Summary
- The Deco Pro S includes a handy pen holder and a set of replacement nibs, ensuring a smooth and consistent drawing experience.
- The **Star G960S Plus** offers a more comprehensive package, including a pen holder, replacement nibs, a glove, and a carrying pouch.
- The choice between the XP-Pen Deco Pro S and the **XP-Pen Star G960S Plus** ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with a plethora of options from reputable brands like XP-Pen. Two popular contenders in the mid-range segment are the XP-Pen Deco Pro S and the **XP-Pen Star G960S Plus**. Both offer a compelling blend of features and affordability, but which one emerges as the superior choice for your creative endeavors? This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The XP-Pen Deco Pro S boasts a sleek and modern design with a minimalist aesthetic. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it highly portable, perfect for artists on the go. The tablet features a textured surface, providing a comfortable grip and preventing slippage during intense drawing sessions. On the other hand, the **XP-Pen Star G960S Plus** adopts a more traditional design with a slightly larger footprint. While it’s still relatively portable, its increased size might not be ideal for travel. The tablet’s surface is smooth and offers a different feel compared to the Deco Pro S. Both tablets have durable construction, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Active Area and Resolution
The Deco Pro S offers a generous active area of 10 x 6.25 inches, providing ample space for intricate drawings and detailed illustrations. Its 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and 5080 LPI resolution deliver exceptional accuracy and responsiveness. The **Star G960S Plus** boasts a slightly smaller active area of 9 x 6 inches, which might feel restrictive for some users. However, it compensates with a higher resolution of 5080 LPI and 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, ensuring precise control and smooth lines.
Pen Technology and Features
Both tablets come bundled with a pressure-sensitive pen that offers a natural drawing experience. The Deco Pro S pen features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support, and two programmable side buttons. The **Star G960S Plus** pen also boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support, but it includes eight programmable buttons, offering greater customization options. Both pens are lightweight and comfortable to hold, ensuring fatigue-free drawing sessions.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The Deco Pro S connects to your computer via USB cable, providing a reliable and stable connection. It’s compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems, making it a versatile choice for various users. The **Star G960S Plus** also utilizes a USB connection for reliable data transfer. It supports both Windows and macOS systems, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of software.
Software and Drivers
Both tablets come equipped with driver software that allows you to customize various settings, including pressure sensitivity, pen buttons, and screen calibration. The software is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to fine-tune the tablet’s performance according to your preferences.
Features and Extras
The Deco Pro S includes a handy pen holder and a set of replacement nibs, ensuring a smooth and consistent drawing experience. It also features a convenient shortcut key that allows you to switch between different functions with ease. The **Star G960S Plus** offers a more comprehensive package, including a pen holder, replacement nibs, a glove, and a carrying pouch. Its eight programmable buttons provide greater flexibility and customization options.
Price and Value
The XP-Pen Deco Pro S is generally priced lower than the **XP-Pen Star G960S Plus**, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious artists. While it might lack some of the advanced features of the Star G960S Plus, it still delivers exceptional performance for its price point. The **Star G960S Plus**, on the other hand, offers a premium experience with its larger active area, eight programmable buttons, and additional accessories. Its slightly higher price reflects the added value it provides.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the XP-Pen Deco Pro S and the **XP-Pen Star G960S Plus** ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. The **Deco Pro S** is a great value-for-money option that offers a compact design, a generous active area, and responsive pen technology. It’s perfect for artists who prioritize portability, affordability, and a smooth drawing experience.
The Star G960S Plus, with its larger active area, eight programmable buttons, and additional accessories, might be the better choice for artists who require more advanced features and customization options. Its higher price point is justified by its premium features and overall value.
The Final Verdict: A Tale of Two Tablets
Both the XP-Pen Deco Pro S and the **XP-Pen Star G960S Plus** are exceptional drawing tablets that offer a compelling blend of features and affordability. The **Deco Pro S** is a budget-friendly option that excels in portability and ease of use, while the **Star G960S Plus** provides a more advanced experience with its larger active area, programmable buttons, and additional accessories. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs, budget, and creative workflow.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The **Deco Pro S** is a great option for its affordability and ease of use, while the **Star G960S Plus** offers more advanced features that can be beneficial as you progress in your artistic journey.
Q: Can I use these tablets for photo editing?
A: Yes, both tablets can be used for photo editing. They provide precise control and responsiveness, making them suitable for tasks like retouching, color correction, and masking.
Q: Are these tablets compatible with iPad?
A: No, these tablets are not compatible with iPads. They are designed for use with Windows and macOS computers.
Q: What is the difference between the Deco Pro S and the Deco Pro Medium?
A: The **Deco Pro Medium** has a larger active area of 13.3 x 8.25 inches compared to the 10 x 6.25 inches active area of the **Deco Pro S**. This makes the Deco Pro Medium better suited for larger drawings and more complex illustrations.
Q: What is the warranty for these tablets?
A: Both the **Deco Pro S** and the **Star G960S Plus** come with a one-year warranty. This covers any defects in materials and workmanship.
