The sub-$200 Android tablet market is heating up, with the TCL NxtPaper 11 and Realme Pad 2 Lite vying for dominance. While both aim for affordability, they take different approaches to performance and features. The NxtPaper 11 prioritizes a unique paper-like display, while the Pad 2 Lite focuses on a more modern chipset for improved responsiveness. This comparison dives deep into the specs to determine which tablet delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme Pad 2 Lite is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G99, built on a 6nm process, offers a significant performance and efficiency advantage over the TCL NxtPaper 11’s older Helio P60T. While the NxtPaper’s display is unique, the Pad 2 Lite’s overall responsiveness and future-proofing make it the winner.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2024, September 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May | Available. Released 2024, September 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 259 x 163.6 x 6.9 mm (10.20 x 6.44 x 0.27 in) | 258 x 169.5 x 8.3 mm (10.16 x 6.67 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | 462 g (1.02 lb) | 525 g (1.16 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~213 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~207 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.95 inches, 341.3 cm2 (~80.5% 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-A73 & 4x Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 for Pad |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | Unspecified |
| Internal | - | 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 | 8 MP, 100˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Unspecified | - |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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 (accessories only) | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 8000 mAh | 8300 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Digital Lavender, Dark Gray | Nebula Purple, Space Grey |
| Models | 9466X | RMP2402 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 160 EUR |
TCL NxtPaper 11
- Unique NxtPaper display reduces eye strain
- Matte finish minimizes glare
- Slightly faster wired charging (18W)
- Older, less efficient Helio P60T chipset
- Potentially lower peak brightness
- Performance may struggle with demanding apps
Realme Pad 2 Lite
- More powerful and efficient Helio G99 chipset
- 6nm process for better thermal management
- Smoother overall user experience
- Likely better color accuracy
- Lacks the unique NxtPaper display
- Slower wired charging (15W)
- May not be ideal for extended reading sessions
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 11-inch displays, but their technologies diverge significantly. The TCL NxtPaper 11’s key feature is its namesake display, designed to mimic the texture of paper. While specific brightness nits aren’t provided, the focus is on reducing blue light and glare. The Realme Pad 2 Lite, lacking this specialized tech, likely offers higher peak brightness and potentially better color accuracy, though specifics are unavailable. The NxtPaper’s matte finish will reduce reflections, but may also impact vibrancy. Bezels are likely comparable given the price points, and neither device is expected to feature high refresh rate panels.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is expected to excel in photography. Given the context data, a detailed camera comparison is limited. Both will likely feature basic camera setups suitable for video calls and occasional snapshots. The absence of specific sensor details suggests neither prioritizes camera quality. Any differences will likely be minimal and driven by software processing rather than hardware.
Performance
This is where the Realme Pad 2 Lite pulls ahead decisively. The Mediatek Helio G99, fabricated on a 6nm process, is a generation newer and significantly more efficient than the TCL NxtPaper 11’s Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12nm). The G99’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – offers a performance boost over the P60T’s 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x Cortex-A53. The 6nm node translates to lower power consumption and less thermal throttling during sustained workloads. While both likely feature similar RAM configurations, the G99’s superior architecture will result in a noticeably snappier user experience.
Battery Life
The Realme Pad 2 Lite’s 15W charging is slightly slower than the TCL NxtPaper 11’s 18W, but the G99’s 6nm efficiency mitigates this. The G99 consumes less power during typical usage, meaning the Pad 2 Lite will likely achieve comparable, if not better, battery life despite the potentially slower charging speed. The actual 0-100% charge times will depend on battery capacity (not provided), but the G99’s efficiency is the key factor here.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL NxtPaper 11 if you prioritize a unique reading experience and a matte, paper-like display for extended note-taking or ebook consumption. Its focus is on minimizing eye strain. Buy the Realme Pad 2 Lite if you need a more responsive tablet for everyday tasks, light gaming, and media consumption. The G99 chipset provides a smoother experience and better long-term performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme Pad 2 Lite handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G99 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. It’s not a gaming powerhouse, but it’s significantly better equipped than the Helio P60T in the NxtPaper 11.
❓ Is the TCL NxtPaper 11’s display truly better for reading ebooks compared to a standard LCD?
The NxtPaper display’s matte finish and reduced blue light emission are designed to minimize eye strain during extended reading sessions. Many users find it more comfortable than a traditional LCD, especially in bright environments. However, color vibrancy will be reduced.
❓ Does the Realme Pad 2 Lite support fast charging standards beyond 15W?
While the Pad 2 Lite supports 15W charging, it's likely compatible with Power Delivery (PD) charging, allowing it to draw more power from a compatible charger, though not at significantly higher speeds. Using the included charger is recommended for optimal performance.
