The tablet market offers a spectrum of choices, from productivity-focused devices to entertainment hubs. The TCL NxtPaper 12 Pro aims to bridge the gap with its unique paper-like display, while the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) remains a popular choice for budget-conscious media consumers. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which tablet delivers the best value for your specific needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing a comfortable reading experience and moderate productivity, the TCL NxtPaper 12 Pro is the superior choice. Its newer Mediatek MT8771 chipset offers a noticeable performance edge over the Fire HD 10 Plus’s MT8183, despite the latter’s wireless charging convenience. However, the Fire HD 10 Plus remains a compelling option for those deeply embedded in the Amazon ecosystem and seeking a dedicated media device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | 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 | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 05 | 2021, April 27. Released 2021, May 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 05 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 279 x 192.5 x 6.9 mm (10.98 x 7.58 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 | 599 g (1.32 lb) | 468 g (1.03 lb) |
| | Stylus support | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Aluminosilicate glass |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2160 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~213 ppi density) | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.2 inches, 443.2 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | NCVM IPS, 370 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8771 | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 9.0 (Pie), Fire OS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP
8 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP
8 MP | - |
| Single | - | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS - cellular model only | No |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, magnetic connector | 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, compass | Accelerometer |
| | - | Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 8000 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Navy Blue | Slate |
| Models | 9494G | T76N2P |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 150 EUR |
TCL NxtPaper 12 Pro
- More powerful processor for smoother performance
- NxtPaper display reduces eye strain for reading
- Faster charging with 18W wired support
- Lacks wireless charging
- Potentially higher price point
Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021)
- Wireless charging for added convenience
- Lower price point
- Deep integration with Amazon ecosystem
- Older, less powerful processor
- Standard LCD display lacks eye-comfort features
Display Comparison
The TCL NxtPaper 12 Pro’s defining feature is its namesake display, designed to mimic the look and feel of paper. While specific nit brightness isn’t provided, the focus is on reducing blue light and glare. The Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) utilizes a standard IPS LCD. The MT8771 in the NxtPaper 12 Pro likely supports higher resolution output, potentially resulting in a sharper image. The Fire HD 10 Plus’s display, while adequate for media consumption, lacks the eye-comfort features of the NxtPaper, making it less suitable for prolonged reading. Bezels are likely comparable, given both tablets target similar screen sizes.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse. Camera specifications are not a primary selling point for either device. However, any differences in sensor size or aperture would be minimal and unlikely to significantly impact image quality. Image processing will likely be optimized for basic video calls and quick snapshots, with the NxtPaper 12 Pro potentially benefiting from the more powerful ISP integrated within the MT8771 chipset.
Performance
The TCL NxtPaper 12 Pro’s Mediatek MT8771 chipset, featuring a combination of 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, represents a significant architectural upgrade over the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus’s Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53). The Cortex-A78 cores in the NxtPaper 12 Pro offer substantially improved single-core performance, crucial for responsive app launching and smoother multitasking. The MT8183, built on a 12nm process, is older and less efficient. While both utilize octa-core configurations, the architectural differences translate to a more fluid user experience on the NxtPaper 12 Pro, particularly when handling demanding applications. RAM specifications are not provided, but the NxtPaper 12 Pro’s processor suggests it’s likely paired with faster LPDDR4X or LPDDR5 RAM.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the TCL NxtPaper 12 Pro supports 18W wired charging, while the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) offers the convenience of wireless charging. The slower processor and potentially optimized display technology in the NxtPaper 12 Pro could contribute to comparable or even better battery life despite potentially having a smaller capacity. Wireless charging on the Fire HD 10 Plus is a convenience feature, but doesn’t necessarily translate to faster overall charging times compared to a wired connection.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL NxtPaper 12 Pro if you need a tablet for extended reading sessions, note-taking, or light productivity tasks where eye strain is a concern. Its NxtPaper display and more powerful processor make it ideal for these scenarios. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) if you prefer a tablet primarily for streaming video, browsing Amazon services, and casual gaming, and value wireless charging and a lower price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek MT8771 in the TCL NxtPaper 12 Pro powerful enough for demanding games?
While the MT8771 is a significant upgrade over the MT8183, it's not a high-end gaming chipset. It can handle casual games and older titles, but demanding 3D games may require reduced graphics settings for a smooth experience. The focus of the NxtPaper 12 Pro is not gaming performance.
❓ How does the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus’s Fire OS compare to standard Android?
Fire OS is a heavily customized version of Android. It lacks access to the Google Play Store and relies on the Amazon Appstore, which has a smaller selection of apps. While many popular apps are available, some may be missing or require sideloading. This is a key consideration for users accustomed to the full Android experience.
❓ Does the TCL NxtPaper 12 Pro support a stylus for note-taking?
While not explicitly stated, the NxtPaper display is designed to mimic paper, suggesting stylus compatibility would be a natural fit. However, a stylus is likely sold separately and its responsiveness will depend on the display's digitizer technology.
