TCL Nxtpaper 14 Review, A Dual Mode Tablet with Unique Display Technology

TCL Nxtpaper 14

TCL has come up with a new Nxtpaper lineup, the Nxtpaper 14. With its innovative display technology to support multi-modes, TCL tries to provide users with a tablet that works both ways as a high-performance gadget and an e-ink reader. But the more critical question is, can this 14.3-inch device combine the best of two worlds? Let’s find out.

Design & Build

The TCL Nxtpaper 14 is a big-screen 14.3-inch display that comes with a widescreen layout, so it’s perfect for media consumption. At only 6.95mm of thickness, the tablet feels sleek, but its size requires a substantial frame around the screen. At 322.4 x 222 x 6.95mm and weighing 760g, it is considerably lighter than many larger tablets, but it will feel cumbersome after extended use, especially in portrait mode. If you plan on reading or watching content for hours using the Nxtpaper 14, you’re better off resting it on a surface or a stand.

The thin bezels are the reason for this tablet having an enhanced widescreen format. Though TCL does not specify materials utilized in the chassis, there is a “metallic” design in it which has turned out sturdy. A couple of taps on the back panel indicate that the rear probably comes from plastic or a thin metal since a hollow sound reverberates from within.

At the top are four buttons: for power, volume control, and then a toggle button for Nxtpaper mode which is integral to the display, the chief uniqueness of this tablet. On the bottom sit four speakers-two per side- along with the USB-C charging port (supporting reverse charging), as well as twin microphones. The 8Mp rear camera is set within a circular bump, which is great for allowing the tablet to sit slightly elevated on a flat surface to avoid wobbling. This bump may feel awkward when holding the tablet in portrait mode.

For durability, the Nxtpaper 14 features an IP54 rating, which means it’s resistant to dust and splashes of water but shouldn’t be submerged.

Display: Dynamic, Multi-Mode Screen Technology

The Nxtpaper 14 is primarily a tablet that sports a 14.3-inch 2.4K display. TCL’s Nxtpaper 3.0 technology provides three display modes that one can switch between, namely Regular, Colour Paper, and Ink Paper.

1. Regular Mode: This mode provides a normal full-color tablet experience, just right for browsing, watching videos, and playing games. The matte finish of the screen which is to reduce glare and reflections-makes the colors more mellow and provides a softer viewing experience.
2. Colour Paper Mode: This mode makes the tablet more somber, like the outlook of a newspaper or comic book in nature, with subduing colors and a lower color temperature. It’s ideal for users who experience eye fatigue after long reading sessions or want a more paper-like feel, especially for digital comics.
3. Ink Paper Mode: In this black-and-white mode, the display mimics an e-ink screen, much like what is seen on Kindle or other e-readers. It’s great for reading long texts, although the size of the Nxtpaper 14 makes it cumbersome to hold for extended periods in portrait mode. A stand would be recommended for comfort in this mode.

Switching between these modes is easy and fast, thanks to the Nxtpaper button. While the brightness tops out at a modest 400 nits, the panel is bright enough to use indoors but washes out in direct sunlight, and viewing angles suffer.

Despite the muted colors of Color Paper and Ink Paper modes, the screen turns out to be great all-around for reading on account of its dynamic range that appeals to different tastes for consumption. However, there it may turn off some who like their displays full of vibrant color.

The Nxtpaper 14 has quad speakers: two on each of the shorter edges. They do a pretty okay job, offering clear, balanced sound across frequencies sans bass. That will work for casual video streaming or gaming but might underwhelm audiophiles or those who like their audio experience deep.

While the speakers are competent for everyday use, the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack means wired headphones are not an option, leaving users reliant on Bluetooth headphones or speakers for a more private listening experience.

Performance: Mid-Range Powerhouse

Under the hood, the Nxtpaper 14 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 processor, a reliable chip found in various mid-range devices, including the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9. Paired with 8GB of RAM, plus an additional 8GB of virtual RAM, the tablet offers smooth performance for most tasks, such as web browsing, video streaming, and light gaming.

With 256GB of internal storage, the Nxtpaper 14 offers ample space for apps, media, and offline content. However, there is no microSD card slot to expand the storage, which could be a limitation for users with extensive media libraries. Gaming performance is satisfactory, with games like Asphalt Legends running well, though the large size of the tablet makes it challenging to use for prolonged gaming sessions. A Bluetooth controller can remedy this issue.

Benchmark testing showed the tablet performs in line with other mid-range devices without any major slowdowns; the only notable issue here was an incompatibility with the GFXBenchmark app itself, which failed to connect to the server.

Cameras: Adequate but Unremarkable

Cameras on tablets are often an afterthought, and the Nxtpaper 14 is no exception. The 8Mp rear camera, which sits in that circular bump, takes average to poor photos with inconsistent focus, unbalanced exposure, and dull colors. Video recording tops out at 1080p at 30fps and the results are similarly unimpressive.

The 13Mp front-facing camera is more appropriate for video calls and selfies, while a 5Mp secondary camera assists in facial recognition to unlock the device. Both cameras are sufficient for basic uses but aren’t the best for high-quality photography.

**Battery Life: Power to Last

TCL has fitted the Nxtpaper 14 with a big 10,000mAh battery, which returned a very respectable 7 hours and 44 minutes of screen-on time in the PCMark battery test. This is a great result, though it still lags behind competitors like the Google Pixel Tablet, which manages an astonishing 14 hours of battery life.

In typical usage, such as web browsing, streaming, and light gaming, the Nxtpaper 14 will last you through a day without issues. Charging is relatively fast; in 15 minutes, it reached 17%, after 30 minutes, it was charged to 33%, and at a full charge, it takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. If this were not enough, you could also use the Nxtpaper 14 as a power bank for other devices via reverse charging nice bonus for people on the move.

Software: Clean, With Some Bloat

One UI is lightweight, sitting on top of Android 14, and is never in the way. App transitions are smooth and easy to navigate. TCL does preload some apps, such as Booking.com, but these can be uninstalled, and won’t generally impact your user experience due to bloatware.

Security updates are promised for three years, but the tablet will only receive one Android version update which is disappointing compared to other tablets that offer longer software support lifespans. This is something prospective buyers should keep in mind, especially if they plan on using the device for many years.

Price & Value

Priced at £399/€399, the Nxtpaper 14 finds itself in direct competition with several high-end tablets, such as the Google Pixel Tablet and Xiaomi Pad 6. As much as the Nxtpaper 14 has to offer with its unique display and paper-like modes, the lack of vibrant color and the relatively higher price point make it a harder sell compared to other tablets in its class. For an optimum price, that is some form of good discount, the Nxtpaper 14 can be given a chance if you want your reading life to be far more comfortable.

**Should You Buy the TCL Nxtpaper 14?

The TCL Nxtpaper 14 is a very different and new experience, mainly for those who love reading digital comics. With the different modes on this display, solid battery life, and decent performance, it’s pretty versatile. However, its size and price point may deter those looking for a more portable or cost-effective tablet.

If you value a different kind of display experience and are happy to pay for it, the Nxtpaper 14 is an interesting proposition. For everyone else, the device has a hard time standing out from tablets like the Google Pixel Tablet and Xiaomi Pad 6, which boast more colorful screens and better overall performance at comparable prices.

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