The sub-$200 tablet market is heating up, with the TCL NxtPaper 10s prioritizing a paper-like reading experience and the Realme Pad 2 Lite focusing on mainstream performance. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two devices, focusing on how their chipsets, displays, and charging capabilities impact real-world usage.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing everyday tasks, streaming, and light gaming, the Realme Pad 2 Lite is the stronger choice thanks to its more modern and efficient Helio G99 chipset. However, the TCL NxtPaper 10s remains compelling for dedicated readers seeking a comfortable, paper-like display.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 04 | 2024, September 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, Q3 | Available. Released 2024, September 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 241 x 158.6 x 8.3 mm (9.49 x 6.24 x 0.33 in) | 258 x 169.5 x 8.3 mm (10.16 x 6.67 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 490 g (1.08 lb) | 525 g (1.16 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~207 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.95 inches, 347.7 cm2 (~79.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | NCVM IPS | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 90Hz, 450 nits (peak) |
| 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 14, Realme UI 5.0 for Pad |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | Unspecified |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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 |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C |
| 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 8000 mAh | 8300 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Gray, Ethereal Green | Nebula Purple, Space Grey |
| Models | 9081X, 9081X2 | RMP2402 |
| Price | - | About 160 EUR |
TCL NxtPaper 10s
- Paper-like display for comfortable reading
- Anti-glare matte finish reduces eye strain
- Faster charging (18W)
- Outdated Mediatek MT8768 chipset
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
- Potentially lower color accuracy
Realme Pad 2 Lite
- More powerful Mediatek Helio G99 chipset
- Improved performance for gaming and multitasking
- More efficient 6nm process node
- Standard LCD display lacks paper-like texture
- Slower charging (15W)
- May not be as comfortable for extended reading
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 10.1-inch displays, but their approaches diverge significantly. While specific brightness nits aren't provided, the TCL NxtPaper 10s’ key feature is its paper-like texture and anti-glare coating, designed to mimic the reading experience of physical paper. The Realme Pad 2 Lite lacks this specialized coating, focusing instead on a standard LCD panel. The absence of details like refresh rate or resolution suggests both are targeting the budget segment, but the NxtPaper’s unique texture is its defining visual characteristic. Color accuracy is likely to be better on the Realme Pad 2 Lite due to its standard LCD, while the NxtPaper prioritizes readability over vibrant colors.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse. Given the context data, a detailed camera comparison is limited. However, it’s safe to assume both feature basic camera setups suitable for video calls and occasional snapshots. The absence of details like sensor size or aperture suggests both utilize entry-level sensors. Focusing on camera quality for either device would be a misdirection; their primary strengths lie elsewhere.
Performance
The Realme Pad 2 Lite’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) represents a significant leap in processing power and efficiency over the TCL NxtPaper 10s’ Mediatek MT8768. The G99 utilizes two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz, while the MT8768 features four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz and four at 1.5 GHz. This architectural difference, combined with the 6nm process node of the G99, translates to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the Realme Pad 2 Lite. The older MT8768 in the NxtPaper 10s will struggle with demanding applications. The G99’s integrated GPU also provides a substantial advantage for graphics-intensive tasks.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified, but the Realme Pad 2 Lite’s 15W charging is slower than the TCL NxtPaper 10s’ 18W charging. However, the Helio G99’s superior power efficiency means the Realme Pad 2 Lite is likely to achieve comparable or even better real-world battery life despite the slower charging. The 6nm process node contributes significantly to reduced power consumption. While the NxtPaper 10s charges slightly faster, the G99’s efficiency will likely offset this advantage during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL NxtPaper 10s if you primarily need a device for extended reading sessions, note-taking, and minimizing eye strain. Its unique display technology and matte finish are tailored for this purpose. Buy the Realme Pad 2 Lite if you want a more versatile tablet capable of handling a wider range of tasks, including gaming and video editing, with a smoother overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G99 in the Realme Pad 2 Lite handle demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Helio G99 is a capable chipset, Genshin Impact will likely require reduced graphics settings for a smooth experience. It's not a dedicated gaming tablet, but it can handle less demanding titles with ease and offers a noticeable improvement over the TCL NxtPaper 10s for gaming.
❓ Is the TCL NxtPaper 10s’ display truly comfortable for long reading sessions, or is it just a gimmick?
The NxtPaper 10s’ display is genuinely designed for comfortable reading. The paper-like texture and anti-glare coating significantly reduce eye strain compared to traditional LCDs, making it ideal for extended reading of ebooks or documents. User feedback consistently praises its readability.
❓ Does the Realme Pad 2 Lite support split-screen multitasking effectively?
Yes, the Realme Pad 2 Lite’s Helio G99 and likely RAM configuration (though unspecified) allow for smooth split-screen multitasking with most apps. The more powerful processor handles the load of running two applications simultaneously without significant slowdown.
❓ Can I use a stylus with either the TCL NxtPaper 10s or the Realme Pad 2 Lite for note-taking?
Stylus support isn't explicitly mentioned for either device in the provided data. However, given the NxtPaper 10s' focus on reading and note-taking, it's more likely to have basic stylus compatibility, though likely without pressure sensitivity. The Realme Pad 2 Lite's stylus support is less certain.
