The TCL Tab 10 NxtPaper is an innovative tablet that combines affordable pricing with a unique paper-like display, aimed at users who want an experience closer to physical paper for reading, writing, and multimedia consumption. Featuring a 10.1-inch IPS screen, the NxtPaper is marketed as a device that offers eye comfort with its matte finish display designed to reduce glare and mimic the tactile experience of paper.
While the NxtPaper’s distinctive display sets it apart from competitors, it’s not without its issues. In this detailed review, we’ll explore the common problems, bugs, and issues that users have encountered, as well as provide an overall assessment of whether it’s worth purchasing. We'll also discuss whether there are better alternatives in the market for those considering the NxtPaper.
1. Display: Great Concept, But Not Perfect
The NxtPaper display is perhaps the most intriguing feature of this tablet. TCL claims that the display reduces blue light exposure and mimics paper-like quality for users, especially those who are sensitive to screen glare. While the concept is compelling, several issues have been reported with the display, which detract from the tablet's overall value.
a) Poor Brightness Levels
- Problem: The most significant drawback of the NxtPaper's display is its lack of brightness, especially under direct sunlight or in brightly lit environments. Despite its matte finish, which does help reduce glare, the low peak brightness makes it challenging to use outdoors.
- Impact: Users who intend to use the tablet for reading or browsing in sunny environments will find it hard to see anything clearly. The screen’s visibility suffers in bright conditions, requiring the user to constantly seek shade or dim the surrounding lights.
- User Experience:
“I love the paper-like feel, but it’s impossible to use the tablet outside on a sunny day. The screen just doesn’t get bright enough.” – User feedback on TCL’s official forums.
b) Color Accuracy and Saturation Issues
- Problem: While the NxtPaper’s display is designed to simulate the experience of reading paper, it falls short when it comes to color accuracy and saturation. Images and videos appear washed out, especially when compared to tablets with more vibrant displays.
- Impact: This is not ideal for media consumption, especially for users who like watching movies or editing photos on their devices.
- User Experience:
“Watching movies or viewing photos on this tablet isn’t as enjoyable because the colors are dull, and images lose their vibrancy.” – Review from a customer on Amazon.
c) Display Burn-In Concerns
- Problem: Similar to some other devices with unique screen technologies, a few users have noticed faint ghosting or burn-in after using the device for extended periods, particularly when static images (like icons or navigation bars) are displayed for a long time.
- Impact: This can detract from the visual experience over time, especially if you’re using the tablet for tasks that involve static content such as reading eBooks or long web browsing sessions.
- User Experience:
“After a couple of weeks of use, I noticed ghost images from apps on the screen. I didn’t expect this on a brand new tablet.” – Comment on a tech forum.
2. Performance: Good for Basic Use, But Not Powerhouse Material
The TCL Tab 10 NxtPaper is powered by a quad-core processor paired with 3GB of RAM. While this setup works for basic tasks, users have reported several performance-related issues that hinder the overall user experience.
a) Slow Performance with Multi-Tasking
- Problem: When users try to run multiple apps simultaneously, the NxtPaper can become sluggish and experience lagging or freezing. This is particularly noticeable when switching between apps or when trying to run memory-intensive tasks.
- Impact: The tablet may not be suitable for users looking to perform tasks such as graphic design, video editing, or even smooth multitasking between productivity apps.
- User Experience:
“I found it slow when switching between apps, and sometimes apps freeze completely. It’s fine for browsing or watching videos, but forget about multitasking.” – Review from a user on BestBuy.
b) App Crashes and Freezes
- Problem: Some users have reported app crashes and the tablet freezing during routine use, such as reading eBooks or watching videos.
- Cause: These issues seem to stem from software optimization problems, with the operating system struggling to handle even basic tasks smoothly.
- Impact: Constant app crashes can severely affect the usability of the device, especially if it’s being used for work or study.
- User Experience:
“I’ve had several apps crash on me, even when I wasn’t running anything too demanding. It makes me question the stability of the software.” – User feedback from an online review.
