Highlights
- The Star G640 is a popular choice for budget-conscious artists seeking a reliable and feature-rich tablet.
- The Star G640 offers a larger active area compared to the Intuos Bluetooth Medium, providing more space for intricate drawings and designs.
- The pen doesn’t require a battery, eliminating the need for charging and providing a more convenient workflow.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable tablet for digital art, two popular contenders often come up: the Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Medium and the XP-Pen Star G640. Both tablets offer a compelling combination of features and price, making it difficult to decide which one is the perfect fit for your needs.
This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key features, pros, and cons of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific requirements and budget. Let’s dive in!
Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Medium: A Legacy of Quality
Wacom has been a dominant force in the digital art world for decades, known for its high-quality products and innovative technology. The Intuos Bluetooth Medium is no exception, offering a solid foundation for aspiring and seasoned artists alike.
Key Features:
- Active Area: 8.5 x 5.3 inches
- Pressure Sensitivity: 4096 levels
- Resolution: 5080 lpi
- Report Rate: 200 RPS
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C
- Included Software: Wacom Inkspace, Clip Studio Paint Pro 3-month trial
Pros:
- Excellent Pressure Sensitivity: The Intuos Bluetooth Medium delivers a smooth and natural pen experience, with 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity that accurately capture every nuance of your strokes.
- Intuitive Design: The compact and lightweight design makes it comfortable to use for extended periods, while the textured surface provides a secure grip.
- Wacom Ecosystem: Wacom offers a wide range of compatible software and accessories, including the popular Wacom Inkspace app for note-taking and sketching.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: The wireless option provides freedom of movement and eliminates cable clutter.
- Reliable Performance: Wacom is renowned for its reliability, and the Intuos Bluetooth Medium lives up to that reputation with its consistent performance.
Cons:
- Higher Price Point: Compared to the XP-Pen Star G640, the Intuos Bluetooth Medium comes with a higher price tag.
- Limited Buttons: The tablet only offers four customizable buttons, which might not be enough for users who prefer more customization options.
- No Battery-Free Pen: The pen requires a battery, which can be inconvenient for some users.
XP-Pen Star G640: A Value-Driven Alternative
XP-Pen has emerged as a strong competitor in the drawing tablet market, offering high-quality products at more affordable prices. The Star G640 is a popular choice for budget-conscious artists seeking a reliable and feature-rich tablet.
Key Features:
- Active Area: 10 x 6.25 inches
- Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
- Resolution: 5080 lpi
- Report Rate: 233 RPS
- Connectivity: USB-C
- Included Software: XP-Pen Artist, OpenCanvas 7
Pros:
- Larger Active Area: The Star G640 offers a larger active area compared to the Intuos Bluetooth Medium, providing more space for intricate drawings and designs.
- Higher Pressure Sensitivity: With 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, the Star G640 offers a more nuanced and responsive pen experience.
- Battery-Free Pen: The pen doesn’t require a battery, eliminating the need for charging and providing a more convenient workflow.
- Affordable Price: The Star G640 is significantly cheaper than the Intuos Bluetooth Medium, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users.
- Eight Customizable Buttons: The tablet offers eight customizable buttons, providing greater control and flexibility for users who prefer more shortcuts.
Cons:
- Less Established Brand: XP-Pen is a relatively new player in the market compared to Wacom, which might raise concerns about brand reputation and long-term support.
- Wired Connectivity: The Star G640 is only available with wired connectivity, which can limit movement and create cable clutter.
- Plastic Build: The tablet’s plastic construction might feel less premium compared to the Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Medium.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown: A Closer Look
To further understand the differences between the two tablets, let’s compare their key features in detail:
Active Area: The XP-Pen Star G640 boasts a larger active area of 10 x 6.25 inches, offering more space for drawing and design work. The Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Medium, on the other hand, has a smaller active area of 8.5 x 5.3 inches.
Pressure Sensitivity: Both tablets offer impressive pressure sensitivity, with the Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Medium featuring 4096 levels and the XP-Pen Star G640 offering 8192 levels. This translates to a more nuanced and responsive pen experience on the Star G640.
Resolution: Both tablets have a resolution of 5080 lpi, ensuring crisp and detailed lines and strokes.
Report Rate: The XP-Pen Star G640 has a slightly faster report rate of 233 RPS compared to the Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Medium‘s 200 RPS. This means the Star G640 can capture more data points per second, resulting in smoother and more responsive drawing.
Connectivity: The Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Medium offers the convenience of wireless connectivity via Bluetooth 5.0, while the XP-Pen Star G640 is only available with wired connectivity via USB-C.
Included Software: Both tablets come bundled with software packages, offering a range of features and tools for digital artists. The Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Medium includes Wacom Inkspace and a 3-month trial of Clip Studio Paint Pro, while the XP-Pen Star G640 offers XP-Pen Artist and OpenCanvas 7.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Tablet for You
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
If you prioritize:
- Brand reputation and reliability: The Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Medium is a safe bet, backed by Wacom’s long-standing reputation for quality.
- Wireless connectivity: The Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Medium offers the freedom of movement and eliminates cable clutter.
- Compatibility with Wacom ecosystem: The Intuos Bluetooth Medium seamlessly integrates with other Wacom products and software.
Then the Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Medium is a great choice.
If you prioritize:
- Larger active area: The XP-Pen Star G640 offers more space for drawing and design work.
- Higher pressure sensitivity: The Star G640 provides a more nuanced and responsive pen experience.
- Battery-free pen: The Star G640 eliminates the need for charging, providing a more convenient workflow.
- Affordable price: The Star G640 is significantly cheaper than the Intuos Bluetooth Medium.
Then the XP-Pen Star G640 is a great value-driven option.
Beyond the Features: Considering Your Workflow
While features are important, it’s also crucial to consider how the tablet will fit into your overall workflow.
Think about:
- Your preferred drawing style: If you primarily work with intricate details and require a larger drawing area, the XP-Pen Star G640 might be a better fit. If you prefer a more compact and portable tablet, the Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Medium might be more suitable.
- Your software preferences: Both tablets offer compatible software, but make sure the included programs align with your existing workflow and needs.
- Your budget: The XP-Pen Star G640 is a more budget-friendly option, while the Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Medium comes with a higher price tag.
The Final Word: A Balancing Act
Choosing between the Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Medium and the XP-Pen Star G640 is a balancing act between features, price, and personal preferences. Both tablets offer compelling options for digital artists, and the best choice ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Popular Questions
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Medium offers a solid foundation with its excellent pressure sensitivity and intuitive design. The XP-Pen Star G640 provides a larger active area and a battery-free pen, which can be beneficial for beginners exploring different drawing styles.
Q: Are there any other drawing tablets in this price range worth considering?
A: Yes, there are several other drawing tablets in the same price range as the Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Medium and XP-Pen Star G640. Some notable options include the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro, Huion Kamvas Pro 13, and the Wacom One Creative Pen Display.
Q: Can I use the Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Medium with a Mac?
A: Yes, the Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Medium is compatible with both Windows and macOS.
Q: Does the XP-Pen Star G640 come with a pen stand?
A: Yes, the XP-Pen Star G640 includes a pen stand for convenient storage and organization.
