OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Tablets Methodology v3.0
Tablets Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Tablets Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Tablets Methodology v3.0

TCL NXTPAPER 12 Pro Cellular (8GB + 256GB) review: 168 specs compared

Avg. price:~£440RAM capacity:8 GBInternal storage:256 GBScreen size:12.2 inchesChipset:MediaTek Kompanio 800T

TCL NXTPAPER 12 Pro Cellular (8GB + 256GB) Review: Compare 168 technical specifications and 1 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Tablets category and whether it is worth buying.

7.3/10

Overall score

Score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 63% of models
Score components

35%

7.3

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

7.2

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.9, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–²Better than 63% of tablets
7.6

Value for money

Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the tablet's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a tablet with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 50% of models
Score components

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

8.2

Price

â–²Better than 50%
7.3

Technical score

Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Score components

22%

7.8

Performance

20%

5.6

Display

16%

8.4

Camera

14%

7.1

Battery

12%

7.3

Connectivity

8%

9.0

Software

5%

6.7

Design

3%

6.7

Audio

â–²Better than 75%
7.2

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models

80%

7.8

Average grade

20%

5.0

Popularity

Grades by review (1)
1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 56%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £440
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of tablet TCL NXTPAPER 12 Pro Cellular (8GB + 256GB)

Technical score
Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Score components:

22%

7.8

Performance

20%

5.6

Display

16%

8.4

Camera

14%

7.1

Battery

12%

7.3

Connectivity

8%

9.0

Software

5%

6.7

Design

3%

6.7

Audio

7.3
Reviews score
7.2
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the tablet's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a tablet with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 50% of models
Score components:

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

8.2

Price

7.6
RAM capacity
8 GB
Market range: <1 GB – >8 GB
This tablet has 8 GB of RAM, which is more than 72.1% of tablets and equal to 17.9% of tablets.
Process node
6 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >40 nm
This tablet is built on a 6 nm process, which is smaller than 76.1% of tablets and equal to 8.4% of tablets.
Internal storage
256 GB
Market range: <16 GB – >256 GB
This tablet has 256 GB of internal storage, which is more than 76.4% of tablets and equal to 15.8% of tablets.
Geekbench 6 single-core score
?
Chipset
MediaTek Kompanio 800T
This tablet runs on MediaTek Kompanio 800T, which is more advanced than 50.9% of tablets.
Show more
Screen resolution
2160×1440
This tablet has a 2160×1440 screen, which is sharper than 67.5% of tablets and equal to 0.9% of tablets.
Refresh rate
60 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >120 Hz
This tablet has a 60 Hz screen, which is smoother than 0.1% of tablets and equal to 73.4% of tablets.
Display type
IPS LCD
This tablet uses a IPS LCD display type. 17% of tablets use this display technology.
Pixel density
213 ppi
Market range: <149 ppi – >291 ppi
This tablet has a pixel density of 213 ppi, which is lower than 56.1% of tablets and equal to 1.2% of tablets.
Display glass type
?
Show more
Optical image stabilization
no
This tablet does not support optical stabilisation. 0.4% of tablets offer this.
Main camera megapixels
13 MP
Market range: <3.15 MP – >13 MP
This tablet has a rear camera with 13 MP resolution, which is higher than 73.9% of tablets and equal to 21.7% of tablets.
Front camera megapixels
8 MP
Market range: <1.2 MP – >9 MP
This tablet has a front camera with 8 MP resolution, which is higher than 69.6% of tablets and equal to 19.5% of tablets.
Main camera aperture
f/2.0
This tablet has a main camera aperture of f/2.0, which is wider than 57.4% of tablets and equal to 24.7% of tablets.
Optical zoom
N/A
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Battery capacity
8,000 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >10.1k mAh
This tablet has 8,000 mAh battery capacity, which is larger than 70.2% of tablets and equal to 4% of tablets.
Charging speed
18 W
Market range: <10 W – >45 W
This tablet charges at 18 W, which is faster than 48% of tablets and equal to 12.3% of tablets.
Battery life
13 hours
Market range: <7 hours – >16 hours
This tablet has a battery life of 13 hours, which is longer than that of 76.1% of tablets and equal to that of 4.9% of tablets.
Wireless charging
no
This tablet does not support wireless charging. 1.5% of tablets offer this.
Fast charging
yes
This tablet supports fast charging. 43.2% of tablets offer this.
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LTE support
yes
This tablet has built-in LTE. 57.1% of tablets offer this.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This tablet connects to Wi-Fi. 0.2% of tablets offer this.
GPS
yes
This tablet has built-in GPS. 17.1% of tablets offer this.
5G connectivity
no
This tablet does not support 5G. 8.1% of tablets offer this.
NFC
no
This tablet does not include NFC. 10.8% of tablets offer this.
Show more
Operating system
Android
This tablet uses the Android operating system, which is more advanced than the one used by 23.2%.
Update support duration
medium
This tablet offers medium update support, which is longer than the support period of 47.6% of tablets and equal to that of 32.4% of tablets.
Direct OS updates
yes
This tablet supports direct OS updates. 20.3% of tablets offer this.
On-device AI
?
App tracking protection
yes
This tablet supports app tracking protection. 71.6% of tablets offer this.
Show more
IP rating
not rated
This tablet's IP rating is not rated, which is less protected than 16.5% of tablets and the same as 83.6% of tablets.
Weight
599 g
Market range: <315 g – >730 g
This tablet weighs 599 g, which is heavier than 76.2% of tablets and equal to 0.7% of tablets.
Backlit keyboard
no
This tablet does not support a backlit keyboard. 9.7% of tablets support backlit keyboards.
Keyboard accessory
yes
This tablet supports a keyboard accessory. 15.8% of tablets support this option.
Pen latency
?
Show more
Number of microphones
2
Market range: <1 – >3
This tablet has a microphone array of 2, which is more than 55.1% of tablets and equal to 32.7% of tablets.
aptX Adaptive
no
This tablet does not support aptX Adaptive. 6.9% of tablets offer this.
Dolby Atmos support
no
This tablet does not support Dolby Atmos. 31.3% of tablets support Dolby Atmos.
N. of speakers
4
Market range: <2 – >4
This tablet includes 4 speakers, which is more than in 70.8% of tablets and equal to the number in 22.9% of tablets.
FM radio
no
This tablet does not include an FM radio. 19% of tablets offer this.
Show more

