TCL NXTPAPER 11 (Hardware)
Official GBAtemp Review
Product Information:
After having reviewed the TCL 40 NXTPAPER 5G which integrates paper-like display in a smartphone without compromising on features, I was intrigued to see how well this approach translated onto a larger device. So it was without hesitation that I jumped at the opportunity to review the TCL NXTPAPER 11, the company’s 11-inch 2K tablet with full-colour electronic paper-like display. We’ll take a closer look at this Android tablet in this review.
TCL NXTPAPER 11 contents and specs
The TCL NXTPAPER 11 starts at $229/€240 and comes with the following items:
- TCL NXTPAPER 11 tablet
- USB-C cable
- Charging brick
- SD tray ejector
- User manual
You can also opt to purchase extra accessories which include a flip case, T-Pen, Bluetooth keyboard and protective film. This will cost around €270.
Image of the tablet are as follows:
Specs courtesy of TCL
Hardware impressions of the TCL NXTPAPER 11
Even if the TCL NXTPAPER 11 is a budget-oriented tablet, the build quality is far from budget. The aluminium body looks and feels classy, while making the device sturdy yet lightweight at 462g. By the looks alone, it can easily be confused with other pricier tablets and this plays to the TCL NXTPAPER 11’s advantage.
While I’m not particularly fond of the relatively thick bezels, they do allow for some gripping area without having to block the display. I’ve also had some gripes with the USB-C port which is positioned somewhat lower and can be a cause for concern for damage at the inlet.
Also regarding this port, TCL did not include a USB-C port that supports video output, likely to keep costs down. Somewhat making up are the quad-speakers that make for more immersive audiovisual experiences and expandable storage, which is always welcome whether it’s for storing your gaming library or e-books on the device, accessible wherever you are.
As for the optional accessories, I would recommend that you consider getting them as they help boost productivity. The Bluetooth keyboard is a must for people who write a lot like myself and the pressure-sensitive T-Pen is a handy addition to quickly jot down notes or even make sketches. At the very least, you’d want to get the flip cover to protect the screen and have some peace of mind when carrying the device around. I wish there was a keyboard cover that integrates both the cover and keyboard. This would be a more practical option and I hope TCL considers this option for its next tablets.
Overall, the TCL NXTPAPER 11 packs a sturdy and even premium-looking build; and has an attractive lineup of accessories that I still wish was included in the base package.
Gaming performance of the TCL NXTPAPER 11
As a tablet geared towards productivity without breaking the bank, the TCL NXTPAPER 11 is not particularly gaming-oriented. That said, the Mediatek Helio P60T chip, 4GB RAM and 128GB storage does allow for some level of gaming. However, as Geekbench 6 scores attest, this device is positioned towards the lower tier and you will have to expect a performance reflective of that.
What this means is that you can expect most Android games to run fairly well. For instance, ports of Half Life 2 and Portal work well on the device. As for emulation, you can expect up to Dreamcast games to run smoothly. Crazy Taxi 2 and Dead or Alive 2 would run at a smooth 60fps on the tablet.
However, for systems that are more demanding than the Dreamcast, the Helio P60T chip will start to struggle. Starting off with Gamecube games, Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes at 1x resolution would run between 15-20 fps with crackling audio. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess also suffers from audio issues while running between 20-25 fps. The chip struggles even more with PS2 emulation. Ratchet & Clank and Shadow of the Colossus run at 10-15 fps and suffer from slurred audio.
You might try your luck with some less demanding games and fiddle with the settings to get some playable performance on more demanding systems. However, I wouldn’t recommend getting this tablet if you’re looking for a tablet specifically for gaming. Gaming and emulation are a nice add-on to this device and you’ll have to limit your expectations to Android games and Dreamcast emulation.
A budget-friendly productivity device
While I wouldn’t recommend the TCL NXTPAPER 11 specifically for gaming as it is not particularly gaming-oriented, I can recommend it as a productivity device; especially with keyboard and T-Pen. With these, you can have a highly portable, reliable and decent companion for your work. This is especially the case if your work requires lots of writing, internet use and/or sketching. The 11-inch display is just right for split-screen multitasking without being too bulky to carry around. The TCL NXTPAPER 11 works well in such cases and the 8,000mAh battery will easily allow you to work for at least a day without worrying about charging. The cameras are also serviceable and work well for online meetings.
What makes the TCL NXTPAPER 11 unique is its NXTPAPER display. It essentially looks like a display with a matte screen protector and this makes using the device much easier in bright lighting conditions or from any angle. This is really handy for on-the-go productivity whether you’re on the train or outside, making this tablet quite versatile to use.
However, while the TCL NXTPAPER 11 is in the NXTPAPER line, it does not have the NXTPAPER Mode that the TCL 40 NXTPAPER 5G smartphone has. So no e-reader-like display on this tablet but only an anti-glare effect, which is still handy but not as impressive as the ink-like NXTPAPER mode. That said, the device’s anti-glare display makes reading easier and you can still easily use it as a digital book/comics reader.
With the built-in quad speakers and crisp display, the TCL NXTPAPER 11 also doubles as a very decent portable entertainment device; better than the TCL 40 NXTPAPER 5G which has only one speaker. However, the display isn’t on par with OLED displays but it still delivers crisp and detailed visuals.
While the TCL NXTPAPER 11 won’t impress you with its gaming prowess, it is a very decent productivity device that’s also budget-friendly. The highlight is its matte display that lends itself well in bright lighting conditions without compromising on the quality of visuals. I’d also really recommend getting the suite of accessories to really unleash its potential. I just wished that TCL integrated its NXTPAPER Mode on this tablet to truly make it an e-reader substitute.
Verdict
- Build quality
- Anti-glare display enables more versatile use
- Affordable productivity tablet
- No NXTPAPER Mode
- Sub-par gaming performance
- Accessories sold separately
