The Android tablet market offers a compelling alternative to iPads, but choosing the right device can be tricky. We pit the TCL NxtPaper 12 Pro, focused on a paper-like reading experience, against the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus, a more broadly capable tablet, to determine which offers the best value and performance for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing a comfortable reading experience and decent productivity, the TCL NxtPaper 12 Pro is the better choice. However, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus edges ahead for users needing more consistent gaming performance thanks to its Helio G90T chipset and slightly faster charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 05 | 2021, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 05 | Available. Released 2021, July 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 279 x 192.5 x 6.9 mm (10.98 x 7.58 x 0.27 in) | 258.4 x 163 x 7.5 mm (10.17 x 6.42 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 599 g (1.32 lb) | 490 g (1.08 lb) |
| | Stylus support | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1440 x 2160 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~213 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~212 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.2 inches, 443.2 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 344.4 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | NCVM IPS, 370 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8771 | Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP
8 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 13 MP, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP
8 MP | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, magnetic connector | 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, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 20W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 8000 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Navy Blue | Slate Grey, Platinum Grey, Modernist teal |
| Models | 9494G | ZA940124SE |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 300 EUR |
TCL NxtPaper 12 Pro
- Paper-like display reduces eye strain
- Potentially longer battery life during light use
- Large 12-inch screen for comfortable reading
- Less powerful chipset for gaming
- Slower charging speed (18W)
- Limited information on display brightness
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus
- More powerful Helio G90T chipset for gaming
- Faster 20W wired charging
- Versatile performance for various tasks
- Lacks the paper-like display of the TCL
- Potentially shorter battery life during intensive use
- May not be as comfortable for extended reading sessions
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 12-inch displays, but diverge significantly in their approach. While specific display technologies beyond size aren't provided for the TCL NxtPaper 12 Pro, its 'NxtPaper' branding suggests a focus on a matte, paper-like texture designed to reduce glare and eye strain. The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus lacks this specialized coating. The TCL's chipset (MT8771) may limit its ability to drive a high refresh rate panel, whereas the Lenovo's Helio G90T is more capable of supporting smoother visuals. Without specific brightness data, it's difficult to definitively say which is brighter, but the Lenovo's gaming focus suggests a potentially higher peak brightness for HDR content.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse. Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, given the market segment, it's safe to assume both feature modest camera setups suitable for video calls and casual snapshots. The absence of information regarding sensor size or optical image stabilization suggests neither tablet will excel in low-light conditions. Focusing on the core use cases of these tablets, camera quality is a secondary consideration.
Performance
The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus leverages the MediaTek Helio G90T (12nm), a chipset designed with gaming in mind, featuring a Mali-G76 MC4 GPU. The TCL NxtPaper 12 Pro utilizes the MediaTek MT8771, which prioritizes efficiency with its Cortex-A78 cores. While both CPUs feature a 2x high-performance core and 6x efficiency core configuration, the Cortex-A76 cores in the G90T generally outperform the A78 cores in the MT8771 in sustained workloads. This translates to better frame rates in demanding games on the Lenovo. The 12nm process node of the G90T is also slightly less efficient than a more modern node, potentially leading to more heat generation under load, but the larger thermal headroom of a tablet form factor mitigates this. The MT8771's focus on efficiency will likely result in longer battery life during less intensive tasks.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, making a direct mAh comparison impossible. However, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus boasts 20W wired charging, a slight advantage over the TCL NxtPaper 12 Pro's 18W charging. This means the Lenovo will likely achieve a faster 0-100% charge time. The MT8771's efficiency in the TCL NxtPaper 12 Pro could offset a potentially smaller battery capacity, resulting in comparable real-world battery life during typical usage scenarios like reading and web browsing. However, the more power-hungry Helio G90T in the Lenovo will drain the battery faster during gaming.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL NxtPaper 12 Pro if you need a large-screen device primarily for reading, note-taking, and light productivity tasks, valuing eye comfort and a unique display experience. Buy the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus if you prefer a more versatile tablet capable of handling moderate gaming, streaming, and multitasking with a bit more headroom in performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G90T in the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus experience thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
While the Helio G90T is a capable chipset, it's known to generate heat under sustained load. However, the larger chassis of a tablet provides more surface area for heat dissipation compared to a smartphone, mitigating the risk of severe throttling. Expect some performance reduction after prolonged gaming, but it shouldn't render the device unusable.
❓ Is the 'NxtPaper' display on the TCL NxtPaper 12 Pro suitable for viewing color-accurate content like photos and videos?
The NxtPaper display prioritizes a paper-like texture and eye comfort, which can slightly impact color accuracy and vibrancy. While suitable for general media consumption, professionals requiring precise color reproduction may find it less ideal than a traditional LCD or OLED panel. The matte finish also reduces contrast.
❓ Can either tablet be used with a stylus for note-taking and drawing?
While neither device explicitly advertises stylus support in the provided data, both tablets are likely compatible with generic capacitive styluses. However, pressure sensitivity and advanced features like palm rejection may be limited without a dedicated, first-party stylus (if available).
