Google Pixel 7a vs TCL 40 NxtPaper: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 7a is the superior choice, offering a significantly more powerful processor and a class-leading camera experience. However, the TCL 40 NxtPaper presents a compelling value proposition for those prioritizing eye comfort and a lower price point, accepting compromises in performance and camera quality.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL 40 NxtPaper | Google Pixel 7a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 - GWKK3, G0DZQ |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GHL1X, G82U8 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2023, August 29 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, September | Available. Released 2023, May 10 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168.2 x 75.3 x 7.9 mm (6.62 x 2.96 x 0.31 in) | 152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 193.5 g (6.84 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~86.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | OLED, HDR, 90Hz |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
| OS | Android 13, TCL UI | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, (ultra wide), 115°, 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 5010 mAh | Li-Po 4385 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Opalescent | Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral |
| Models | T612B | GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | € 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980 |
TCL 40 NxtPaper
- Superior camera performance, especially in low light.
- Significantly faster processor for smooth multitasking and gaming.
- Google’s software support and feature set.
- Higher price point.
- No expandable storage.
Google Pixel 7a
- Unique NxtPaper display for reduced eye strain.
- More affordable price.
- Faster wired charging (33W).
- Significantly weaker processor.
- Inferior camera quality.
Display Comparison
The TCL 40 NxtPaper’s defining feature is its NxtPaper display, designed to mimic the texture of paper for reduced eye strain. While the context data lacks specifics on panel type, TCL’s marketing emphasizes this comfort. Conversely, the Pixel 7a boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 1070 nits. This higher peak brightness translates to superior visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. The Pixel 7a’s display, while not explicitly stated as LTPO, benefits from Google’s display calibration, offering accurate colors. The NxtPaper display’s focus on texture may come at the cost of color accuracy, appealing to a different user need than vibrant visuals.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 7a’s camera system is a clear differentiator. While the context data doesn’t detail sensor sizes, Google’s computational photography prowess is well-established. The Pixel 7a excels in both photo and video capture, particularly in low-light conditions, leveraging the Tensor G2’s image signal processor (ISP). The TCL 40 NxtPaper’s camera capabilities are likely more modest, focusing on providing acceptable results in good lighting. The absence of details regarding OIS on the TCL suggests it will struggle with handheld video recording and low-light photography compared to the Pixel 7a. Ignoring the likely inclusion of a low-resolution macro lens on the TCL, the Pixel 7a’s image processing algorithms will deliver superior dynamic range and detail.
Performance
The performance gap is substantial. The Google Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2, fabricated on a 5nm process, significantly outperforms the TCL 40 NxtPaper’s MediaTek Helio G88 (12nm). The Tensor G2’s octa-core configuration, featuring 2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 cores, provides a noticeable boost in CPU-intensive tasks and AI processing. The Helio G88, while capable for everyday use, will struggle with demanding games and multitasking. The 5nm process of the Tensor G2 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained workloads. The Pixel 7a’s likely use of faster LPDDR5x RAM further enhances responsiveness compared to the NxtPaper’s likely LPDDR4X.
Battery Life
The Pixel 7a has an endurance rating of 76 hours, suggesting efficient power management despite its powerful processor. While the TCL 40 NxtPaper’s battery capacity is unknown, its less demanding processor and potentially larger battery could offer comparable all-day battery life. However, the Pixel 7a’s 18W wired charging with PD3.0 support, alongside 7.5W wireless charging, provides more versatile charging options. The TCL 40 NxtPaper’s 33W wired charging is faster, potentially offering a quicker top-up, but lacks wireless charging convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 40 NxtPaper if you prioritize extended reading sessions and eye comfort thanks to its NxtPaper display, and need a reliable daily driver for basic tasks on a tight budget. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you demand a premium camera experience, smooth performance for demanding apps and games, and benefit from Google’s software features and long-term support.