There’s no shortage of Android tablets available in 2024, but you won’t find one like the one announced today at CES in Las Vegas.
TCL has just unveiled the Nxtpaper 14 Pro. An ordinary-looking tablet with an extraordinary screen, but at the touch of a button it can move between three modes – standard, color paper or ink paper – potentially eliminating the need for an e-reader in the process.
Standard color mode offers the familiar visual experience of other Android tablets, but with one key difference. The 14-inch LCD screen features a matte “Nxtpaper” coating, making it much less reflective than traditional LCD or OLED panels. Although the colors aren’t as eye-catching, they are designed to look like you’re using real paper.
But for an even more realistic experience, you can switch to color paper mode via the dedicated Nxtpaper button. This essentially turns the device into a color e-reader, allowing you to read magazines, comics, and other visual content without the usual eye strain.
And then there’s ink paper mode, which is the experience of the Kindle and most other e-readers. A fully monochrome screen will undoubtedly improve battery life, although the size of the device will make it unsuitable for most people to read before bed.
Still, the fact that you essentially have three devices 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 incredibly versatile device – at least on paper!
The rest of the hardware looks promising too, with the power of MediaTek’s Dimensity 8020 chipset and a generous 12GB of RAM. You also get a 12,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging, as well as 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. However, you miss out on the shape-changing display.
TCL
Both new TCL tablets run the company’s skin on Android 14, although 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.
Nxtpaper technology is also coming to two of the seven new TCL 50 series smartphones, although availability varies by market.
And although it was revealed at CES 2024, TCL has yet to reveal when the new devices will launch. Pricing also remains unknown, although further news is expected at MWC Barcelona at the end of February.