3. Battery Life: A Mixed Bag
The 4080mAh battery in the TCL Tab 10 NxtPaper is designed to last up to 8-10 hours of use, depending on the activities. While this is decent for a tablet in this price range, users have experienced inconsistent battery performance.
a) Battery Drain During Video Playback
- Problem: The tablet’s battery drains quickly when streaming videos or engaging in multimedia activities, with some users reporting a decrease of 20-30% in battery life after an hour of video playback.
- Impact: This can be frustrating for those who want to use the tablet for long media sessions, requiring frequent charging throughout the day.
- User Experience:
“I wanted to watch a couple of episodes of my favorite show, but the battery dropped by 25% in less than an hour. That’s not impressive at all.” – User review on a tech blog.
b) Slow Charging Speed
- Problem: The NxtPaper features standard charging speeds that are relatively slow, taking around 3-4 hours to charge fully.
- Impact: This can be inconvenient for users who need to recharge the tablet quickly between tasks.
- User Experience:
“I’ve had to leave it charging overnight because it takes so long to reach 100%. It’s a hassle for a device I need to use throughout the day.” – Review on a consumer electronics site.
4. Software Issues: Basic, But Still Buggy
Running on Android 11, the TCL Tab 10 NxtPaper comes with a custom UI, but users have encountered several software-related problems that hinder its overall functionality.
a) Unresponsive Touchscreen
- Problem: Some users report that the touchscreen becomes unresponsive or laggy, particularly during tasks like typing or scrolling.
- Cause: This issue might be related to the tablet’s software or poor optimization of touch gestures.
- Impact: A laggy or unresponsive screen can lead to frustrating interactions, making tasks such as messaging or note-taking slower and more tedious.
- User Experience:
“The touch response isn’t as quick as I’d like, and I’ve had moments where I tap something, and it doesn’t register.” – Comment from a user on Amazon.
b) App Compatibility Issues
- Problem: Certain third-party apps don’t work correctly on the NxtPaper, with users reporting that apps either fail to launch or display incorrectly.
- Impact: This limits the tablet’s versatility, especially for users who rely on a wide range of apps for productivity or entertainment.
- User Experience:
“I had to uninstall and reinstall a couple of apps because they kept crashing. It seems like the tablet isn’t fully compatible with some common apps.” – Feedback on a forum discussion.
c) Software Updates Delays
- Problem: Users have reported delays in receiving software updates or security patches, which can affect the overall security and functionality of the device.
- Impact: Not having timely updates can lead to bugs remaining unresolved and vulnerabilities being unpatched.
- User Experience:
“It’s been months since the last update. I’m starting to wonder if TCL is planning to support this tablet long-term.” – User comment on a tech blog.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the TCL Tab 10 NxtPaper?
The TCL Tab 10 NxtPaper has several standout features, such as its paper-like display and affordable pricing, making it appealing for users who prioritize a comfortable reading experience. However, it’s important to weigh the drawbacks and limitations before making a purchase.
Pros:
- Innovative paper-like display ideal for reading and light tasks.
- Affordable price point for a budget tablet.
- Decent battery life for basic use.
Cons:
- Low brightness levels and poor visibility outdoors.
- Display burn-in and color accuracy issues.
- Sluggish performance and app crashes.
- Slow charging and inconsistent battery life during media consumption.
- Software compatibility issues and delayed updates.
Better Alternatives:
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A8: Offers more consistent performance, better display quality, and reliable software support.
- Lenovo Tab P11: A more robust device with improved performance, higher resolution screen, and better media consumption capabilities.
- Amazon Fire HD 10: A budget-friendly option with solid performance and ample app support, though it lacks a paper-like display.
Verdict: The TCL Tab 10 NxtPaper is a unique device for those who prioritize reading and want a budget-friendly option. However, its performance issues, display limitations, and software bugs make it less suited for users looking for a reliable all-rounder. For those seeking a more versatile tablet, exploring alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 or Lenovo Tab P11 might be a better choice.