TCL NXTPAPER 12 Pro Cellular (8GB + 256GB) vs the average tablet

246810TotalPerformanceDisplayCameraBatteryConnectivitySoftwareDesignAudio
  • 4x more internal storage
    This tablet has more internal storage than the average tablet (256 GB vs 64 GB). The average tablet has 64 GB of internal storage.
    256 GB vs 64 GB
  • 2.1 inches larger screen
    This tablet has a larger screen than the average tablet (12.2 inches vs 10.1 inches). The average tablet measures 10.1 inches.
    12.2 inches vs 10.1 inches
  • 5 MP higher rear resolution
    This tablet has a higher-resolution rear camera than the average tablet (13 MP vs 8 MP). The average tablet has a rear camera of 8 MP.
    13 MP vs 8 MP
  • 3 hours longer battery life
    This tablet offers longer battery life than the average tablet (13 hours vs 10 hours). The average tablet offers 10 hours of battery life.
    13 hours vs 10 hours
  • 4 GB more RAM
    This tablet has more RAM than the average tablet (8 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    8 GB vs 4 GB
  • More advanced chipset
    This tablet has a more advanced chipset than the average tablet (MediaTek Kompanio 800T vs MediaTek MT8169A).
    MediaTek Kompanio 800T vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • 3 MP higher front resolution
    This tablet has a higher-resolution front camera than the average tablet (8 MP vs 5 MP). The average tablet has a front camera of 5 MP.
    8 MP vs 5 MP
  • Supports LTE
    This tablet supports LTE, while the average tablet does not. 42.9% of tablets support LTE.
  • 4x more internal storage
    This tablet has more internal storage than the average tablet (256 GB vs 64 GB). The average tablet has 64 GB of internal storage.
    256 GB vs 64 GB
  • 4 GB more RAM
    This tablet has more RAM than the average tablet (8 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    8 GB vs 4 GB
  • More advanced chipset
    This tablet has a more advanced chipset than the average tablet (MediaTek Kompanio 800T vs MediaTek MT8169A).
    MediaTek Kompanio 800T vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • 20% higher CPU speed
    This tablet has a higher CPU speed than the average tablet (2.4 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    2.4 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • 57.1% smaller process node
    This tablet has a smaller process node than the average tablet (6 nm vs 14 nm). The average tablet is built on 14 nm.
    6 nm vs 14 nm
  • More advanced memory type
    This tablet uses more advanced memory than the average tablet (LPDDR4X vs LPDDR3).
    LPDDR4X vs LPDDR3
  • Includes neural engine
    This tablet includes a neural engine, the average tablet does not. 25.6% of tablets include a neural engine.
  • 4 years newer
    This tablet was released more recently than the average tablet (2023 vs 2019). The average tablet was released in 2019.
    January 2023
    2023 vs 2019
  • More advanced graphics
    This tablet has more advanced graphics than the average tablet (Mali-G57 MC2 vs Mali-G51).
    Mali-G57 MC2 vs Mali-G51
  • 2.1 inches larger screen
    This tablet has a larger screen than the average tablet (12.2 inches vs 10.1 inches). The average tablet measures 10.1 inches.
    12.2 inches vs 10.1 inches
  • Includes anti-reflection coating
    This tablet has anti-reflection coating, the average tablet does not. 24.6% of tablets use anti-reflection coating.
  • More vivid contrast
    This tablet has more contrast than the average tablet (1500:1 vs 1015:1). The average tablet has a contrast ratio of 1015:1.
    1,500:1 vs 1,015:1
  • Sharper display
    This tablet has a sharper screen than the average tablet (2160×1440 vs 1920×1200).
    2,160×1,440 vs 1,920×1,200
  • 5 MP higher rear resolution
    This tablet has a higher-resolution rear camera than the average tablet (13 MP vs 8 MP). The average tablet has a rear camera of 8 MP.
    13 MP vs 8 MP
  • 3 MP higher front resolution
    This tablet has a higher-resolution front camera than the average tablet (8 MP vs 5 MP). The average tablet has a front camera of 5 MP.
    8 MP vs 5 MP
  • Wider main camera aperture
    This tablet has a wider main camera aperture than the average tablet (f/2 vs f/2.2). The average tablet's main camera aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.0 vs f/2.2
  • Supports slow-motion video
    This tablet supports slow-motion recording, while the average tablet does not. 37.3% of tablets support slow-motion recording.
  • Built-in camera flash
    This tablet has a camera flash, while the average tablet does not. 45.5% of tablets have one.
  • 3 hours longer battery life
    This tablet offers longer battery life than the average tablet (13 hours vs 10 hours). The average tablet offers 10 hours of battery life.
    13 hours vs 10 hours
  • 21.2% larger battery capacity
