TCL 60 XE NxtPaper vs Samsung Galaxy A14 5G: A Deep Dive into Budget 5G
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the TCL 60 XE NxtPaper offers a more compelling package. Its newer Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ chipset provides a noticeable performance edge over the Galaxy A14 5G’s potentially older Dimensity 700 variant (depending on region), and the NxtPaper display offers a unique, eye-friendly experience. While the Samsung boasts a slightly brighter screen, the TCL’s overall value is higher.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL 60 XE NxtPaper | Samsung Galaxy A14 5G |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 41, 42, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 2, 5, 66, 77 Sub6/mmWave - USA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - India | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2025, March 03 | 2023, January 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, May | Available. Released 2023, January 12 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 167.6 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm (6.60 x 2.97 x 0.32 in) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199.5 g (7.02 oz) | 202 g (7.13 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~86.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | PLS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - SM-A146BOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - SM-A146P |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | Exynos 1330 (5 nm) - SM-A146BMediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) - SM-A146P |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MP2 - SM-A146BMali-G57 MC2 - SM-A146P |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI Core 7 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - USA onlymicroSDXC (dedicated slot) - International |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF 5 MP, (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 32 MP, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio (Exynos 1330 chipset only), recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer (USA only) |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired Reverse wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5010 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Space Blue | Black, Light Green, Dark Red, Silver |
| Models | T705M, T705M1 | SM-A146B, SM-A146B/DS, SM-A146P, SM-A146P/DS, SM-A146U, SM-A146U1, SM-A146U1/DS, SM-A146W, SM-A146P/N, SM-A146P/DSN, SM-S146VL, SM-A146M |
| Price | $ 199.00 | $ 77.63 / C$ 151.00 / £ 97.00 / € 159.79 / ₹ 14,990 |
| SAR | 1.30 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.56 W/kg (head) 1.28 W/kg (body) |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 130h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: 1334:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - | -26.8 LUFS (Good) |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 307886 (v9) GeekBench: 1727 (v5.1) GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
TCL 60 XE NxtPaper
- More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ chipset
- Unique NxtPaper display for reduced eye strain
- Faster 18W charging with reverse wired charging
- Brand recognition is lower than Samsung
- Camera specs are less detailed
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
- Brighter display for outdoor visibility
- Established Samsung brand and software ecosystem
- Wider availability and support network
- Potentially older and less powerful Dimensity 700 chipset (depending on region)
- Slower 15W charging
- 2MP macro camera offers limited value
Display Comparison
Both phones feature displays with a 1334:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar image quality in terms of dynamic range. However, the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G reaches a measured peak brightness of 519 nits, potentially offering better visibility in direct sunlight. The TCL 60 XE NxtPaper’s key differentiator is its NxtPaper technology, designed to mimic the texture of paper, reducing eye strain. While the data doesn’t specify PWM dimming rates, the NxtPaper technology inherently aims to reduce blue light and flicker, potentially benefiting users sensitive to screen flicker. The lack of high refresh rate on either device is typical for this price point.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer a standard photo/video camera setup, but detailed sensor information is lacking. Without specifics on sensor size or aperture, it’s difficult to definitively assess camera quality. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the Samsung is likely a marketing feature with limited practical benefit. Image processing will likely be a key differentiator, with Samsung’s software typically prioritizing vibrant colors and contrast, while TCL’s approach is less defined. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests image stabilization will rely on software algorithms.
Performance
The TCL 60 XE NxtPaper’s Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) chipset represents a significant step up in efficiency and performance compared to the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G’s Exynos 1330 (5nm) or Dimensity 700 (7nm) – depending on the specific model (SM-A146B or SM-A146P). The Dimensity 6100+ utilizes Cortex-A76 cores, offering a performance advantage over the A78 cores in the Exynos 1330 and A76 cores in the Dimensity 700. The 6nm process node of the Dimensity 6100+ also contributes to better thermal management, potentially leading to sustained performance during prolonged use. The Samsung’s chipset choice is fragmented, with the Dimensity 700 being an older, less powerful option.
Battery Life
Both the TCL 60 XE NxtPaper and Samsung Galaxy A14 5G boast an endurance rating of 130 hours, indicating comparable battery life under typical usage. The Samsung features 15W wired charging, while the TCL supports 18W wired charging, offering a slightly faster recharge time. The TCL also includes reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories. While the battery capacity isn’t specified, the comparable endurance ratings suggest similar battery sizes, and the slightly faster charging on the TCL provides a minor convenience advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 60 XE NxtPaper if you prioritize performance for everyday tasks and enjoy reading on your phone thanks to the NxtPaper display. It’s ideal for students, commuters, and anyone who spends extended periods looking at a screen. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G if you prefer a more recognizable brand with a mature software experience and value a slightly brighter display for outdoor visibility, even if it means sacrificing some processing power.