Main points
- If you’re looking for a powerful and versatile tablet that caters to both beginners and seasoned artists, the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP and the XP-Pen Star G960S are two compelling contenders.
- The Artist Pro 16TP offers a wide range of features, including customizable shortcut keys, a built-in screen protector, and a convenient pen holder.
- While it may lack some of the advanced features of the Artist Pro 16TP, it still provides a solid drawing experience at a lower price point.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available. If you’re looking for a powerful and versatile tablet that caters to both beginners and seasoned artists, the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP and the XP-Pen Star G960S are two compelling contenders. Both tablets offer a range of features and functionalities, but which one comes out on top? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each tablet to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP: The Artist Pro 16TP boasts a sleek and modern design, with a slim profile and a sturdy build. The tablet features a black aluminum frame and a textured surface that provides a comfortable grip. It’s also relatively lightweight, making it easy to transport.
XP-Pen Star G960S: The Star G960S takes a more budget-friendly approach, with a plastic construction that feels less premium than the Artist Pro 16TP. However, it’s still a durable tablet that can withstand everyday use. The G960S features a black and silver color scheme and a slightly larger footprint than the Artist Pro 16TP.
Active Area and Display
XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP: The Artist Pro 16TP packs a generous 15.6-inch active area, providing ample space for detailed drawings and intricate artwork. The tablet also features a laminated display, which minimizes parallax and offers a more natural drawing experience.
XP-Pen Star G960S: The Star G960S comes with a smaller 10.6-inch active area, which might feel cramped for users who prefer a larger workspace. It also lacks a laminated display, resulting in a noticeable gap between the pen tip and the cursor.
Pen Technology
XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP: The Artist Pro 16TP utilizes the XP-Pen PA2 pen, which boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a high degree of accuracy and responsiveness. The pen also features tilt support, allowing you to create realistic brush strokes and shading effects.
XP-Pen Star G960S: The Star G960S comes bundled with the XP-Pen P03 pen, which offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity but lacks tilt support. While the pen is responsive and accurate, the lack of tilt functionality can limit the range of artistic expressions.
Features and Connectivity
XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP: The Artist Pro 16TP offers a wide range of features, including customizable shortcut keys, a built-in screen protector, and a convenient pen holder. It also supports both USB-C and HDMI connectivity, ensuring compatibility with a variety of devices.
XP-Pen Star G960S: The Star G960S provides a more basic set of features, with only four shortcut keys and a standard pen holder. It connects to your computer via a USB-C port, offering a reliable connection.
Price and Value
XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP: The Artist Pro 16TP is a premium drawing tablet that comes with a higher price tag. However, it offers exceptional performance, features, and build quality that justifies its cost.
XP-Pen Star G960S: The Star G960S is a more budget-friendly option, making it an attractive choice for beginners and casual artists. While it may lack some of the advanced features of the Artist Pro 16TP, it still provides a solid drawing experience at a lower price point.
Who Should Choose Which Tablet?
XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP: The Artist Pro 16TP is ideal for professional artists, illustrators, and graphic designers who demand high-quality performance, a large workspace, and advanced features. Its laminated display, tilt support, and customizable shortcuts make it a powerful tool for creating intricate and detailed artwork.
XP-Pen Star G960S: The Star G960S is a great choice for beginners, students, or casual artists who are looking for an affordable and reliable drawing tablet. It’s also suitable for users who prioritize portability and don’t require advanced features like tilt support.
Final Verdict: Which is Better?
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and budget. The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP delivers exceptional performance and features, making it a top choice for professionals and serious artists. The XP-Pen Star G960S offers a more budget-friendly option with solid performance, making it an excellent choice for beginners and casual users.
The Verdict: More Than Just a Drawing Tool
Both the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16TP and the XP-Pen Star G960S are excellent drawing tablets that can elevate your artistic journey. The Artist Pro 16TP is a powerhouse of features and performance, while the Star G960S offers a more affordable and accessible option. Choose the one that best aligns with your artistic aspirations and budget, and embark on a creative adventure with confidence.
Popular Questions
Q: Can I use either tablet with a Mac or a PC?
A: Yes, both the Artist Pro 16TP and the Star G960S are compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems.
Q: Does the Artist Pro 16TP have any built-in software?
A: The Artist Pro 16TP comes bundled with XP-Pen’s Artist software, which offers a range of features for customizing your tablet, creating custom shortcuts, and managing pen settings.
Q: Is the Star G960S suitable for professional use?
A: While the Star G960S is a great option for beginners, it might not be ideal for professional artists who require advanced features like tilt support and a larger active area.
Q: What are the main differences between the two tablets?
A: The key differences lie in the display size, active area, pen technology, and features. The Artist Pro 16TP offers a larger display, tilt support, and more customizable features, while the Star G960S is more affordable and compact.
Q: Is there a warranty included with both tablets?
A: Both the Artist Pro 16TP and the Star G960S come with a standard manufacturer‘s warranty, typically covering defects in materials and workmanship.