    This tablet has a larger battery capacity than the average tablet (8,000 mAh vs 6,600 mAh). The average tablet offers 6,600 mAh of battery capacity.
    8,000 mAh vs 6,600 mAh
  • Supports LTE
    This tablet supports LTE, while the average tablet does not. 42.9% of tablets support LTE.
  • Supports cellular data
    This tablet supports cellular data, while the average tablet does not. 47.4% of tablets offer this.
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    This tablet has a newer Bluetooth version than the average tablet (5.1 vs 5).
    5.1 vs 5
  • Supports live text recognition
    This tablet supports live text recognition, while the average tablet does not. 35.1% of tablets offer this.
  • Supports app tracking protection
    This tablet supports app tracking protection, while the average tablet does not. 28.4% of tablets offer this.
  • Supports dynamic themes
    This tablet supports dynamic themes, while the average tablet does not. 29.5% of tablets offer this.
  • Supports extra dim mode
    This tablet supports extra dim mode, while the average tablet does not. 35.9% of tablets offer this.
  • Includes clipboard warnings
    This tablet has clipboard warnings, the average tablet does not. 40.3% of tablets include clipboard warnings.
  • Stylus included
    This tablet includes a stylus, while the average tablet does not. 17.2% of tablets offer this.
  • Supports drawing
    This tablet is suitable for drawing, while the average tablet is not. 40% of tablets are suitable for drawing.
  • 1.1 mm thinner
    This tablet is thinner than the average tablet (6.9 mm vs 8 mm). The average tablet is 8 mm thick.
    6.9 mm vs 8 mm
  • 2 more speakers
    This tablet has more speakers than the average tablet (4 vs 2). The average tablet has 2 speakers.
    4 vs 2
  • 1 more microphones
    This tablet has more microphones than the average tablet (2 vs 1). The average tablet's microphone count is 1.
    2 vs 1
  • 41 nits dimmer screen
    This tablet is dimmer than the average tablet (360 nits vs 401 nits). The average tablet reaches 401 nits.
    360 nits vs 401 nits
  • No headphone jack
    This tablet does not include a 3.5 mm headphone jack, while the average tablet does. 72.8% of tablets offer this.
  • 22.2% heavier
    This tablet is heavier than the average tablet (599 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    599 g vs 490 g
  • 40 nits lower typical brightness
    This tablet has a lower typical brightness than the average tablet (360 nits vs 400 nits). The average tablet reaches 400 nits typical brightness.
    360 nits vs 400 nits
  • 103.7 mm wider
    This tablet is wider than the average tablet (279 mm vs 175.3 mm). The average tablet is 175.3 mm wide.
    279 mm vs 175.3 mm
  • 50% slower touch response
    This tablet samples touch more slowly than the average tablet (60 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average tablet samples touch at 120 Hz.
    60 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 69.2% more expensive
    TCL NXTPAPER 12 Pro Cellular (8GB + 256GB) is more expensive than the average tablet (£440 vs £260).
    £440 vs £260
  • 2 fewer GPU execution units
    This tablet has less GPU execution units than the average tablet (2 vs 4). The average tablet has 4 GPU execution units.
    2 vs 4
  • 69.2% more expensive
    TCL NXTPAPER 12 Pro Cellular (8GB + 256GB) is more expensive than the average tablet (£440 vs £260).
    £440 vs £260
  • 2 fewer GPU execution units
    This tablet has less GPU execution units than the average tablet (2 vs 4). The average tablet has 4 GPU execution units.
    2 vs 4
  • 41 nits dimmer screen
    This tablet is dimmer than the average tablet (360 nits vs 401 nits). The average tablet reaches 401 nits.
    360 nits vs 401 nits
  • 40 nits lower typical brightness
    This tablet has a lower typical brightness than the average tablet (360 nits vs 400 nits). The average tablet reaches 400 nits typical brightness.
    360 nits vs 400 nits
  • 50% slower touch response
    This tablet samples touch more slowly than the average tablet (60 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average tablet samples touch at 120 Hz.
    60 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 3.6% softer screen detail
    This tablet has softer screen detail than the average tablet (213 ppi vs 221 ppi). The average tablet has a pixel density of 221 ppi.
    213 ppi vs 221 ppi
  • 22.2% heavier
    This tablet is heavier than the average tablet (599 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    599 g vs 490 g
  • 103.7 mm wider
    This tablet is wider than the average tablet (279 mm vs 175.3 mm). The average tablet is 175.3 mm wide.
    279 mm vs 175.3 mm
  • No headphone jack
    This tablet does not include a 3.5 mm headphone jack, while the average tablet does. 72.8% of tablets offer this.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

