What to know
- While it lacks the side buttons of the Wacom Pro Pen 2, it offers a comfortable grip and a replaceable nib for extended use.
- If you prioritize a premium drawing experience, a sleek design, and a wide range of bundled software, the Wacom Intuos Pro L is an excellent choice.
- However, if you are looking for a more affordable option with a built-in display and a comparable drawing experience, the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro is a strong contender.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the market are the Wacom Intuos Pro L and the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro. Both offer impressive features and performance, making it difficult to decide which one reigns supreme. This comprehensive comparison dives deep into the intricacies of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision based on your individual needs and preferences.
Design and Build Quality
The Wacom Intuos Pro L boasts a sleek and minimalist design, with a focus on functionality and ergonomics. Its large active area provides ample space for intricate drawings, while the slim profile and textured surface offer a comfortable drawing experience. The tablet features a durable build quality, with a sturdy base and a reliable pen holder.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro, on the other hand, adopts a more traditional design with a black plastic body and a glossy finish. It offers a similar active area to the Wacom Intuos Pro L, but its slightly thicker profile and lack of textured surface may not feel as comfortable for extended drawing sessions. The Artist 12 Pro also includes a built-in stand that allows for adjustable angles, providing flexibility in your workspace setup.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
Both tablets utilize pressure-sensitive pens that offer a natural and responsive drawing experience. The Wacom Intuos Pro L’s Pro Pen 2 features 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, offering exceptional accuracy and nuance in your strokes. It also includes side buttons for customizable shortcuts and a rubber grip for enhanced control.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro’s battery-free pen boasts 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity as well, providing a comparable level of accuracy and responsiveness. While it lacks the side buttons of the Wacom Pro Pen 2, it offers a comfortable grip and a replaceable nib for extended use.
Display and Resolution
The Wacom Intuos Pro L is a tablet that relies on your computer monitor for display. This means that you draw directly on the tablet’s surface, but the image appears on your screen. The tablet’s driver software allows for customizable settings, including screen mirroring, which can enhance the drawing experience.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro, on the other hand, features a built-in 11.6-inch LCD display with a 1920×1080 resolution. This allows for a more immersive and direct drawing experience, as you can see your artwork directly on the tablet’s screen. The Artist 12 Pro also offers a laminated display, reducing parallax and providing a more precise drawing experience.
Software and Compatibility
The Wacom Intuos Pro L comes bundled with a suite of software, including Wacom‘s own creative software, such as Clip Studio Paint, Corel Painter Essentials, and a selection of other creative apps. It also offers compatibility with a wide range of popular drawing and design software, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Autodesk Sketchbook.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro also offers compatibility with a variety of creative software, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Autodesk Sketchbook. However, it lacks the bundled software offerings of the Wacom Intuos Pro L.
Price and Value
The Wacom Intuos Pro L is priced higher than the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro, reflecting its premium build quality and advanced features. While it offers a more refined drawing experience, the higher price point might not be suitable for all budgets.
The XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro, on the other hand, offers a more affordable option without compromising on performance. Its built-in display and pressure-sensitive pen provide a comparable drawing experience to the Wacom Intuos Pro L at a significantly lower price.
Concluding Thoughts: Choosing the Right Tablet for You
The choice between the Wacom Intuos Pro L and the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a premium drawing experience, a sleek design, and a wide range of bundled software, the Wacom Intuos Pro L is an excellent choice. However, if you are looking for a more affordable option with a built-in display and a comparable drawing experience, the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro is a strong contender.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners, but the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro might be a better choice due to its built-in display, which provides a more intuitive and direct drawing experience.
Q: Can I use the Wacom Intuos Pro L with my iPad?
A: No, the Wacom Intuos Pro L is designed for use with computers, not iPads.
Q: Does the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro have a screen protector?
A: The XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro does not come with a screen protector, but you can purchase one separately.
Q: Which tablet is better for professional artists?
A: Both tablets are capable of delivering professional-quality results. However, the Wacom Intuos Pro L’s premium build quality, advanced pen technology, and bundled software make it a popular choice among professionals.
Q: Can I use both tablets with my smartphone?
A: Neither tablet is designed for use with smartphones. However, you can use a USB-C to HDMI adapter to connect the XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro to a smartphone with a compatible display output.
