The tablet market offers a diverse range of options, but often forces a compromise between media consumption and focused productivity. The TCL NxtPaper 14 attempts to bridge this gap with its unique paper-like display, while the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) remains a stalwart for affordable entertainment and access to Amazon’s vast ecosystem. This comparison dissects their core differences to help you choose the right tablet for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing a comfortable, paper-like reading experience and a more modern processor, the TCL NxtPaper 14 is the clear winner. However, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) provides a compelling value proposition for those deeply invested in the Amazon ecosystem and appreciate the convenience of wireless charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | - |
| 4G bands | N/A | - |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, February | 2021, April 27. Released 2021, May 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, July | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 322.4 x 222 x 7 mm (12.69 x 8.74 x 0.28 in) | 247 x 166 x 9.2 mm (9.72 x 6.54 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 760 g (1.68 lb) | 468 g (1.03 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Aluminosilicate glass |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2400 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~202 ppi density) | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 14.3 inches, 608.9 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS, 400 nits | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 14 | 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 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP
5 MP | - |
| Single | - | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | 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 | 33W wired | Wireless |
| Type | 10000 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Navy Blue | Slate |
| Models | 9491G | T76N2P |
| Price | $ 299.99 | About 150 EUR |
TCL NxtPaper 14
- More powerful and efficient Mediatek Helio G99 chipset
- Paper-like display for comfortable reading
- Faster 33W wired charging
- May lack the breadth of app support found on Fire OS
- Wireless charging not supported
Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021)
- Affordable price point
- Wireless charging convenience
- Seamless integration with Amazon’s ecosystem
- Older, less efficient Mediatek Helio P60T chipset
- Standard LCD display with potential for glare
Display Comparison
The TCL NxtPaper 14’s defining feature is its namesake display, designed to mimic the texture of paper. While specific nit brightness isn’t provided, the focus is on reducing blue light and glare, making it ideal for extended reading sessions. Conversely, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) utilizes a standard IPS LCD. The NxtPaper’s anti-glare coating will significantly outperform the Fire HD 10 Plus in direct sunlight. The Fire HD 10 Plus likely offers higher peak brightness for HDR content, but at the cost of eye strain during prolonged use. Bezels are likely comparable, given both tablets target the budget/mid-range segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are likely equipped with basic cameras suitable for video calls and occasional snapshots. Given the context data, a detailed comparison is limited. However, the NxtPaper 14’s newer chipset *may* offer slightly improved image processing capabilities, but this is speculative. Focusing on camera specs would be a misdirection given the target audience.
Performance
The TCL NxtPaper 14’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) represents a significant generational leap over the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus’s Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12nm). The G99’s smaller 6nm process node translates to improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling, crucial for sustained performance. The G99’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – offers a noticeable advantage over the P60T’s 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53. This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the NxtPaper 14. While neither tablet is a gaming powerhouse, the G99 will handle graphically demanding tasks with greater ease.
Battery Life
The TCL NxtPaper 14 features 33W wired charging, enabling significantly faster charging speeds compared to the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus’s wireless charging. While the Fire HD 10 Plus offers the convenience of wireless charging, it’s typically slower than wired charging. The NxtPaper 14’s more efficient Helio G99 chipset also contributes to potentially longer battery life, despite potentially having a similar capacity battery (spec not provided). The faster charging of the NxtPaper 14 is a practical advantage for users who need to quickly top up their device.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL NxtPaper 14 if you need a device primarily for reading ebooks, taking notes, or working with documents, and value eye comfort and a distraction-free experience. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) if you prefer streaming video, playing casual games, and accessing Amazon services like Prime Video, Kindle, and Audible, and prioritize affordability and wireless charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the TCL NxtPaper 14’s display be suitable for outdoor use in bright sunlight?
Yes, the NxtPaper display’s anti-glare coating is specifically designed to minimize reflections and improve visibility in direct sunlight, offering a superior outdoor viewing experience compared to the glossy screen of the Fire HD 10 Plus.
❓ How does the Mediatek Helio G99 in the NxtPaper 14 impact gaming performance compared to the Helio P60T?
The Helio G99’s newer architecture and 6nm process node provide a substantial performance boost over the Helio P60T. While neither tablet is designed for demanding games, the NxtPaper 14 will deliver smoother frame rates and a more responsive gaming experience, particularly in graphically intensive titles.
❓ Is the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) easily customizable with apps outside of the Amazon Appstore?
Customizing the Fire HD 10 Plus with apps outside the Amazon Appstore requires sideloading, which involves enabling developer options and installing apps from unknown sources. While possible, it's a more technical process than installing apps from the Google Play Store, which the NxtPaper 14 likely supports.
❓ Does the TCL NxtPaper 14 support Google Play Store?
While TCL doesn't explicitly advertise Google Play Store support on all NxtPaper models, many variants do include it. This provides access to a vast library of apps, unlike the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus which is primarily limited to the Amazon Appstore.
