The tablet market caters to diverse needs, from dedicated media consumers to students prioritizing portability and eye comfort. The TCL NxtPaper and Realme Pad X represent distinct approaches: the NxtPaper focuses on a unique paper-like display for extended reading, while the Pad X delivers a brighter, more versatile experience with 5G connectivity. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which tablet best suits your lifestyle.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For dedicated readers and note-takers, the TCL NxtPaper’s unique display is a game-changer. However, the Realme Pad X emerges as the better all-rounder for most users, thanks to its brighter screen, faster charging, and 5G capabilities, making it ideal for streaming and on-the-go productivity.
| 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, January 12 | 2022, May 25 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2022, June 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 203.8 x 150.8 x 7.5 mm (8.02 x 5.94 x 0.30 in) | 256.5 x 161.1 x 7.1 mm (10.10 x 6.34 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 316 g (11.15 oz) | 499 g / 506 g (1.10 lb) |
| | Splash resistant | Stylus support (magnetic charging) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 1440 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~203 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~213 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.88 inches, 244.2 cm2 (~79.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.95 inches, 341.3 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | NCVM | IPS LCD, 450 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8768E | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android, Realme UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 105˚ (ultrawide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS - cellular model only |
| 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 b/g/n/ac, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, PD
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5500 mAh | 8340 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ultramarine Green | Glowing Gray, Glacier Blue, Green |
| Models | - | RMP2107, RMP2108 |
| Price | About 350 EUR | About 250 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1664:1 |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-22.5 LUFS (Excellent)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 395824 (v9)
GeekBench: 2026 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 18fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
TCL NxtPaper
- Unique paper-like display reduces eye strain
- Potentially longer battery life due to efficient display and chipset
- Lightweight and portable design
- Less powerful chipset limits performance
- Slower charging speed
- Display not ideal for vibrant content
Realme Pad X
- Brighter, more versatile display for media consumption
- Faster 33W charging with PD support
- 5G connectivity for on-the-go access
- Display may cause more eye strain during prolonged reading
- Potentially shorter battery life compared to NxtPaper
- Higher price point
Display Comparison
The most significant differentiator is the display technology. The TCL NxtPaper, as its name suggests, utilizes a unique display aiming to mimic the look and feel of paper. While specific panel details are limited, the focus is on reducing eye strain. Conversely, the Realme Pad X boasts a more conventional LCD panel, measured at 496 nits peak brightness and a 1655:1 contrast ratio. This higher brightness makes the Pad X significantly more usable outdoors or in brightly lit environments. Both displays share a similar contrast ratio of around 1664:1, suggesting comparable color reproduction when viewing vibrant content, but the NxtPaper’s display is optimized for monochrome reading, not color accuracy. The Realme Pad X’s brighter screen is a clear advantage for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse, and the provided data doesn’t offer detailed camera specifications. However, given the market segment, it’s safe to assume both feature basic camera setups primarily for video calls and occasional snapshots. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to draw definitive conclusions, but the Realme Pad X’s more modern chipset likely incorporates a more advanced image signal processor (ISP), potentially leading to slightly better image quality. We can safely assume that neither device will compete with dedicated smartphone cameras.
Performance
Under the hood, the Realme Pad X holds a substantial advantage with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (SM6375), a 6nm chipset featuring a Kryo 660 octa-core CPU clocked up to 2.2 GHz. This contrasts with the TCL NxtPaper’s MediaTek MT8768E, an older, less efficient chipset with an octa-core CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz. The Snapdragon 695’s 6nm process node translates to better power efficiency and sustained performance, crucial for demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking. While both tablets likely feature similar RAM configurations (not specified in the data), the superior chipset in the Realme Pad X ensures a smoother, more responsive user experience. The 5G connectivity of the Pad X is also a major benefit for users needing mobile data access.
Battery Life
The TCL NxtPaper’s focus on a paper-like display and less demanding chipset likely results in superior battery life, though specific mAh ratings are unavailable. The Realme Pad X compensates with significantly faster 33W wired charging, including Power Delivery (PD) support, and even 5W reverse wired charging. This means the Pad X can be charged much more quickly and can even act as a power bank for smaller devices. While the NxtPaper’s 18W charging is adequate, it pales in comparison to the Pad X’s speed. The faster charging of the Realme Pad X minimizes downtime, making it more convenient for users who rely on their tablet throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL NxtPaper if you prioritize a comfortable, paper-like reading experience and extended battery life for long-form content consumption. It’s ideal for students, avid readers, and those sensitive to blue light. Buy the Realme Pad X if you value a vibrant display for streaming video, require 5G connectivity for mobile data, and appreciate faster charging speeds for minimal downtime. It’s a better choice for multimedia enthusiasts and users who need a versatile tablet for work and play.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL NxtPaper’s display truly like reading on paper? How does it compare to a standard LCD?
The TCL NxtPaper utilizes a unique display technology designed to mimic the texture and appearance of paper. It achieves this through a combination of surface treatment and optimized contrast, reducing glare and blue light emission. While it won’t perfectly replicate the feel of paper, it offers a significantly more comfortable reading experience compared to a standard LCD, especially for extended periods. LCDs, like the one on the Realme Pad X, are brighter and more vibrant but can cause more eye strain during prolonged use.
❓ Does the Realme Pad X’s 5G connectivity require a separate data plan, and is it worth the extra cost?
Yes, utilizing the Realme Pad X’s 5G connectivity requires a data plan from a mobile carrier. Whether it’s worth the extra cost depends on your usage patterns. If you frequently travel or need internet access in areas without Wi-Fi, 5G can be invaluable. However, if you primarily use your tablet at home or in locations with reliable Wi-Fi, the 5G functionality may not be necessary. Consider your data needs and budget before opting for a 5G plan.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Realme Pad X from 0% to 100%?
With its 33W fast charging and Power Delivery support, the Realme Pad X can realistically charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 90-120 minutes, depending on the charger and cable used. This is significantly faster than the TCL NxtPaper’s 18W charging, which would likely take over 3 hours for a full charge.
