Quick summary
- The Deco Fun S wins for portability and space-saving design, while the Star G960S Plus excels in providing a larger working area for detailed artwork.
- While the Star G960S Plus comes at a higher price point, it offers a larger active area and more customizable buttons, which may justify the extra cost for some users.
- Ultimately, the choice between the XP-Pen Deco Fun S and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus depends on your individual needs and preferences.
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 Deco Fun S and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus. Both offer impressive features and affordability, making them attractive choices for aspiring and seasoned artists alike. But which one emerges as the champion in this head-to-head comparison? Let’s delve into their key differences and determine the ideal tablet for your specific needs.
Design & Build: Compact vs. Spacious
The XP-Pen Deco Fun S boasts a compact design, measuring just 10.6 inches in width. This makes it ideal for travel or users with limited desk space. Its sleek and minimalist design, featuring a black or white color scheme, adds a touch of elegance to your workspace.
On the other hand, the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus offers a larger active area of 8.38 x 5.24 inches, providing more room for your artistic endeavors. Its more traditional design, with a black and red color scheme, might appeal to those who prefer a classic look.
Winner: It depends on your needs. The Deco Fun S wins for portability and space-saving design, while the Star G960S Plus excels in providing a larger working area for detailed artwork.
Pressure Sensitivity & Accuracy: A Close Race
Both tablets offer 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing for nuanced strokes and precise control over line thickness and brush pressure. This ensures a natural and responsive drawing experience.
The Deco Fun S features a 5080 LPI resolution, while the Star G960S Plus boasts a slightly higher 5080 LPI. This translates to smoother lines and more accurate tracking, making both tablets suitable for detailed work.
Winner: Both tablets offer excellent pressure sensitivity and accuracy, making it a tie in this category.
Pen & Buttons: Comfort & Customization
The XP-Pen Deco Fun S comes with a battery-free passive pen that offers a comfortable grip and 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. It features two side buttons that can be customized to your liking.
The XP-Pen Star G960S Plus also includes a battery-free passive pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. It features eight customizable buttons, offering greater flexibility and control over your workflow.
Winner: The Star G960S Plus wins this round due to its additional customizable buttons, providing more options for shortcuts and workflow optimization.
Software & Compatibility: Seamless Integration
Both tablets are compatible with Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Android devices, ensuring wide-ranging compatibility. They support various drawing software, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, and more.
Winner: This is a tie. Both tablets offer seamless integration with popular software and operating systems.
Price & Value: Finding the Sweet Spot
The XP-Pen Deco Fun S is often priced lower than the Star G960S Plus, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious artists.
While the Star G960S Plus comes at a higher price point, it offers a larger active area and more customizable buttons, which may justify the extra cost for some users.
Winner: It depends on your budget and priorities. The Deco Fun S offers excellent value for its price, while the Star G960S Plus provides a premium experience with additional features.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Tablet for You
Ultimately, the choice between the XP-Pen Deco Fun S and the XP-Pen Star G960S Plus depends on your individual needs and preferences.
If you prioritize portability, affordability, and a minimalist design, the Deco Fun S is an excellent choice. Its compact size and competitive price make it a great option for beginners and artists on the go.
If you require a larger working area, more customizable buttons, and a premium feel, the Star G960S Plus is the way to go. Its spacious active area and versatile button configuration are ideal for detailed work and advanced workflows.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options
While the Deco Fun S and Star G960S Plus are excellent choices, it’s worth exploring other options based on your specific requirements. For example, if you’re looking for a tablet with a screen, XP-Pen offers a range of drawing monitors like the Artist 13.3 Pro and Artist 15.6 Pro. These provide a more immersive drawing experience and eliminate the need for a separate monitor.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Creative Journey
Choosing the right drawing tablet is a crucial step in your artistic journey. By understanding the key differences and evaluating your needs, you can find the perfect tool to unleash your creativity. Whether you opt for the compact and affordable Deco Fun S or the spacious and feature-rich Star G960S Plus, both tablets offer a gateway to a world of digital art possibilities.
Popular Questions
Q: Are the XP-Pen Deco Fun S and Star G960S Plus compatible with smartphones?
A: While both tablets support Android devices, connecting them to smartphones may require additional adapters or software depending on the specific phone model.
Q: Can I use the XP-Pen Deco Fun S and Star G960S Plus for photo editing?
A: Yes, both tablets can be used for photo editing in software like Adobe Photoshop and GIMP. However, they are primarily designed for drawing and may not be ideal for tasks requiring precise pixel-level control.
Q: Is the pen pressure sensitivity the same on both tablets?
A: Yes, both tablets offer 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a similar level of responsiveness and control over line thickness and brush pressure.
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The Deco Fun S offers a more affordable entry point, while the Star G960S Plus provides a more feature-rich experience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget and preferences.
Q: Can I customize the pen buttons on both tablets?
A: Yes, both tablets allow customization of the pen buttons. The Deco Fun S offers two customizable buttons, while the Star G960S Plus provides eight buttons for greater flexibility.
