Drawing Tablets Compared: Unleash Your Creative Potential.

Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP vs. XP-PEN Star G640: Which Drawing Tablet Reigns Supreme in 2024?

What to know

  • The Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP is a seasoned veteran in the drawing tablet world, known for its reliability and professional-grade features.
  • The XP-Pen Star G640, on the other hand, is a more recent entrant in the drawing tablet market, offering a compelling blend of affordability and modern features.
  • The XP-Pen Star G640 is significantly more affordable than the Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP, making it an attractive option for artists on a tight budget.

Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the ever-growing plethora of options available. Two popular choices that often come up in discussions are the Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP and the **XP-Pen Star G640**. Both tablets offer a compelling blend of features and affordability, making them attractive choices for aspiring and professional artists alike.

This blog post dives deep into the intricacies of these two drawing tablets, comparing their features, performance, and overall value proposition. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which tablet best suits your needs and budget.

Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP: The Legacy of a Classic

The Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP is a seasoned veteran in the drawing tablet world, known for its reliability and professional-grade features. While no longer in production, it still holds a special place in the hearts of many artists due to its spacious active area, pressure sensitivity, and robust build quality.

Here’s a closer look at what makes the Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP stand out:

  • Large Active Area: The Intuos4 XL DTP boasts a massive 15.6-inch active area, providing ample space for detailed drawings and intricate illustrations.
  • Pressure Sensitivity: With 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity, the Intuos4 XL DTP offers a nuanced and responsive experience, allowing for subtle variations in line thickness and brush strokes.
  • Ergonomic Design: The tablet’s design prioritizes comfort, featuring a sleek and minimalist profile that fits seamlessly into any workspace.
  • ExpressKeys: The Intuos4 XL DTP comes equipped with customizable ExpressKeys, providing quick access to frequently used shortcuts and tools, enhancing workflow efficiency.
  • Compatibility: It’s compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems, ensuring a smooth experience across different platforms.

XP-Pen Star G640: The Modern Contender

The XP-Pen Star G640, on the other hand, is a more recent entrant in the drawing tablet market, offering a compelling blend of affordability and modern features. It’s a popular choice for budget-conscious artists who are looking for a reliable and feature-rich drawing tablet.

Here’s what makes the XP-Pen Star G640 a worthy competitor:

  • Affordable Price: The XP-Pen Star G640 is significantly more affordable than the Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP, making it an attractive option for artists on a tight budget.
  • Large Active Area: While slightly smaller than the Intuos4 XL DTP, the Star G640 still offers a generous 10 x 6.25-inch active area, providing ample space for most drawing tasks.
  • Pressure Sensitivity: It boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, surpassing the Intuos4 XL DTP in this regard, offering a more nuanced and responsive drawing experience.
  • Battery-Free Pen: The Star G640’s pen doesn’t require batteries, eliminating the need for charging and ensuring uninterrupted drawing sessions.
  • Compatibility: Like the Intuos4 XL DTP, the Star G640 is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems.

Comparing the Features: A Detailed Breakdown

While both tablets share some similarities, their differences are significant enough to warrant a closer examination. Let’s delve deeper into the features that set them apart:

Active Area: The Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP‘s 15.6-inch active area is significantly larger than the XP-Pen Star G640’s 10 x 6.25-inch active area. This difference is especially noticeable for artists who work on large-scale projects or prefer a more spacious drawing surface.

Pressure Sensitivity: The XP-Pen Star G640 edges out the Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP with its 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity compared to the Intuos4 XL DTP’s 1024 levels. This increased sensitivity allows for more nuanced and detailed linework and brush strokes.

Pen Technology: While both tablets offer pressure-sensitive pens, the XP-Pen Star G640’s battery-free pen is a significant advantage. It eliminates the need for charging, ensuring uninterrupted drawing sessions and reducing the risk of interruptions.

ExpressKeys: The Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP boasts customizable ExpressKeys, offering quick access to frequently used shortcuts and tools, enhancing workflow efficiency. The XP-Pen Star G640, on the other hand, lacks dedicated ExpressKeys.

Software: The Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP comes bundled with a suite of creative software, including Photoshop Elements and Painter Essentials, providing a comprehensive creative experience. The XP-Pen Star G640 doesn’t offer bundled software.