7.0
Good e-Reader
≈ estimated
16/08/2023
Hands-on review · pen, note-taking and reading mode
Verdict
TCL NXTPAPER 12 Pro Cellular is not true e-paper and has a weak pen, but it is a fully featured tablet with everything most buyers need.
Overview video

Third-party reviews

What customers like about TCL NXTPAPER 12 Pro Cellular (8GB + 256GB)

  • Innovative matte 2K display that significantly reduces glare and blue light
  • Excellent eye comfort for long reading and browsing sessions compared to traditional LCDs
  • Includes a low-latency E-Pen stylus in the box
  • Versatile 3:2 aspect ratio is well-suited for productivity and reading manga
  • Higher refresh rate than E-Ink, making it suitable for video and smooth scrolling
  • Massive 8,000mAh battery with reverse charging capability

What customers don't like about TCL NXTPAPER 12 Pro Cellular (8GB + 256GB)

  • Writing experience can feel 'slippery' on the matte surface rather than like actual paper
  • Unimpressive mid-range performance that can struggle with demanding 3D games
  • Included stylus has been described as having a wobbly tip and unreliable eraser button
  • Limited software support window and potentially outdated Android versions at launch
  • Poor outdoor visibility in direct sunlight compared to true E-Ink devices
  • Camera quality is generally mediocre, suitable only for basic video calls

Verdict

The TCL NXTPAPER 12 Pro Cellular is a productivity-focused Android tablet featuring a 12.2-inch 2K (2160 x 1440) display with an anti-glare, paper-like matte finish designed to reduce blue light and eye strain. It is equipped with 8GB of RAM, 256GB of expandable storage, and a MediaTek MT8771 (Kompanio 800T) octa-core processor, all powered by an 8,000mAh battery that supports reverse wired charging. Main pros include its comfortable, flicker-free reading experience, the inclusion of a low-latency E-Pen with 8,192 pressure levels, and its slim 6.9mm profile. However, it lacks a high-refresh-rate screen, and some users find the writing feel on the matte surface slightly slippery compared to actual paper.

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