artist 15.6 Pro, on the other hand, boasts a larger 15.6-inch active area, providing ample space for detailed drawings and expansive canvases. Its larger size, however, comes with a trade-off in terms of portability. While it’s still manageable to transport, it’s not as convenient as the Artist 12 Pro.
Both tablets feature a textured surface that mimics the feel of paper, enhancing the drawing experience. The pressure sensitivity, a crucial aspect for digital artists, is excellent on both models, offering a responsive and natural feel. The Artist 15.6 Pro, however, takes the lead with its slightly wider pressure sensitivity range, allowing for more nuanced control and precision.
Display Technology
The Artist 12 Pro doesn‘t incorporate a display, relying on a monitor for visual feedback. This can be a drawback for some artists who prefer the direct feedback of drawing on the screen. However, the lack of a display also makes it more affordable and lightweight.
The Artist 15.6 Pro, on the other hand, features a vibrant 15.6-inch full HD display with a laminated screen, eliminating parallax and providing a seamless drawing experience. The display offers accurate color reproduction, making it suitable for professional artists and designers.
Pen Technology
Both tablets utilize XP-Pen’s renowned pressure-sensitive pens, offering a natural and responsive drawing experience. The Artist 12 Pro’s pen, the PA2, boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, while the Artist 15.6 Pro’s pen, the PA3, features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition.
The tilt recognition feature on the Artist 15.6 Pro adds another layer of nuance to your drawings, allowing you to manipulate the thickness and angle of your strokes. This feature is particularly beneficial for artists who rely on brush strokes and shading techniques.
Connectivity and Features
Both tablets offer a variety of connectivity options, including USB-C and HDMI ports. The Artist 12 Pro comes with a USB cable for connection, while the Artist 15.6 Pro includes both a USB cable and an HDMI cable.
The Artist 15.6 Pro also features a built-in battery-free pen holder, eliminating the need for additional accessories. Both tablets come with customizable shortcut keys and a touch ring, allowing for efficient workflow and personalized settings.
Price and Value
The Artist 12 Pro is generally more affordable than the Artist 15.6 Pro, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious artists. However, the Artist 15.6 Pro offers a superior drawing experience with its display and tilt recognition, justifying its higher price tag.
Choosing the Right Tablet
The choice between the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro and Artist 15.6 Pro ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Choose the Artist 12 Pro if:
- You are on a tight budget.
- You prioritize portability and compactness.
- You prefer drawing on a separate monitor.
Choose the Artist 15.6 Pro if:
- You have a larger budget.
- You require a larger drawing area.
- You prefer the direct feedback of drawing on a display.
- You need tilt recognition for more nuanced strokes.
The Final Verdict: A Tale of Two Artists
Both the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro and Artist 15.6 Pro are excellent drawing tablets, each catering to different needs and preferences. The Artist 12 Pro is a portable and affordable option for artists who prioritize portability and value for money. The Artist 15.6 Pro, with its display and tilt recognition, offers a more immersive and professional drawing experience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual requirements and budget.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: What software is compatible with these tablets?
A: Both tablets are compatible with a wide range of software, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, Krita, and more.
Q: Can I use these tablets with my smartphone or tablet?
A: The Artist 12 Pro and Artist 15.6 Pro are primarily designed for use with computers. However, some models may offer limited functionality with certain Android devices.
Q: What is the difference between the Artist 12 Pro and the Artist 12 Pro 2?
A: The Artist 12 Pro 2 is a newer model with improved features, including a higher resolution display, a more responsive pen, and a redesigned stand.
Q: Do these tablets come with a warranty?
A: Yes, both tablets come with a one-year warranty.
Q: Can I use these tablets with left-handed mode?
A: Yes, both tablets offer left-handed mode, allowing you to customize the interface for optimal comfort.
