When it comes to choosing the best tablet for digital art, the two most popular options are Wacom's Cintiq and Microsoft's Surface Pro 4. Both of these devices have their strengths and weaknesses, and which one you choose ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. In this article, we'll compare the Cintiq and the Surface Pro 4 in terms of design, performance, and features to help you make an informed decision.
One of the most significant differences between the Cintiq and the Surface Pro 4 is their design. The Cintiq is a standalone drawing tablet, which means that it doesn't function as a computer on its own. Instead, it must be connected to a computer or laptop to work. The tablet has a large, widescreen display with a matte finish, which helps to reduce glare. The Cintiq's screen is pressure-sensitive, allowing artists to create digital illustrations with a high degree of precision.
On the other hand, the Surface Pro 4 is a 2-in-1 device that functions both as a tablet and a laptop. It has a detachable keyboard cover and an adjustable kickstand that lets you position the device in various angles depending on your preference. The Surface Pro 4's display is also pressure-sensitive, and it comes with a stylus that provides 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity, similar to Cintiq.
Overall, both devices have a solid build quality and a great design, but the Cintiq is bulkier due to its larger display, making it less portable compared to the Surface Pro 4.
When comparing the performance of these two devices, there are several factors to consider, including processing power, graphics, and battery life.
The Cintiq is generally more powerful than the Surface Pro 4, thanks to its dedicated graphics card and fast processor. This tablet is best suited for artists who need a lot of processing power to work with large files and complex digital art projects. The Cintiq also offers a significant advantage in terms of screen size and resolution, with a 1920 x 1080 display compared to the Surface Pro 4's 2736 x 1824 resolution display. On top of that, the Cintiq has a larger display size, which makes it ideal for artists who work with complex art projects that require more screen space.
The Surface Pro 4, on the other hand, is a highly portable device with a long battery life, making it an excellent choice for artists who work on-the-go. Both the tablet and the stylus have a long battery life, which means you can work for an extended period without worrying about charging. The Surface Pro 4 also runs on a powerful processor, allowing artists to work with moderate-sized digital art projects without major performance issues.
Both the Cintiq and Surface Pro 4 have a range of features that may appeal to different artists.
The Cintiq, being a dedicated drawing tablet, has more advanced features such as tilt sensitivity and multi-touch gestures than the Surface Pro 4. The device's advanced features allow you to create highly detailed and complex illustrations without any hassle. Moreover, the Cintiq's stylus has more levels of pressure sensitivity than the Surface Pro 4, allowing artists to create even more subtle variations in their artwork.
On the other hand, the Surface Pro 4 has more versatile features due to its 2-in-1 design. The device can be used as a full-fledged laptop, making it a versatile option for artists who work on a variety of projects. The Surface Pro 4 also runs on Windows 10, which makes it compatible with a vast array of software and apps which can be easily downloaded and installed from Microsoft Store.
Both the Cintiq and the Surface Pro 4 are excellent devices for artists, and the choice between the two ultimately depends on your preferences and needs. If you require a powerful device with a large display, advanced features, and excellent performance, the Cintiq may be the better option. However, if portability, versatility, and battery life are your top priorities, then the Surface Pro 4 is the way to go.
Ultimately, no matter which device you choose, remember that the stylus is a crucial aspect when it comes to digital art. The stylus has to be comfortable, pressure-sensitive, and accurate when drawing, so it's essential to test both Cintiq and Surface Pro 4 stylus' before making a final decision. If you're an artist who is always on-the-go, the Surface Pro 4 may be the best choice, while the Cintiq is perfect for artists that work on complex digital art projects that require more screen space and advanced features.
