Quick Overview
- While it offers decent color accuracy and a responsive touch experience, its smaller size and lack of lamination may impact the drawing experience for some users.
- 3 Pro is a compelling choice for artists who prioritize a larger display, immersive drawing experience, and advanced pen features.
- The XP-Pen Deco Pro MW is a more budget-friendly alternative, ideal for users who value portability and don’t require tilt support.
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 XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro and the XP-Pen Deco Pro MW. Both offer compelling features and cater to different user needs. This comprehensive comparison will delve into their strengths and weaknesses, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro boasts a sleek and modern design with a 13.3-inch display, making it a more immersive experience. Its laminated screen reduces parallax, providing a more natural drawing feel. The tablet features a sturdy aluminum frame, adding to its premium feel.
The XP-Pen Deco Pro MW, on the other hand, adopts a more compact and portable design. Its 10.6-inch screen is ideal for users who prioritize portability or have limited desk space. It comes with a foldable stand, allowing for different viewing angles. While its build quality is decent, it lacks the premium feel of the Artist 13.3 Pro.
Display and Screen Technology
The Artist 13.3 Pro shines with its 13.3-inch IPS display, offering a vibrant and accurate color reproduction. Its 1920×1080 resolution and 8ms response time ensure smooth and responsive drawing. The laminated display reduces parallax, making the drawing experience more natural and precise.
The Deco Pro MW features a 10.6-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920×1080. While it offers decent color accuracy and a responsive touch experience, its smaller size and lack of lamination may impact the drawing experience for some users.
Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity
Both tablets utilize XP-Pen’s signature battery-free stylus technology. The Artist 13.3 Pro comes with the PA2 stylus, offering 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support. This allows for nuanced strokes and a more natural drawing experience.
The Deco Pro MW also supports 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, but its PW507 stylus lacks tilt support. While this may not be a significant issue for all users, artists who rely on tilt functionality for shading and brush strokes might find it limiting.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Both tablets offer multiple connectivity options. The Artist 13.3 Pro supports USB-C and HDMI connections, providing flexibility for different setups. It’s compatible with Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Android devices.
The Deco Pro MW also supports USB-C and HDMI connections, but its compatibility is limited to Windows and macOS. It lacks support for Chrome OS and Android devices.
Software and Features
Both tablets come with XP-Pen’s driver software, offering customizable settings for pen pressure, shortcut keys, and screen calibration. The software also includes a range of brushes and tools for different creative purposes.
The Artist 13.3 Pro features a built-in screen protector, reducing the need for additional purchases. It also includes a pen holder with eight spare nibs, adding to its convenience.
The Deco Pro MW lacks a built-in screen protector and only includes four spare nibs. However, its compact size and foldable stand make it a more portable option.
Price and Value
The XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro typically costs more than the **Deco Pro MW**. However, its larger display, laminated screen, and additional features like tilt support and a built-in screen protector justify its higher price.
The Deco Pro MW, being more affordable, is an attractive option for budget-conscious users who prioritize portability and don’t require tilt functionality.
The Verdict: Which Tablet Wins?
The best tablet for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. The XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro is a compelling choice for artists who prioritize a larger display, immersive drawing experience, and advanced pen features. Its laminated screen, tilt support, and built-in screen protector make it a premium option.
The XP-Pen Deco Pro MW is a more budget-friendly alternative, ideal for users who value portability and don’t require tilt support. Its compact design and foldable stand make it a convenient option for travel or limited desk space.
Making the Right Choice: Key Considerations
- Display Size and Type: If you prioritize screen real estate and a more immersive drawing experience, the Artist 13.3 Pro’s larger display and laminated screen are highly recommended.
- Pen Functionality: If tilt support is essential for your workflow, the Artist 13.3 Pro’s PA2 stylus is the better choice. However, if you don’t require tilt, the Deco Pro MW’s PW507 stylus offers sufficient pressure sensitivity.
- Portability: The Deco Pro MW’s compact design and foldable stand make it a more portable option for users who travel frequently or have limited desk space.
- Budget: The Deco Pro MW offers a more affordable entry point for budget-conscious users. The Artist 13.3 Pro, while more expensive, provides a premium experience with its advanced features.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options
While the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro and Deco Pro MW are excellent choices, the drawing tablet market offers a wide range of options. Consider exploring other models from XP-Pen or other brands, such as Wacom, Huion, and UGEE, to find the perfect fit for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between a drawing tablet and a drawing monitor?
A drawing tablet is a digital input device that allows you to draw on a surface, which is then displayed on your computer screen. A drawing monitor, also known as a pen display, combines the features of a drawing tablet and a computer monitor, providing a more direct and immersive drawing experience.
Q2: Is the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro compatible with Mac?
Yes, the XP-Pen Artist 13.3 Pro is compatible with macOS.
Q3: Can I use the Deco Pro MW with an Android tablet?
No, the Deco Pro MW is not compatible with Android tablets.
Q4: What is the difference between the PW507 and PA2 stylus?
The PW507 stylus, used with the Deco Pro MW, offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity but lacks tilt support. The PA2 stylus, used with the Artist 13.3 Pro, offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support, providing a more nuanced drawing experience.
Q5: Can I use the Artist 13.3 Pro with Photoshop?
Yes, the Artist 13.3 Pro is compatible with Photoshop and other popular drawing software.
