TCL's NXTPAPER 11: The Affordable Kindle Alternative with Vibrant Colors
TCL's NXTPAPER 11 offers an affordable alternative to Kindle with its paper-like screen, providing gentle visual experience As a full-fledged Android tablet, it combines functionality with eye comfort for an enjoyable reading and browsing experience
The NXTPAPER 11 by TCL is an Android tablet that aims to provide a solution for avid readers who find full-color ereaders expensive and tablets like the iPad unsuitable for long reading sessions. While it may not be the most powerful tablet available and lacks certain advantages of an E Ink display, it caters to a specific group of book lovers.
Priced at $230, the NXTPAPER 11 is more affordable than the BOOX Tab Mini C and other full-color E Ink devices, albeit more expensive than a Kindle. Its key features include an 11-inch IPS display with a 2K resolution (2000 x 1200), making it perfect for reading magazines, graphic novels, and other content in full color. The standout characteristic is its "paper-like" screen, boasting a matte finish that eliminates glare and provides a softer visual experience. Furthermore, the screen's color and light output settings have been optimized to reduce eyestrain, setting it apart from traditional LCD displays.
The TCL NXTPAPER 11, despite having an IPS screen designed for eye comfort, still maintains its IPS screen functionality. It cannot match the Kindle's extended battery life or display legibility under direct sunlight. However, given its affordable price compared to full-color E Ink tablets, certain compromises are to be expected. Additionally, being a complete Android 13 tablet with Bluetooth and a front-facing camera, the NXTPAPER 11 is not limited to just reading books.
TCL also promotes the use of the TCL T-Pen stylus for note-taking alongside the NXTPAPER 11 tablet. This is where the NXTPAPER 11 gains an advantage. Many newer e-readers, such as the Kindle Scribe and Kobo Sage, now offer stylus functionality. However, the NXTPAPER 11's IPS screen surpasses E Ink screens in terms of responsiveness. If you value a superior note-taking experience, the NXTPAPER 11 should deliver accordingly.
My major concern revolves around the outdated MediaTek Helio P60T chipset used in the NXTPAPER 11. Although it was considered decent upon its release in 2018, it is now considerably outdated. While this chipset works fine for lightweight materials like ebooks, it is not suitable for mobile gaming and may encounter difficulties with certain streaming apps.
The NXTPAPER 11 is available for purchase at $230 on the TCL website. It is also sold on Amazon, but buying directly from TCL is more cost-effective. It should be noted that the NXTPAPER 11 was launched earlier this year outside of the U.S., so there are numerous reviews and testimonials available for reference.
Source: TCL
Editor's P/S
As an enthusiastic fan of e-readers, the TCL NXTPAPER 11 has caught my attention as an affordable alternative to the Kindle. Its paper-like screen technology promises a gentle visual experience, making it ideal for extensive reading sessions without causing eye strain. The vibrant colors of the 11-inch IPS display enhance the enjoyment of reading magazines, graphic novels, and other content. Moreover, the fact that it runs on Android 13 and supports Bluetooth and a front-facing camera expands its functionality beyond just reading books.
However, I have a few concerns regarding the NXTPAPER 11. The outdated MediaTek Helio P60T chipset may limit its performance, especially when it comes to mobile gaming and certain streaming apps. Additionally, while the IPS screen is designed for eye comfort, it might not offer the same level of battery life or direct sunlight readability as dedicated e-readers like the Kindle.
