Essential Information
- The H320M is a budget-friendly option, making it an excellent choice for beginners and those on a tight budget.
- While it might be a bit more expensive than the H320M, it offers excellent value for the price, especially for professional artists and those seeking a more immersive drawing experience.
- If you’re a beginner, looking for a budget-friendly option, or value a compact design, the H320M is a great choice.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can feel like navigating a labyrinth of options. Two popular contenders often top the list: the Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M and the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation. Both offer impressive features and affordability, but which one emerges as the champion for your artistic journey? This comprehensive comparison delves into their key strengths and weaknesses, helping you make an informed decision.
Unveiling the Contenders: A Quick Glance
Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let’s get a quick overview of each tablet:
Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M: This tablet is a budget-friendly option known for its pressure sensitivity and compatibility with both Windows and macOS. It boasts a compact design and a comfortable pen, making it suitable for beginners and casual artists.
XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation: This tablet offers a larger active area and a more professional feel. It features a higher resolution and a responsive pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, catering to more demanding artists and professionals.
Round 1: Design and Build Quality
Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M: This tablet boasts a compact design, perfect for those with limited desk space. Its plastic construction feels sturdy enough for everyday use, but it may not be as durable as the Artist 12. The pen is lightweight and comfortable to hold, with a textured grip that enhances control.
XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation: The Artist 12 2nd Generation sports a larger footprint, offering a more immersive drawing experience. Its sleek design features an aluminum frame, giving it a premium feel and enhanced durability. The pen is also sturdier and heavier than the H320M’s, providing a more professional and weighty feel.
Round 2: Active Area and Resolution
Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M: The H320M comes with a 6.3 x 4-inch active area, which is adequate for basic drawing and sketching. Its resolution of 5080 LPI (lines per inch) provides decent accuracy, but it may feel limited for detailed work.
XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation: The Artist 12 2nd Generation boasts a larger 11.6 x 6.5-inch active area, offering a more expansive canvas for artistic expression. Its higher resolution of 5080 LPI ensures greater precision and detail in your artwork.
Round 3: Pressure Sensitivity and Pen Performance
Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M: The H320M features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a decent range for line thickness and brush stroke variation. The pen is responsive and comfortable to use, but it lacks some of the features found in the Artist 12’s pen, such as side buttons.
XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation: The Artist 12 2nd Generation also offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, but its pen boasts improved accuracy and responsiveness. The pen features eight customizable side buttons, allowing for quick access to shortcuts and tools.
Round 4: Compatibility and Software
Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M: The H320M is compatible with Windows and macOS, making it a versatile choice for various operating systems. It comes with basic driver software that allows for customization of pen settings and shortcuts.
XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation: The Artist 12 2nd Generation also offers compatibility with Windows and macOS. Its driver software is more advanced, providing more customization options and features like pressure calibration and shortcut mapping.
Round 5: Price and Value
Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M: The H320M is a budget-friendly option, making it an excellent choice for beginners and those on a tight budget. Its affordable price point offers a great entry point into digital art without breaking the bank.
XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation: The Artist 12 2nd Generation sits in a slightly higher price bracket, reflecting its improved features and build quality. While it might be a bit more expensive than the H320M, it offers excellent value for the price, especially for professional artists and those seeking a more immersive drawing experience.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Tablet for You
Both the Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M and the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation are excellent drawing tablets, each catering to different needs and preferences.
Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M: If you’re a beginner, looking for a budget-friendly option, or value a compact design, the H320M is a great choice. Its affordability and ease of use make it perfect for casual artists and those just starting their digital art journey.
XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation: If you’re a more serious artist, prioritize a larger active area, or seek a more professional experience, the Artist 12 2nd Generation is the better option. Its larger canvas, improved pen performance, and advanced software features make it ideal for professionals and those who demand the best from their drawing tablet.
Beyond the Battle: A Final Thought
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and budget. Consider your artistic goals, your preferred drawing style, and your budget before making your decision. Both the Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M and the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation offer excellent value and can help you unleash your creativity.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Can I use these tablets with an iPad?
A: No, both the Huion Inspiroy Ink H320M and the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation are designed for use with computers running Windows or macOS. They are not compatible with iPads.
Q: Which tablet has better pen pressure sensitivity?
A: Both tablets offer 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, but the XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation is generally considered to have more accurate and responsive pressure sensitivity.
Q: Can I use these tablets for photo editing?
A: Yes, both tablets can be used for photo editing. However, they are primarily designed for drawing and sketching, so you might find a dedicated graphics tablet with a higher resolution more suitable for intricate photo editing tasks.
Q: What are the differences in driver software?
A: The XP-Pen Artist 12 2nd Generation’s driver software offers more advanced features and customization options than the H320M’s driver. It includes features like pressure calibration, shortcut mapping, and advanced pen settings.
Q: Are there any other tablets I should consider?
A: Yes, there are other excellent drawing tablets available, including models from Wacom, XP-Pen, and Huion. Research different options and compare their features, prices, and reviews to find the best fit for your needs.
