ZDNET’s comprehensive analysis highlights that the TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus represents an exceptional blend of innovative display technology, accessible pricing, and thoughtful user experience design. Priced at $249, the tablet arrives as a complete bundle that includes both a responsive stylus and a protective flip case, offering immediate value for users seeking productivity and creativity on a budget. A defining feature of the device is its ability to effortlessly transition between vibrant full-color mode and an E Ink-style monochrome display with the simple press of a dedicated button—an impressive trait that allows the Nxtpaper 11 Plus to function equally well as both a conventional tablet and an e-reader substitute. Equipped with a generous 256GB of internal storage, the tablet also features an elegant matte touchscreen panel engineered for comfort and visual appeal, boasting a refresh rate of 120Hz for fluid motion and crisp interaction. However, due to its weight, prolonged one-handed use can make the device feel somewhat heavy, reminding users that comfort may depend on how it is held or supported.
Following ZDNET for credible tech insights is encouraged—adding the publication as a preferred Google source ensures continued access to evaluations like this one. The reviewer notes candidly that after testing a vast number of tablets over time, many of today’s designs feel repetitive and unoriginal, often recycling familiar functionality with minimal creativity. It’s therefore rare and refreshing to encounter a product that genuinely reinvigorates the tablet experience. That moment arrives with the TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus, which injects new energy into a market often accused of stagnation.
Previously, the reviewer’s affection lay with the older TCL Nxtpaper 10, a Verizon-exclusive 10-inch version that, while impressive, suffered from limited availability. The new Nxtpaper 11 Plus expands on that concept in practically every way, improving accessibility and specifications alike. It retails for approximately $224 at Walmart for the tablet alone, or for $249 on Amazon as part of a complete set including both the stylus and protective case. Beyond affordability, its distinctive Nxtpaper technology lies at the heart of its identity, allowing users to alternate between a richly saturated color display and a paper-like monochromatic setting that emulates ink on a physical page. Paired with its 11.5-inch screen running at a smooth 120Hz, 8GB of expandable RAM, and vast storage capacity, the Nxtpaper 11 Plus delivers a performance experience unmatched in its price bracket.
Functionally, this tablet is powerful enough to accommodate multimedia entertainment—streaming films, web browsing, or gaming—while retaining the subtle qualities that make it a perfect tool for reading or note-taking. The reviewer even recounts a personal anecdote from earlier testing, in which the prior Nxtpaper model performed so competently that her once-cherished iPad was passed on to her spouse, and her Kindle to her child, consolidating both their functions into a single device. That enthusiasm carried over to the Nxtpaper 11 Plus, where expectations were not only met but surpassed. Upon immediate use, the interface appeared refined and intuitive, and the matte screen provided both tactile satisfaction and practical glare reduction—an ideal feature for stylus writing or drawing. Moreover, switching display modes no longer requires navigating submenus; a conveniently placed shortcut button along the tablet’s edge enables instant toggling between color and ink-paper modes.
Technologically, the device now incorporates TCL’s upgraded Nxtpaper 4.0 system, a marked improvement over the earlier Nxtpaper 2.0 engine. The resulting visual clarity and brightness produce richer hues and noticeably improved definition, particularly visible when streaming video or viewing photos, an area where previous iterations occasionally fell short. One limitation remains relevant for users who plan to use the device primarily as an e-reader: at roughly 17.3 ounces—just over a pound—the tablet can start to feel cumbersome when held for extended reading sessions without support. The reviewer mitigated this by attaching a hand strap, an adaptation that rendered reading dramatically more comfortable and extended usability.
From a performance standpoint, the Nxtpaper 11 Plus maintains snappy responsiveness throughout everyday tasks, a commendable quality in a price-conscious Android device. Applications load quickly, transitions occur smoothly, and notably, the setup process avoids the excessive preinstalled software that can often plague low-cost tablets. User experience remains stable, with minimal crashes and none of the erratic behavior sometimes present in cheaper alternatives.
One of TCL’s most meaningful claims about the Nxtpaper 11 Plus pertains to eye comfort. The company asserts that this device filters 61% more blue light than traditional screens, a significant enhancement aimed at reducing visual strain. With additional settings like Reading Mode and Adaptive Brightness, users can fine-tune their experience for prolonged sessions, mitigating eye fatigue and improving overall comfort. The reviewer—accustomed to long daily hours spent on both a MacBook Pro and an iPad—reported perceivable relief when switching to the Nxtpaper 11 Plus during evening use. Less eye strain, diminished end-of-day headaches, and an easier transition into relaxation became consistent outcomes, reinforcing TCL’s focus on health-conscious innovation.
A unique joy of ownership lies in the mode-switching feature: at bedtime, a quick press converts the tablet’s full-color presentation into a soothing ink-paper display, eliminating the need to switch devices or interrupt routine. The ability to transform the same screen from vivid digital content to a soft, printed-page aesthetic underscores the adaptability of TCL’s approach.
In closing, ZDNET’s buying advice is succinct yet enthusiastic. Anyone searching for an entertainment-focused tablet that can double as a highly capable e-reader will find the TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus to be a near-perfect fit. It combines the agility of a standard Android tablet with the minimalist reading comfort of an e-ink device, uniting two traditionally disparate categories into a single versatile platform. It supports reading apps across ecosystems—not only Kindle—making it more inclusive for diverse content preferences. Stability, responsiveness, and design quality consistently exceed expectations for this segment, and unlike many budget devices, the Nxtpaper 11 Plus demonstrates a refreshing absence of bugginess or lag. Ultimately, it fulfills each promise TCL advertises: expressive visuals, eye comfort, and affordable excellence.
For comparison, the Nxtpaper family also features other configurations like the TCL Tab 10 Nxtpaper 5G and the TCL Tab 11 Nxtpaper 5G. Both models differ slightly in display size, processing power, and battery capacity—the 10.4-inch variant equipped with a MediaTek 8755 processor and a 6,000mAh battery, while the 11-inch option employs a Helio P60T chip alongside an 8,000mAh battery. Each contains 128GB of storage and an 8MP camera, maintaining competitive pricing around $239 and $249, respectively. Such context helps underscore the careful balance the Nxtpaper 11 Plus achieves: high-end feel and features at a still-attainable cost, solidifying its position as a standout choice in TCL’s expanding tablet lineup.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-tablet-that-replaced-my-ipad-and-kindle-now-has-an-excellent-successor-and-its-on-sale/
