TCL NxtPaper vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021): A Deep Dive into Budget Tablet Choices
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing eye comfort and a distraction-free reading experience, the TCL NxtPaper is the clear winner. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) offers a more versatile performance profile thanks to its Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset, making it better suited for multitasking and gaming, despite its less specialized display.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL NxtPaper | Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) |
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, January 12 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 203.8 x 150.8 x 7.5 mm (8.02 x 5.94 x 0.30 in) | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 316 g (11.15 oz) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Splash resistant | - | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 1440 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~203 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.88 inches, 244.2 cm2 (~79.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | NCVM | TFT LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8768E | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | - | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio, built-in antenna | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5500 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Ultramarine Green | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | - | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 350 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
TCL NxtPaper
- Paper-like display reduces eye strain
- Potentially longer battery life due to display tech
- Faster 18W charging
- Less powerful processor for demanding tasks
- Limited app compatibility compared to standard Android tablets
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- More powerful Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset
- Versatile performance for multitasking and gaming
- Broader app compatibility
- Standard LCD display may cause more eye strain
- Slower 15W charging
Display Comparison
The TCL NxtPaper’s defining feature is its paper-like display, which, while not true e-ink, aims to mimic its appearance and reduce glare. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) utilizes a standard 10.5-inch TFT LCD panel. While specific nit brightness figures aren’t provided for the NxtPaper, its focus is on comfortable viewing in various lighting conditions, not peak brightness. The Tab A8’s LCD will likely offer higher peak brightness for outdoor visibility. The NxtPaper’s anti-glare coating and reduced blue light emission are key advantages for prolonged use, potentially mitigating eye strain compared to the Tab A8’s standard LCD. Bezels on both devices are expected to be relatively substantial, typical of this price segment.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is positioned as a photography powerhouse. The TCL NxtPaper’s camera specifications are not readily available, suggesting a basic implementation. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) also features modest camera hardware. Focusing on the core functionality of these tablets, camera quality is unlikely to be a deciding factor for most users. Any included cameras are primarily for video calls and quick snapshots, and image quality will be adequate but not exceptional.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) leverages the Unisoc Tiger T618, a 12nm chipset featuring a heterogeneous core configuration – 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55. This architecture provides a performance boost over the TCL NxtPaper’s Mediatek MT8768E, an octa-core 2.0 GHz processor. The Cortex-A75 cores in the Tab A8 are significantly more powerful than the cores found in the MT8768E, resulting in smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. While both are octa-core, the architectural differences translate to a noticeable performance advantage for the Tab A8, particularly in demanding applications. Thermal management is less of a concern on these devices due to their lower power chipsets, but the Tab A8’s more efficient 12nm process could offer slightly better sustained performance.
Battery Life
The TCL NxtPaper features 18W wired charging, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) supports 15W wired charging. While the NxtPaper’s charging is faster on paper, the actual impact on daily use will depend on battery capacity, which is not specified for either device. The NxtPaper’s display technology, designed for minimal power consumption, could offset the Tab A8’s potentially larger battery. However, the Tab A8’s more powerful processor will draw more power during intensive tasks, potentially leading to shorter battery life under heavy load. Expect both devices to offer all-day battery life with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL NxtPaper if you primarily need a device for extended reading, note-taking, or tasks requiring minimal visual fatigue. Its paper-like display and focus on simplicity make it ideal for students or anyone who spends hours consuming digital text. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) if you want a more general-purpose tablet for media streaming, light gaming, and everyday tasks. Its more powerful chipset and broader app compatibility offer greater flexibility.