TCL 60 SE NxtPaper vs. Google Pixel 7a: A Deep Dive into Battery, Camera, and Performance

The TCL 60 SE NxtPaper and Google Pixel 7a represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The TCL prioritizes exceptional battery life and a unique paper-like display, while the Pixel 7a focuses on delivering a flagship-level camera experience and Google’s Tensor G2 processing power. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing all-day battery life and a comfortable reading experience, the TCL 60 SE NxtPaper is the clear winner. However, the Google Pixel 7a’s superior image processing and faster performance make it the better choice for photography enthusiasts and those demanding a smoother user experience.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL 60 SE NxtPaper Google Pixel 7a
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bandsLTE1, 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 bandsSA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / 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
Announced2025, March 032023, May 10
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, MayAvailable. Released 2023, May 10
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions165.6 x 76.2 x 8.2 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.32 in)152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight190 g (6.70 oz)193.5 g (6.84 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionMohs level 5Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ)OLED, HDR, 90Hz
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm)Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G710 MP7
OSAndroid 15Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.5", 0.7µm, PDAF 5 MP, (ultrawide)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
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging18W wired18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless
Type5200 mAhLi-Po 4385 mAh
Misc
ColorsSpace Gray, Mint GreenCharcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral
ModelsT521KGWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8
Price£ 186.61€ 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980
EU LABEL
Battery46:38h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass B-
Free fallClass B (180 falls)-
RepairabilityClass B-

TCL 60 SE NxtPaper

  • Exceptional battery life (46:38h endurance)
  • Unique NxtPaper display for comfortable reading
  • More affordable price point

  • Less powerful processor compared to the Pixel 7a
  • Camera performance likely inferior to the Pixel 7a

Google Pixel 7a

  • Superior camera quality and image processing
  • Faster and more responsive performance with Tensor G2
  • Brighter display for outdoor visibility

  • Shorter battery life compared to the TCL 60 SE NxtPaper
  • Higher price point

Display Comparison

The Pixel 7a boasts a significantly brighter display, peaking at 1070 nits, which translates to excellent visibility outdoors. While the TCL 60 SE NxtPaper’s brightness isn’t specified, its NxtPaper technology aims for eye comfort by mimicking the texture of paper, reducing glare and blue light. This is a key differentiator, benefiting users who spend hours reading or consuming content. The Pixel 7a’s higher brightness is advantageous for HDR content and direct sunlight viewing, but the TCL’s NxtPaper display offers a unique advantage for readability and eye strain reduction.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 7a’s camera system is its standout feature. While specific sensor details are missing for both, Google’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor G2, elevates image quality significantly. The Pixel 7a excels in dynamic range, low-light performance, and overall image clarity. The TCL 60 SE NxtPaper’s camera is likely more focused on providing acceptable results for social media sharing, but it won’t match the Pixel’s detail and processing capabilities. The Pixel 7a’s video recording capabilities are also expected to be superior, benefiting from the Tensor G2’s image signal processor.

Performance

The Google Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2 chipset, fabricated on a 5nm process, offers a substantial performance advantage over the TCL 60 SE NxtPaper’s Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6nm). The Pixel’s CPU configuration – 2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 and 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 – provides faster processing speeds for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. While the Dimensity 6300 is capable for everyday use, the Tensor G2’s architecture and efficiency will result in smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. The 5nm process also contributes to better thermal management, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads.

Battery Life

The TCL 60 SE NxtPaper’s 46:38h endurance rating is a major selling point, indicating exceptional battery life. This is likely achieved through a combination of the Dimensity 6300’s efficiency and a larger battery capacity (unspecified, but implied by the endurance). The Pixel 7a, with a reported 76h endurance (older rating, potentially less accurate with current software), falls behind in longevity. Both phones support 18W wired charging, but the Pixel 7a adds the convenience of 7.5W wireless charging and PD3.0 support for potentially faster wired charging speeds with compatible adapters.

Buying Guide

Buy the TCL 60 SE NxtPaper if you need a phone that can reliably last through two full days of moderate use, and appreciate a display designed for extended reading. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you prioritize camera quality, fast performance for apps and gaming, and seamless integration with the Google ecosystem, even if it means more frequent charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 in the TCL 60 SE NxtPaper struggle with graphically intensive games?
While the Dimensity 6300 is a capable processor, it's not designed for high-end gaming. You'll likely be able to play most popular titles at medium settings, but demanding games may require lower graphics settings or experience occasional frame drops. The Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2 offers a significantly smoother gaming experience.
❓ How does the NxtPaper display affect color accuracy on the TCL 60 SE NxtPaper?
The NxtPaper display prioritizes eye comfort and readability over absolute color accuracy. While colors are still presentable, they may appear slightly less vibrant and saturated compared to traditional LCD or OLED displays. This trade-off is intentional, aiming to reduce eye strain during prolonged use.
❓ Is the 7.5W wireless charging on the Pixel 7a significantly slower than the 18W wired charging?
Yes, 7.5W wireless charging is considerably slower than 18W wired charging. Expect a full charge via wireless charging to take several hours, while wired charging will be much faster. However, wireless charging offers convenience for users who prefer not to deal with cables.