The tablet market offers a wide spectrum of devices, from dedicated media consumption tools to those prioritizing productivity and reading. The TCL NxtPaper 11 and Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) represent distinct approaches within the affordable Android tablet space. While both utilize the MediaTek Helio P60T chipset, their core philosophies diverge significantly, impacting user experience and suitability for different tasks.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing a paper-like reading experience and reduced eye strain, the TCL NxtPaper 11 is the clear winner. However, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) offers a more versatile entertainment experience with the convenience of wireless charging, making it better suited for those heavily invested in the Amazon ecosystem.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | LTE | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2021, April 27. Released 2021, May 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 259 x 163.6 x 6.9 mm (10.20 x 6.44 x 0.27 in) | 247 x 166 x 9.2 mm (9.72 x 6.54 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | 462 g (1.02 lb) | 468 g (1.03 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Aluminosilicate glass |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~213 ppi density) | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.95 inches, 341.3 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | NCVM IPS | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 9.0 (Pie), Fire OS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | - | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, 100˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 (accessories only) | Accelerometer |
| | - | Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 8000 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Digital Lavender, Dark Gray | Slate |
| Models | 9466X | T76N2P |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 150 EUR |
TCL NxtPaper 11
- Paper-like display reduces eye strain
- Matte finish minimizes glare
- Potentially longer battery life during reading
- Less vibrant colors compared to IPS LCD
- Amazon Appstore limitations
Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021)
- Wireless charging for added convenience
- Access to Amazon’s ecosystem and services
- More vibrant display for video content
- Fire OS is more restrictive than standard Android
- Display can cause more eye strain during prolonged reading
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 10.95-inch displays, but the similarities end there. The TCL NxtPaper 11 employs a unique NxtPaper display technology designed to reduce blue light and provide a paper-like texture. This is a significant advantage for prolonged reading, minimizing eye fatigue. The Fire HD 10 Plus, while offering a standard IPS LCD, lacks this specialized coating. While neither manufacturer specifies peak brightness, the NxtPaper’s matte finish inherently reduces glare, making it more usable outdoors. The Fire HD 10 Plus benefits from a more vibrant color profile, better suited for video content, but at the cost of eye comfort during extended use.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is not a primary strength of either device. Both tablets feature basic camera setups suitable for occasional video calls or quick snapshots. Detailed camera specifications are not readily available, suggesting neither is intended for serious photography. Focusing on camera quality would be a misdirection given the target audience and price point.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the MediaTek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) chipset with an octa-core CPU configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x Cortex-A53). However, the CPU configuration on the Fire HD 10 Plus is 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53, while the NxtPaper 11 is 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x Cortex-A53. This slight difference in clock speed is unlikely to be noticeable in everyday tasks. Both tablets will handle basic web browsing, video streaming, and light gaming adequately. Thermal management is unlikely to be a concern given the relatively low power draw of the Helio P60T. The Fire HD 10 Plus’s performance is also impacted by Amazon’s Fire OS, which is more resource-constrained than standard Android.
Battery Life
The TCL NxtPaper 11 supports 18W wired charging, while the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) offers wireless charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the NxtPaper 11’s power-efficient display technology likely contributes to longer battery life during reading. The Fire HD 10 Plus’s wireless charging provides convenience, but typically charges at a slower rate than wired charging. The choice between these depends on user preference: convenience versus potentially faster charging and longer reading time.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL NxtPaper 11 if you need a comfortable, eye-friendly display for extended reading sessions, note-taking, or digital art. Its matte finish and specialized display technology mimic the look and feel of paper. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) if you prefer a tablet primarily for streaming video, browsing the web, and accessing Amazon services, and value the convenience of wireless charging and a more established app ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the TCL NxtPaper 11 support Google Play Store, or am I limited to the TCL app store?
The TCL NxtPaper 11 does not natively support the Google Play Store. It relies on the TCL app store, which has a smaller selection of apps. However, users can sideload apps, but this requires technical knowledge and may void the warranty.
❓ How does Amazon’s Fire OS affect the user experience on the Fire HD 10 Plus compared to standard Android?
Amazon’s Fire OS is a heavily customized version of Android. It prioritizes Amazon’s services and content, and lacks full access to the Google Play Store. This means you’ll primarily use Amazon’s Appstore, which has a smaller app selection. It also includes Amazon’s advertising and recommendations throughout the interface.
❓ Is the NxtPaper display suitable for drawing or taking handwritten notes with a stylus?
Yes, the NxtPaper display provides a textured surface that mimics paper, making it a more natural experience for drawing and note-taking with a stylus. While a stylus isn't included, the tablet supports compatible styluses for enhanced productivity.
❓ Can I easily stream Netflix and other popular video services on the Fire HD 10 Plus?
Yes, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus supports popular video streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube. However, you may need to sideload the YouTube app as the default version is often limited.
