The tablet market offers a wide spectrum of devices, from dedicated media consumption tools to those prioritizing reading and productivity. The TCL NxtPaper and Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) represent opposite ends of this spectrum. The NxtPaper aims to mimic the paper-like experience for extended reading, while the Fire HD 10 Plus focuses on providing a versatile entertainment hub at an affordable price. This comparison dissects their core differences to determine which tablet best fits your digital lifestyle.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing entertainment and app compatibility, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) is the better choice. Its more powerful Helio P60T chipset and access to the Amazon Appstore provide a smoother experience for streaming, gaming, and general use. However, the TCL NxtPaper excels as a dedicated reading device, offering a unique display experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, January 12 | 2021, April 27. Released 2021, May 26 |
| Status | Cancelled | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 203.8 x 150.8 x 7.5 mm (8.02 x 5.94 x 0.30 in) | 247 x 166 x 9.2 mm (9.72 x 6.54 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | No |
| Weight | 316 g (11.15 oz) | 468 g (1.03 lb) |
| | Splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Aluminosilicate glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1440 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~203 ppi density) | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.88 inches, 244.2 cm2 (~79.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | NCVM | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8768E | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 9.0 (Pie), Fire OS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | No |
| Radio | FM radio, built-in antenna | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 | Accelerometer |
| | - | Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 5500 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ultramarine Green | Slate |
| Models | - | T76N2P |
| Price | About 350 EUR | About 150 EUR |
TCL NxtPaper
- Paper-like display reduces eye strain
- Optimized for long-form reading
- Potentially longer battery life during reading
- Less powerful processor
- Limited app ecosystem
- Not ideal for demanding tasks
Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021)
- More powerful processor for smoother performance
- Access to Amazon Appstore
- Wireless charging convenience
- Standard LCD display isn't as eye-friendly for reading
- Amazon ecosystem lock-in
- Potentially shorter battery life with heavy use
Display Comparison
The TCL NxtPaper’s defining feature is its namesake display, designed to reduce blue light and mimic the texture of paper. While specific nit brightness isn’t provided, it’s optimized for comfortable indoor reading, not vibrant outdoor viewing. Conversely, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) features a standard IPS LCD, likely around 300 nits, suitable for general use. The Fire HD 10 Plus will offer more vivid colors and better visibility in bright conditions. Neither device boasts high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO, focusing instead on affordability. Bezels are likely comparable, being typical of tablets in this price range.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is not a primary focus for either device, but the Fire HD 10 Plus likely has a slight edge due to its more common sensor configuration. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are unavailable, but the Fire HD 10 Plus typically includes a 5MP front and rear camera. The NxtPaper’s camera specs are less readily available, suggesting a more basic implementation. Image processing will be similarly limited on both, making them suitable for casual snapshots but not serious photography.
Performance
The Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) holds a clear advantage in processing power. Its MediaTek Helio P60T (12nm) utilizes a more sophisticated CPU configuration – an octa-core setup with 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores – compared to the TCL NxtPaper’s MediaTek MT8768E (octa-core 2.0 GHz). The Cortex-A73 cores in the Fire HD 10 Plus offer significantly better single-core performance, crucial for app responsiveness and smoother multitasking. While both chips are octa-core and clocked at 2.0 GHz, the architectural differences and the 12nm process node of the Helio P60T translate to a more capable overall experience. The NxtPaper’s MT8768E is adequate for basic tasks but will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. The Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) benefits from wireless charging, offering convenient top-ups. While the battery capacity isn’t specified, typical Fire HD 10 models have around 6000mAh. The TCL NxtPaper’s battery capacity is also unknown, but its power-efficient display and less demanding processor could result in comparable or even slightly longer battery life during reading. However, the Fire HD 10 Plus’s 18W wired charging (matching the NxtPaper) and wireless charging options provide greater flexibility.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL NxtPaper if you primarily need a device for long-form reading, note-taking, and minimizing eye strain. Its NxtPaper display is specifically engineered for this purpose. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) if you prioritize video streaming, casual gaming, and access to a broader range of apps (albeit through the Amazon ecosystem). Its more robust processor and wireless charging offer greater versatility.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL NxtPaper display truly comparable to reading on paper?
While not a perfect replication, the NxtPaper display significantly reduces blue light and incorporates a textured surface to minimize glare and eye strain, creating a reading experience much closer to paper than traditional LCD or OLED screens. It's particularly beneficial for extended reading sessions.
❓ Can I install Google Play Store apps on the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus?
Officially, no. The Fire HD 10 Plus uses Amazon's Fire OS, which is based on Android but lacks Google Play Store support. However, it's possible to sideload the Play Store, but this requires technical expertise and may void your warranty. The Amazon Appstore offers a selection of apps, but it's smaller than the Google Play Store.
❓ How does the MediaTek Helio P60T handle streaming video on the Fire HD 10 Plus?
The Helio P60T is capable of handling 1080p video streaming without significant issues. While it's not a high-end processor, it provides a smooth experience for popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube. Expect some buffering with very high bitrate content or simultaneous multitasking.
