The sub-$300 Android tablet market is heating up. The TCL NxtPaper 11, with its unique paper-like display, aims for a distinct reading and writing experience. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ brings 5G connectivity and a more modern chipset to the table. This comparison dissects the core differences to determine which tablet delivers the best value for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage and future-proofing over the TCL NxtPaper 11’s older Helio P60T. While the NxtPaper 11’s display is unique, the A9+ offers a more versatile experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2023, October 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May | Available. Released 2023, October 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 259 x 163.6 x 6.9 mm (10.20 x 6.44 x 0.27 in) | 257.1 x 168.7 x 6.9 mm (10.12 x 6.64 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 462 g (1.02 lb) | 480 g or 492 g (1.06 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~213 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~206 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.95 inches, 341.3 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | NCVM IPS | TFT LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | - | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, 100˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Unspecified | - |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity (accessories only) | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity (accessories only), compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 8000 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Digital Lavender, Dark Gray | Graphite, Silver, Navy |
| Models | 9466X | SM-X210, SM-X215, SM-X216B |
| Price | About 240 EUR | $ 199.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.42 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.19 W/kg (body) |
TCL NxtPaper 11
- Unique paper-like display reduces eye strain
- Matte finish enhances outdoor visibility
- Potentially lighter weight due to display technology
- Older, less powerful Helio P60T chipset
- Less efficient 12nm process
- Limited gaming performance
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
- More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 695 5G
- 5G connectivity for on-the-go access
- Modern Android experience
- Traditional LCD display may cause more glare
- May not be as comfortable for extended reading as the NxtPaper 11
- Potentially higher price
Display Comparison
The TCL NxtPaper 11’s defining feature is its matte, paper-like display, designed to mimic the look and feel of physical paper. While resolution details are missing, the focus is on reducing glare and eye strain. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ utilizes a traditional LCD panel. The Helio P60T’s older GPU likely limits the A9+'s ability to drive high refresh rate displays, but the A9+ benefits from a more modern panel technology. The NxtPaper 11’s matte finish will be superior for outdoor visibility, but the A9+ will likely offer more vibrant colors and potentially higher peak brightness.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse. Details regarding camera sensors are limited, but focusing on the core chipsets, the Snapdragon 695 includes a more advanced image signal processor (ISP) than the Helio P60T. This translates to better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. While both tablets likely feature similar megapixel counts in their primary sensors, the A9+ will likely produce more detailed and cleaner images. Any secondary cameras on either device are likely to be of minimal quality and should not be a deciding factor.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) represents a significant leap over the TCL NxtPaper 11’s MediaTek Helio P60T (12nm). The 6nm process node inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to longer battery life and less thermal throttling. The Snapdragon 695 features newer Kryo 660 cores (2x2.2 GHz Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Silver) compared to the Helio P60T’s Cortex-A73 and A53 configuration. This architectural difference, combined with the process node advantage, results in a more responsive and capable experience for multitasking, app loading, and light gaming on the A9+. The NxtPaper 11 will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+’s 15W charging, coupled with the more efficient Snapdragon 695, suggests a more optimized charging experience. The TCL NxtPaper 11’s 18W charging appears faster on paper, but the less efficient Helio P60T will likely consume more power during use, potentially negating the charging speed advantage. The 6nm process of the Snapdragon 695 will contribute to longer sustained usage on a single charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL NxtPaper 11 if you prioritize a comfortable, paper-like reading experience and primarily need a device for note-taking and document viewing. Its matte display reduces eye strain during extended use. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ if you value all-around performance, 5G connectivity for on-the-go access, and a more responsive user interface for multitasking and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 695 in the Galaxy Tab A9+ handle demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 695 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it can handle less graphically intensive games smoothly. Genshin Impact will likely require low settings and may experience occasional frame drops. The TCL NxtPaper 11’s Helio P60T will struggle significantly with such titles.
❓ Is the paper-like display on the TCL NxtPaper 11 suitable for drawing with a stylus?
The TCL NxtPaper 11’s display offers a textured feel that can enhance the drawing experience, mimicking the feel of pen on paper. However, the lack of a high-end digitizer and the limitations of the Helio P60T may result in latency and reduced precision compared to tablets designed specifically for artists.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ support expandable storage via microSD card?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ supports microSD card expansion, allowing you to increase storage capacity beyond the internal options. This is a significant advantage for users who plan to store a large number of files, photos, or videos.
