The TCL NxtPaper series has quickly become a favorite for those seeking a comfortable and distraction-free reading experience. But with two models available – the NxtPaper 11 and the newer NxtPaper 12 Pro – choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The NxtPaper 12 Pro offers a significant performance upgrade thanks to its newer chipset and improved CPU architecture. While both offer excellent e-ink displays, the 12 Pro's faster processor makes it a better choice for multitasking and more demanding tasks. If budget is a primary concern, the 11 remains a solid option.
| 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, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| 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, January 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May | Available. Released 2023, January 05 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 259 x 163.6 x 6.9 mm (10.20 x 6.44 x 0.27 in) | 279 x 192.5 x 6.9 mm (10.98 x 7.58 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 462 g (1.02 lb) | 599 g (1.32 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~213 ppi density) | 1440 x 2160 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~213 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.95 inches, 341.3 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.2 inches, 443.2 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | NCVM IPS | NCVM IPS, 370 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) | Mediatek MT8771 |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | - | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP
8 MP |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF | 13 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP
8 MP |
| Single | 8 MP, 100˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Unspecified | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| 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 - cellular model only |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, magnetic connector |
| 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, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 8000 mAh | Li-Po 8000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Digital Lavender, Dark Gray | Navy Blue |
| Models | 9466X | 9494G |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 500 EUR |
TCL NxtPaper 11
- More affordable
- Excellent E-Ink display for reading
- Lightweight and portable
- Good battery life
- Slower performance
- Less responsive multitasking
- Older chipset
TCL NxtPaper 12 Pro
- Faster performance with newer chipset
- Smoother display with 60Hz refresh rate
- Improved multitasking
- Slightly more premium design
- More expensive
- Camera still basic
- Battery life similar to NxtPaper 11
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature a 10.33-inch E-Ink Carta display with a resolution of 2276 x 1404. The NxtPaper 12 Pro boasts a slightly higher refresh rate (60Hz vs 50Hz on the 11), resulting in smoother page turns and a more fluid visual experience. Both offer excellent readability and minimal glare, making them perfect for extended reading sessions. The NxtPaper 12 Pro also has a slightly narrower bezel.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet prioritizes camera quality. Both have a single 5MP rear-facing camera, primarily intended for document scanning. Image quality is adequate for basic scanning but not suitable for photography.
Performance
This is where the NxtPaper 12 Pro shines. The MT8771 chipset with its Cortex-A78 cores provides a noticeable performance boost over the NxtPaper 11's Helio P60T. Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and the overall user experience feels more responsive. The 12 Pro handles web browsing and note-taking with greater ease.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable on both devices, thanks to the power-efficient E-Ink display. Expect around 8-10 hours of continuous reading on a single charge. Both support 18W wired charging, offering reasonable charging speeds.
Buying Guide
The TCL NxtPaper 11 is ideal for budget-conscious readers who primarily want a device for reading books, comics, and articles. The NxtPaper 12 Pro is better suited for users who need a more responsive device for note-taking, web browsing, and occasional light productivity tasks, and are willing to pay a premium for the improved performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the NxtPaper 12 Pro worth the extra cost?
If you value performance and a smoother user experience, especially for note-taking and web browsing, then yes. Otherwise, the NxtPaper 11 remains a great value for dedicated reading.
❓ Can I use the NxtPaper tablets for drawing?
While both tablets support stylus input, the NxtPaper 12 Pro's faster processor makes it a slightly better experience for drawing and sketching. However, neither is a replacement for a dedicated drawing tablet.
