TCL's latest Android tablet duo includes an affordable 11-inch NXTPAPER model
There's a bit of confusion around the official US pricing of the new TCL Tab A1 NXTPAPER, but the 11-incher is definitely a very interesting value proposition.
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase from the links on this page.
The TCL Tab A1 NXTPAPER can pull double duty as a full-blown tablet and e-book reader. | Image by TCL
If you've ever considered choosing a TCL tablet over Apple, Samsung, or Lenovo's more popular devices, you might want to take a look at the specs, designs, and especially the price points of the new Tab A1 and Tab A1 NXTPAPER.
As their names suggest, these 11-inch mid-rangers resemble the Tab A1 Plus and Tab A1 Plus NXTPAPER pretty closely, cutting a few important corners while also costing slightly less than their 12.2-inch "cousins."
Here's everything the two new tablets have in common
- 11-inch screen with 2112 x 1320 pixel resolution and 90Hz refresh rate technology;
- MediaTek Helio G100 processor;
- 6GB RAM;
- 128GB internal storage space;
- microSD card slot for external expansion up to 2TB;
- Android 16;
- 8,000mAh battery;
- 20W charging support;
- 8MP rear-facing camera;
- 5MP front-facing camera;
- Four speakers;
- Bluetooth 5.0;
- USB Type-C 2.0 port;
- IP54 water and dust resistance;
- 251.28 x 163.2 x 6.2mm dimensions.
And here's what's different
- NXTPAPER display;
- 426 grams weight vs 430 grams;
- Included Flip Case and T-Pen 2 stylus on costlier model.
Yes, the TCL Tab A1 and Tab A1 NXTPAPER are literally identical in almost every way that matters. But then there's TCL's proprietary NXTPAPER screen technology, which is exclusive to the device carrying that name, giving it an important edge over the "standard" version in terms of your content viewing experience.
The Tab A1 NXTPAPER includes a case and a stylus in its very reasonable price. | Image by TCL
Like all other NXTPAPER products, this one also promises "paper-like" comfort in any and all lighting conditions, essentially turning your tablet into an e-reader at the flick of a switch whenever you might need it. The result, of course, is reduced eye fatigue during your lengthiest reading sessions (yes, even at night), and I'm honestly surprised that this simple but extremely effective technology hasn't been copied by more tablet manufacturers... yet.
In addition to this very obvious distinction, the TCL Tab A1 NXTPAPER is also ever so slightly lighter than the non-NXTPAPER Tab A1 while including an always handy stylus and protective case as well to fully justify its higher price.
Here are more news stories about tablets and the tablet market:
The TCL Tab A1 duo is certainly affordable, but is it affordable enough?
Although TCL says in its latest press release that the Tab A1 starts at $189.99, the device actually appears to be "normally" priced at $219.99 and currently marked down by 40 bucks on both the manufacturer's official US website and at Amazon.
Will you buy one of TCL's new tablets?
Similarly, the Tab A1 NXTPAPER is said to cost $249.99, but for an undoubtedly limited time only, Amazon shoppers can get it for a cool $70 under a list price of $299.99.
I'm definitely a little confused here, but I'd still recommend strongly considering a TCL Tab A1 NXTPAPER purchase. No, the MediaTek Helio G100 processor is not great, falling short of the performance delivered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset inside the Tab A1 Plus NXTPAPER. And the 90Hz refresh rate-capable display is also not as good as a 120Hz-equipped screen.
The Tab A1 looks very similar to its NXTPAPER sibling at first glance. | Image by TCL
But the battery capacity, charging speeds, quad speaker system, and ultra-thin profile don't sound bad at all for the slate's (currently reduced) price, especially when you consider them as a package deal with the sophisticated NXTPAPER panel and the bundled stylus.
What's the competition?
Clearly, none of Apple's best iPads can come close to the affordability of TCL's newest Android mid-rangers (either today or anytime soon). But Samsung's Galaxy Tab A11+ normally starts at $299.99 and frequently costs $50 or $60 less than that with a relatively powerful MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor under its hood and a pretty decent 11-inch LCD screen with 90Hz refresh rate technology in tow, but obviously, no "paper-like comfort" claims or bundled stylus.
The Lenovo Tab Plus Gen 2 is without a doubt one of the best mid-range Android tablets you can get right now. | Image by Lenovo
That leaves Lenovo's many budget-friendly options as your top TCL Tab A1 NXTPAPER alternatives, and at a reduced price of $289.99 right now, the Tab Plus Gen 2 might feel especially hard to turn down with a large and high-quality 12.1-inch LCD screen capable of refreshing your content at a 120Hz rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 7400 SoC, 8GB RAM, and most impressively, a grand total of nine built-in speakers.
Popular stories
Latest News
Things that are NOT allowed:
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts: