There is no shortage of Android tablets available in 2024, but you won’t find any quite like this one announced at CES in Las Vegas today.
TCL has just revealed the Nxtpaper 14 Pro. An ordinary-looking tablet with an extraordinary display but at the touch of a button, it can move between three modes – standard, colour paper or ink paper – potentially eliminating the need for an e-reader in the process.
The standard colour mode offers the familiar viewing experience of other Android tablets, but with one key difference. The 14-inch LCD screen has a matte ‘Nxtpaper’ coating, making it far less reflective than regular LCD or OLED panels. While the colours aren’t quite as eye-catching, it’s designed to feel like you’re using actual paper.
But for an even more realistic experience, you can shift to a colour paper mode via the dedicated Nxtpaper key. This essentially turns the device into a colour e-reader, allowing you to read magazines, comics and other visual content without the usual eye strain.
And then there’s the ink paper mode, which matches the experience of the Kindle and most other e-readers. A full monochrome display will undoubtedly benefit battery life, though the size of the device will make it unsuitable for most people to read before bed.
Nonetheless, the fact you’re essentially getting three devices in one makes the Nxtpaper 14 Pro one of the most exciting tablets we’ve seen in a very long time. Alongside pogo pins for connecting a keyboard accessory, it’s an impressively versatile device – at least on paper!
The rest of the hardware also sounds promising, with power from MediaTek’s capable Dimensity 8020 chipset and a generous 12GB of RAM. You also get a 12,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging, plus 256GB of internal storage.
However, you’re limited to just Wi-Fi connectivity, with no option for 4G or 5G. TCL says mobile connectivity lends itself to more compact devices, hence its inclusion in the 10.4-inch Tab 10 Nxtpaper 5G instead. However, you miss out on the shapeshifting display.
TCL
Both new TCL tablets run the company’s skin over Android 14, though the changes are minimal. Many focus on improving digital viewing habits, with a built-in eye care assistant and optional reminders on how to make healthier choices.
The Nxtpaper technology is also coming to two of the seven new smartphones in the TCL 50 series, though availability will vary depending on markets.
And despite being revealed at CES 2024, TCL is yet to reveal when the new devices will launch. Pricing also remains unknown, though more news is expected at MWC in Barcelona at the end of February.