The tablet market is heating up with compelling options at lower price points. The TCL NxtPaper 14 distinguishes itself with its unique paper-like display, aiming to replicate the reading experience of physical books. Conversely, the Honor Pad X9a prioritizes longevity, boasting impressive battery endurance and a focus on all-day usability. This comparison dives deep into the specifications and real-world implications of each device to determine which tablet reigns supreme.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing a comfortable reading experience and portability, the TCL NxtPaper 14 is the better choice. However, the Honor Pad X9a wins for those needing extended battery life and a slightly more powerful processor for general tasks, making it ideal for travel or situations where charging isn't readily available.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, February | 2025, March 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, July | Available. Released 2025, March 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 322.4 x 222 x 7 mm (12.69 x 8.74 x 0.28 in) | 267.3 x 167.4 x 6.8 mm (10.52 x 6.59 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 760 g (1.68 lb) | 475 g (1.05 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Mohs level 4 |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2400 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~202 ppi density) | 1504 x 2508 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~254 ppi density) |
| Size | 14.3 inches, 608.9 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.5 inches, 376.3 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS, 400 nits | TFT LCD, 120Hz, 400 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 15, MagicOS 9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/5.0" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP
5 MP | - |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C |
| 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 35W wired |
| Type | 10000 mAh | Li-Ion 8300 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Navy Blue | Gray |
| Models | 9491G | ELN2-W29 |
| Price | $ 299.99 | About 210 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | - | 92:29h endurance, 1200 cycles |
| Energy | - | Class F |
| Free fall | - | Class E (10 falls) |
| Repairability | - | Class C |
TCL NxtPaper 14
- Unique paper-like display for comfortable reading
- Highly portable and lightweight design
- Eye-friendly technology reduces blue light
- Less powerful processor compared to the Honor Pad X9a
- Battery life likely shorter than the competition
Honor Pad X9a
- Exceptional battery life with 92:29h endurance
- More powerful processor for smoother multitasking
- Faster charging speed (35W)
- Lacks the unique paper-like display of the TCL NxtPaper 14
- Standard LCD panel may cause more eye strain during prolonged reading
Display Comparison
The TCL NxtPaper 14’s defining feature is its namesake display, designed to mimic the texture of paper. While specific details like peak brightness and color gamut are missing, the focus is clearly on reducing blue light and glare. The Honor Pad X9a lacks this specialized technology, relying on a standard LCD panel. The Snapdragon 685’s GPU will likely handle display rendering efficiently, but it won’t offer the unique visual experience of the NxtPaper 14. Bezels are likely similar on both devices given their price points, and color accuracy will likely be standard for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse. Details regarding camera sensors are limited, but it’s safe to assume both will feature basic camera setups suitable for casual snapshots and video calls. The focus should not be on camera quality when considering these devices. The absence of detailed camera specs suggests neither manufacturer is prioritizing this feature.
Performance
The Honor Pad X9a’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 (6nm) features a Cortex-A73 based CPU clocked at 2.8 GHz, offering a performance advantage over the TCL NxtPaper 14’s MediaTek Helio G99 (6nm) with its 2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores. While both are 6nm chips, the A73 architecture in the Snapdragon 685 generally delivers better sustained performance. The G99 is still capable for everyday tasks, but the X9a will feel snappier when multitasking or running more demanding applications. Both tablets likely feature similar RAM configurations, but the Snapdragon 685 benefits from Qualcomm’s optimized power management, potentially leading to better thermal efficiency.
Battery Life
The Honor Pad X9a truly shines in battery life, boasting a claimed 92:29h endurance and 1200 charge cycles. This suggests significantly longer usage between charges compared to the TCL NxtPaper 14, which lacks a specific endurance rating. While the NxtPaper 14 offers 33W wired charging, the X9a’s 35W charging is slightly faster. However, the X9a’s larger battery capacity and optimized power efficiency are more impactful than the marginal charging speed difference. The X9a’s longevity is a major selling point for users who frequently travel or lack consistent access to power outlets.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL NxtPaper 14 if you need a highly portable, eye-friendly device primarily for reading ebooks, taking notes, or light web browsing. Its unique display technology minimizes eye strain and offers a paper-like feel. Buy the Honor Pad X9a if you prefer a tablet that can last through a full day of moderate use without needing a recharge, and if you value a slightly more responsive experience for everyday tasks like video streaming and social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the MediaTek Helio G99 in the TCL NxtPaper 14 powerful enough for gaming?
The Helio G99 is a capable chip for casual gaming, but it won't deliver a high-end gaming experience. Expect to play less demanding titles at medium settings. The Honor Pad X9a’s Snapdragon 685 offers a slight performance advantage, but neither tablet is designed for intensive gaming.
❓ How does the Honor Pad X9a’s battery life hold up with heavy video streaming?
The Honor Pad X9a’s 92:29h endurance rating suggests it can handle extended video streaming sessions without needing a recharge. Expect around 12-15 hours of continuous video playback, depending on brightness and volume levels. This is a significant advantage over the TCL NxtPaper 14.
❓ Is the paper-like display on the TCL NxtPaper 14 suitable for outdoor use?
While the NxtPaper display reduces glare, it may still be difficult to view in direct sunlight. The display prioritizes readability indoors and in shaded environments. The Honor Pad X9a’s standard LCD panel will likely suffer from similar visibility issues in bright sunlight.
❓ Does the Honor Pad X9a support fast charging for quick top-ups?
Yes, the Honor Pad X9a supports 35W wired charging, allowing for relatively quick top-ups. While not the fastest charging available, it’s sufficient to provide a significant boost in battery life in a short amount of time.