Performance and User Experience: A Side-by-Side Comparison

The performance and user experience of both tablets are crucial factors in determining their overall value proposition. Here’s a breakdown of their strengths and weaknesses:

Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP:

  • Pros:
  • Large active area for expansive drawings.
  • Robust build quality and reliable performance.
  • Customizable ExpressKeys for efficient workflow.
  • Bundled software for a complete creative experience.
  • Cons:
  • Lower pressure sensitivity compared to the XP-Pen Star G640.
  • No battery-free pen.
  • Older technology with limited driver support.

XP-Pen Star G640:

  • Pros:
  • Affordable price point.
  • Higher pressure sensitivity for nuanced drawing.
  • Battery-free pen for uninterrupted drawing.
  • Modern technology with consistent driver support.
  • Cons:
  • Smaller active area compared to the Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP.
  • Lacks dedicated ExpressKeys.
  • No bundled software.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Tablet for You

Ultimately, the decision of whether to choose the Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP or the XP-Pen Star G640 boils down to your individual needs and preferences.

Here’s a quick guide to help you make the right choice:

  • If you prioritize a large active area, robust build quality, and bundled software, the Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP is the better choice.
  • If affordability, higher pressure sensitivity, and a battery-free pen are your top priorities, the XP-Pen Star G640 is the ideal option.

Beyond the Comparison: A Look at Other Considerations

While the Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP and XP-Pen Star G640 are strong contenders, it’s crucial to consider other factors that might influence your decision:

  • Your Budget: The XP-Pen Star G640 offers exceptional value for its price, making it a great choice for budget-conscious artists.
  • Your Drawing Style: If you work on large-scale projects or prefer a spacious drawing surface, the Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP’s larger active area might be more suitable.
  • Your Workflow: If you rely heavily on shortcuts and prefer a tablet with dedicated ExpressKeys, the Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP might be a better fit.
  • Your Operating System: Both tablets are compatible with Windows and macOS, but it’s always a good idea to check for specific driver support for your operating system.
  • Your Level of Experience: Both tablets are suitable for both beginners and professionals, but the Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP might offer a more familiar and intuitive experience for those accustomed to Wacom’s products.

The Future of Drawing Tablets: A Glimpse into the Horizon

The drawing tablet landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies and features emerging regularly. It’s exciting to see what the future holds for this segment of the creative industry. Here are some trends to keep an eye on:

  • Improved Pressure Sensitivity: Expect even higher levels of pressure sensitivity, offering an even more nuanced and responsive drawing experience.
  • Wireless Connectivity: Wireless drawing tablets are becoming increasingly popular, offering greater flexibility and mobility.
  • Haptic Feedback: Haptic feedback technology is being incorporated into drawing tablets, providing a more immersive and realistic drawing experience.
  • AI-Powered Features: Artificial intelligence is playing a growing role in creative tools, offering features like automatic line smoothing and object recognition.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Artistic Journey

Choosing the right drawing tablet is a personal decision that depends on your individual needs and preferences. The Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP and the XP-Pen Star G640 both offer compelling features and value propositions. By carefully considering your requirements and comparing the pros and cons of each tablet, you can find the perfect tool to fuel your creative journey.

Remember, the most important aspect is finding a tablet that inspires you to create and explore your artistic vision.

Popular Questions

Q1: What is the difference between a drawing tablet and a graphics tablet?

A: Drawing tablets and graphics tablets are essentially the same thing. They are both input devices that allow you to control a computer cursor using a pen or stylus. The terms are often used interchangeably.

Q2: What is the difference between the Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP and the XP-Pen Star G640 in terms of drawing accuracy?

A: Both tablets offer accurate drawing experiences. The Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP is known for its precise and responsive pen tracking, while the XP-Pen Star G640 boasts high pressure sensitivity, allowing for more nuanced and detailed linework.

Q3: Can I use the Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP or the XP-Pen Star G640 with my iPad or other mobile devices?

A: Both tablets are designed for use with computers and are not compatible with iPads or other mobile devices.

Q4: Is the Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP still a good choice in 2023?

A: While the Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP is a reliable and feature-rich tablet, it’s no longer in production and might have limited driver support. If you’re looking for a new tablet, the XP-Pen Star G640 or a newer Wacom model might be better options.

Q5: What are some other drawing tablet options to consider?

A: Some other popular drawing tablet options include the Wacom Intuos Pro, the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro, and the Huion Kamvas Pro 13.

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About the Author
Ruth is a passionate artist and writer who founded Digital Canvas Review to help aspiring artists find the best drawing tablet for their needs. With years of experience in the digital art world, she provides insightful reviews, comparisons, and tips to empower artists of all levels.