TCL has launched the Tab 8 Nxtpaper 5G, a tablet aimed at readers who want more than a basic e-reader. As The Verge reported, the latest TCL Nxtpaper tablet promises a paper-friendly display with full Android power.
Unlike traditional e-ink, the Tab 8 uses Nxtpaper display tech that mimics e-paper comfort while keeping the speed and color of a tablet featuring a traditional display. It’s not true E Ink, but is nonetheless considered by many as a new kind of e-paper alternative.
What is Nxtpaper?
- Nxtpaper is a modified LCD / panel design with anti-glare, blue light reduction, and a matte surface, all of which allows for a glare-free display that leads to markedly reduced eye strain.
- It offers modes such as full color, ‘Color Paper’, and ‘Ink Paper’ (monochrome) to suit different reading styles.
- Because it is not E Ink, it avoids typical drawbacks: no page lag, no ghosting, no washed-out colors when switching modes.
Key Specs & Features
Here’s what the Tab 8 Nxtpaper 5G offers:
| Spec | Detail |
| Display | 8.7-inch Nxtpaper panel having 1340 × 800 resolution and 90 Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | MediaTek MT8755 Octa-Core processor |
| Memory & Storage | 4 GB RAM, 64 GB internal (expandable via microSD up to 2 TB) |
| Battery | 6,000 mAh; TCL claims up to 16 hours of mixed use |
| Cameras | Rear: 8 MP, Front: 5 MP |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Dimensions & Weight | 211.9 × 125.6 × 8.35 mm; 365 g |
| Audio & Ports | Dual speakers, USB-C, 3.5 mm headphone jack |
| OS | Android 15 |
| Price | US$199.99 (via Verizon initially) |
A dedicated Nxtpaper key, as PhoneArena mentioned, lets users quickly switch modes — from color to ink to hybrid reading mode.
Why It Stands Out – Strengths
- Speed + smooth transitions: Because it is a screen based on pixels, switching pages is fast and fluid.
- No ghosting / lag: You don’t get the slow refresh artifacts or residual images you see with many E Ink devices.
- Versatility: It can run all Android apps, play videos, browse the web — more than just a reading device.
- Mode flexibility: Use full color when needed; switch to ‘Ink Paper’ for a reading-focused experience.
- Eye comfort: The matte finish, anti-reflective surface, and reduced blue light make it easier on the eyes in varied lighting.
Trade-offs & Considerations
- Battery life won’t match dedicated e-ink readers that last days or weeks.
- 4 GB of RAM and the mid-tier processor limit heavy multitasking or gaming.
- Since it is a hybrid, it might not fully satisfy users who prefer a pure e-reader experience under every condition.
- Real world performance (mode transitions, brightness, software stability) will matter more than specs.
- Some user reports on earlier Nxtpaper models that appeared on Reddit point out weak speakers and occasional sluggishness.
Place in the Market & History
Tablet-shaped or phone-sized e-reader concepts have existed before:
- Boox Palma is an E Ink phone-form e-reader that blends reading and smartphone design.
- Earlier attempts like YotaPhone tried combining an e-ink panel with a phone.
- The Tab 8 Nxtpaper is unique because it does not rely on E Ink; it bridges tablet and reader in a new way.
Compared to pure e-ink devices, it gives up some battery advantage but gains flexibility and responsiveness.
Final Thoughts & Outlook
The TCL Tab 8 Nxtpaper 5G offers a compelling middle ground. If you read a lot but also want the capability of a full Android tablet, it could be a “one device to rule them all.” But it’s not without compromises.
For readers who prioritize battery life above everything, an e-ink reader may still be better. Also, since the TCL Tab 8 Nxtpaper 5G is a tablet, it won’t offer the distraction-free reading experience that a dedicated e-reader device can offer. For users who want fluid interactions, smooth app support, color, and flexibility — the Tab 8 is an exciting option.
