What to know
- Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly segment are the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small and the XP-Pen Deco Fun S.
- The XP-Pen Deco Fun S offers a more budget-friendly option with a larger active area and decent features.
- The choice between the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small and the XP-Pen Deco Fun S ultimately 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 budget-friendly segment are the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small and the XP-Pen Deco Fun S. Both offer a compact design and decent features, but which one emerges as the winner? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each tablet to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small boasts a sleek and minimalist design. Its compact size makes it ideal for travel and smaller workspaces. The tablet surface is smooth and responsive, providing a comfortable drawing experience. The build quality is solid, with a sturdy construction that feels durable.
The XP-Pen Deco Fun S adopts a more playful design with its colorful accents. It’s slightly larger than the Xencelabs, but still compact enough for portability. The Deco Fun S features a textured surface that provides grip and a slightly more tactile feel. The build quality is also good, but it might not feel as robust as the Xencelabs.
Active Area and Resolution
The active area of the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is 6.5 inches by 4 inches, offering a decent drawing space. The resolution is 5080 LPI, providing good accuracy and responsiveness.
The XP-Pen Deco Fun S boasts a larger active area of 8.5 inches by 5.3 inches, giving you more room to work. The resolution is 5080 LPI, similar to the Xencelabs.
Pen and Pressure Sensitivity
Both tablets come with pressure-sensitive pens that offer up to 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. This allows for a natural and expressive drawing experience, as the pen’s pressure translates into varying line thickness and opacity.
The Xencelabs pen is praised for its comfortable grip and balanced weight. It also features side buttons that can be customized to perform various functions. The XP-Pen pen offers a comfortable grip as well, but its weight might feel slightly heavier.
Software and Drivers
Xencelabs provides dedicated software that offers a range of customization options. You can adjust the pen settings, map buttons, and create custom hotkeys. The software is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to configure your tablet to your liking.
XP-Pen also provides software that allows for pen customization and button mapping. However, it might not be as comprehensive or user-friendly as the Xencelabs software.
Features and Compatibility
Both tablets offer basic features such as customizable buttons, pressure sensitivity, and compatibility with Windows and macOS. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small has an advantage with its support for both USB-C and USB-A connections, offering greater flexibility in terms of compatibility.
Price and Value
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is generally priced higher than the XP-Pen Deco Fun S. However, its premium build quality, software, and pen features justify the price difference. The XP-Pen Deco Fun S offers a more budget-friendly option with a larger active area and decent features.
Pros and Cons: Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small
Pros:
- Sleek and minimalist design
- Compact and portable
- Excellent build quality
- Comfortable and balanced pen
- Dedicated and user-friendly software
- USB-C and USB-A connectivity
Cons:
- Smaller active area compared to the Deco Fun S
- Higher price
Pros and Cons: XP-Pen Deco Fun S
Pros:
- Larger active area
- Budget-friendly price
- Colorful and playful design
- Decent pen performance
Cons:
- Slightly heavier pen
- Less robust build quality
- Software might not be as comprehensive as Xencelabs
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small and the XP-Pen Deco Fun S ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small if:
- You prioritize a premium build quality and a comfortable drawing experience.
- You value dedicated software with extensive customization options.
- You need a tablet that’s both compact and versatile.
Choose the XP-Pen Deco Fun S if:
- You’re on a tight budget.
- You need a larger active area for your artwork.
- You’re looking for a tablet with a playful design.
Beyond the Comparison: Other Factors to Consider
While the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small and the XP-Pen Deco Fun S are both excellent options, there are other factors to consider before making your final decision:
- Your budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on a drawing tablet.
- Your drawing style: Consider the size of your artwork and the level of detail you require.
- Your workflow: Think about how you’ll be using the tablet and what software you’ll be using.
- Your personal preferences: Consider the design, feel, and features that are most important to you.
Final Thoughts: Go Beyond the Hype
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small and the XP-Pen Deco Fun S both offer a solid drawing experience at different price points. There’s no single “best” tablet, as the ideal choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. By carefully considering the factors discussed in this comparison, you can make an informed decision that will help you find the perfect drawing tablet for your creative journey.
Questions You May Have
Q: Can I use these tablets for photo editing?
A: Yes, both tablets can be used for photo editing. They offer pressure sensitivity and customizable buttons that can be mapped to different editing tools.
Q: Do these tablets come with a screen?
A: No, these are pen tablets, not drawing monitors. They don’t have a built-in screen. You’ll need to connect them to a computer or laptop to use them.
Q: Are these tablets compatible with smartphones?
A: These tablets are primarily designed for use with computers. However, some models might offer limited compatibility with certain Android devices.
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The XP-Pen Deco Fun S offers a more budget-friendly option, while the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small provides a more premium experience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget and preferences.
