Motorola Edge (2023) vs TCL 40 NxtPaper: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Choices

The TCL 40 NxtPaper and Motorola Edge (2023) represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The TCL focuses on a unique paper-like display experience and affordability, while the Motorola Edge (2023) aims for a more robust performance profile with faster charging and a more modern chipset. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing performance and fast charging, the Motorola Edge (2023) is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 7030 chipset and 68W charging significantly outperform the TCL 40 NxtPaper’s Helio G88 and 33W charging. However, if eye comfort and a unique reading experience are paramount, the TCL NxtPaper offers a compelling alternative.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL 40 NxtPaper Motorola Edge (2023)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71
5G bands-1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2023, August 292023, October 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, SeptemberAvailable. Released 2023, October 11
Body
Build-Glass front, aluminum frame, silicone polymer back (eco leather)
Dimensions168.2 x 75.3 x 7.9 mm (6.62 x 2.96 x 0.31 in)158.4 x 72 x 7.6 mm (6.24 x 2.83 x 0.30 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight195 g (6.88 oz)168 g (5.93 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~86.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~90.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzP-OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm)MediaTek Dimensity 7030 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MC2Mali-G610 MC3
OSAndroid 13, TCL UIAndroid 13, planned upgrade to Android 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal256GB 8GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/1.4, (wide), 1/1.5", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm, AF
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, (ultra wide), 115°, 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)-
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, HDR, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single32 MP, (wide)32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/k/v/r, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging33W wired68W wired 15W wireless
TypeLi-Ion 5010 mAhLi-Po 4400 mAh
Misc
ColorsMidnight Blue, OpalescentEclipse Black
ModelsT612B-
PriceAbout 200 EUR$ 189.95

TCL 40 NxtPaper

  • Unique NxtPaper display for eye comfort
  • More affordable price point
  • Lightweight and potentially more portable

  • Significantly slower performance
  • Slower charging speeds
  • Likely lower camera quality

Motorola Edge (2023)

  • Faster and more efficient Dimensity 7030 chipset
  • 68W wired and 15W wireless charging
  • Likely superior camera performance

  • Higher price tag
  • May not prioritize eye comfort as much
  • Potentially heavier build

Display Comparison

The TCL 40 NxtPaper’s defining feature is its NxtPaper display, designed to mimic the texture of paper, reducing blue light and glare. While specific nit brightness isn’t provided, it’s likely lower than the Motorola Edge (2023). The Motorola Edge (2023) likely features a standard AMOLED panel, offering vibrant colors and higher peak brightness for better outdoor visibility. The Motorola Edge (2023) will likely have a higher refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and animations, a feature absent in the TCL 40 NxtPaper. Bezels are expected to be slimmer on the Motorola Edge (2023) due to its more premium positioning.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make a precise comparison. However, the Motorola Edge (2023), positioned as a more premium device, likely features a larger main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) for improved low-light performance and sharper images. The TCL 40 NxtPaper likely relies on software processing to compensate for a potentially smaller sensor. Lens apertures will also play a role; a wider aperture (lower f-number) on the Motorola Edge (2023) will allow more light to reach the sensor, further enhancing low-light photography. The inclusion of OIS on the Motorola Edge (2023) is a significant advantage for video recording, providing smoother and more stable footage.

Performance

The Motorola Edge (2023) boasts the MediaTek Dimensity 7030, fabricated on a 6nm process, offering a significant advantage in power efficiency and performance over the TCL 40 NxtPaper’s MediaTek Helio G88 (12nm). The Dimensity 7030’s Cortex-A78 cores, clocked at 2.5 GHz, provide a noticeable CPU performance boost compared to the Helio G88’s Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 6nm process also means less heat generation under sustained load, reducing the likelihood of thermal throttling. While both phones utilize 6x Cortex-A55 cores, the Dimensity 7030’s superior architecture and process node provide a clear advantage.

Battery Life

The TCL 40 NxtPaper’s 33W wired charging is adequate but significantly slower than the Motorola Edge (2023)’s 68W wired charging. The Motorola Edge (2023) also adds 15W wireless charging, a feature absent on the TCL 40 NxtPaper. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging on the Motorola Edge (2023) allows for quicker top-ups, minimizing downtime. A full charge on the Motorola Edge (2023) is expected to take under an hour, while the TCL 40 NxtPaper will likely require considerably longer. The Dimensity 7030’s 6nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any capacity differences.

Buying Guide

Buy the TCL 40 NxtPaper if you spend significant time reading ebooks, articles, or documents and prioritize eye strain reduction with its NxtPaper display. Buy the Motorola Edge (2023) if you’re a power user who values faster performance for gaming, multitasking, and content creation, and appreciate the convenience of rapid charging and wireless charging capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the MediaTek Dimensity 7030 in the Motorola Edge (2023) get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 7030’s 6nm process is designed for improved thermal efficiency compared to the TCL 40 NxtPaper’s Helio G88. While some heat generation is inevitable during demanding tasks like gaming, the Motorola Edge (2023) is expected to manage temperatures more effectively, minimizing thermal throttling and maintaining consistent performance for longer periods.
❓ Is the NxtPaper display on the TCL 40 NxtPaper truly effective at reducing eye strain, and is it suitable for prolonged reading?
The TCL 40 NxtPaper’s NxtPaper display utilizes a unique surface treatment and blue light filtering to mimic the appearance of paper. This reduces glare and minimizes blue light emission, which can contribute to eye strain. Many users report a more comfortable reading experience, particularly in low-light conditions. However, individual sensitivity to blue light varies.
❓ How does the camera performance of the Motorola Edge (2023) compare to the TCL 40 NxtPaper in challenging lighting conditions?
The Motorola Edge (2023) is expected to outperform the TCL 40 NxtPaper in low-light photography due to its likely larger sensor and the inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). OIS helps reduce blur caused by hand movements, while a larger sensor captures more light, resulting in brighter and more detailed images in dimly lit environments.