The sub-$250 Android tablet market is heating up, with the TCL NxtPaper 10s and Oppo Pad Air2 vying for dominance. The NxtPaper 10s focuses on a paper-like display experience, while the Pad Air2 prioritizes modern chipset performance. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which tablet delivers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Oppo Pad Air2 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Helio G99 chipset, built on a 6nm process, provides a significant performance uplift over the TCL NxtPaper 10s’ MT8768, translating to smoother multitasking and gaming. The 33W fast charging is also a substantial advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | - | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 04 | 2023, November 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, Q3 | Available. Released 2023, November 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 241 x 158.6 x 8.3 mm (9.49 x 6.24 x 0.33 in) | 255.1 x 188 x 6.9 mm (10.04 x 7.40 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 490 g (1.08 lb) | 538 g (1.19 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1720 x 2408 pixels (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.4 inches, 396.6 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | NCVM IPS | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8768 | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13, ColorOS 13.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity (accessories only), gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, PD |
| Type | Li-Po 8000 mAh | Li-Po 8000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Gray, Ethereal Green | Silver, Gray |
| Models | 9081X, 9081X2 | - |
| Price | - | About 170 EUR |
TCL NxtPaper 10s
- Paper-like display for comfortable reading
- Potentially longer battery life for basic tasks
- More affordable price point (likely)
- Significantly weaker processor performance
- Slower 18W charging
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Oppo Pad Air2
- Faster and more efficient Mediatek Helio G99 chipset
- 33W fast charging with PD
- Smoother multitasking and gaming experience
- May be slightly more expensive
- Lacks the paper-like display of the NxtPaper 10s
- Battery life may be slightly shorter under heavy load
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 10.1-inch displays, but details beyond size are scarce. The TCL NxtPaper 10s’ key feature is its namesake NxtPaper display, designed to mimic the texture of paper for reduced eye strain. While the Oppo Pad Air2’s panel specifications aren’t detailed, its focus isn’t on this paper-like effect. The lack of high refresh rate information on either suggests standard 60Hz panels. Without brightness nits or color gamut data, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the NxtPaper’s unique texture is a clear differentiator for reading-focused users.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse, and detailed camera specs are limited. It’s safe to assume both feature basic camera setups suitable for video calls and occasional snapshots. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is impossible. Focusing on the core purpose of these tablets – productivity and media consumption – the camera quality is unlikely to be a deciding factor for most buyers.
Performance
The Oppo Pad Air2’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) represents a substantial leap in performance over the TCL NxtPaper 10s’ Mediatek MT8768. The G99 utilizes two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz, a configuration far superior to the NxtPaper 10s’ four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz and four at 1.5 GHz. The 6nm fabrication process of the G99 also contributes to improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling. This translates to a noticeably snappier experience in everyday tasks and a greater ability to handle graphically intensive applications. The NxtPaper 10s will suffice for basic productivity, but the Air2 is the clear winner for demanding users.
Battery Life
The TCL NxtPaper 10s’ 18W charging is significantly slower than the Oppo Pad Air2’s 33W wired charging with PD (Power Delivery). While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the more efficient Helio G99 in the Air2 will likely offset any capacity differences. The 33W charging will allow the Air2 to reach a full charge much faster, minimizing downtime. This is a crucial advantage for users who rely on their tablet throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL NxtPaper 10s if you prioritize a comfortable, paper-like reading experience and extended battery life for basic tasks like ebook reading and note-taking. Buy the Oppo Pad Air2 if you need a tablet capable of handling demanding apps, multitasking, and light gaming, and value faster charging speeds for on-the-go use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oppo Pad Air2 handle demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Helio G99 is capable, Genshin Impact will likely require reduced graphics settings for a smooth experience. The Air2 can handle less demanding games without issue, and its thermal management should prevent significant throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ Is the TCL NxtPaper 10s suitable for taking handwritten notes with a stylus?
The NxtPaper display offers a textured surface that *may* provide a more natural writing feel with a stylus, but the TCL NxtPaper 10s doesn't officially support a stylus and its responsiveness isn't optimized for note-taking. The Oppo Pad Air2 doesn't offer a specific advantage in this area either.
❓ Does the Oppo Pad Air2 support video playback in high resolutions like 1440p?
The Helio G99 chipset is capable of decoding 1440p video, but the display resolution of the Oppo Pad Air2 is likely 1920x1200. Therefore, it can play 1440p content, but it will be downscaled to fit the screen.
