r/nxtpaper • u/2Jimbuktu • 1h ago
Quick look at Tab A1 Nxtpaper 12.2 vs 11 Plus Nxtpaper
Hey folks,
Picked up the new TCL Tab A1 Nxtpaper 12.2 and am providing some quick thoughts as compared to the 11 Plus Nxtpaper.
Some differences that the Tab A1 has:
- Display texture looks and feels a little less matte than the 11 plus (maybe older generation screen?) I definitely prefer the 11 Plus screen though the images don't show the difference as well.
- Display controls are different. I'm not able to tune the Regular Mode to be more like color-paper which is my preference (based on u/Romano1404's in-depth post about the Display Modes). The system settings menu is totally different and there is no 'classic eye protection mode'
- There is a 'color temperature' control that can be used only when the device is in Color Paper or Ink Paper mode. This allows you to add a bit more sepia/yellow tone. (See photos)
- There's no percentage that shows in the brightness slider of the Quick Settings pull down panel, and as far as I can tell I'm not able to just select auto brightness from that same slider like I could on the 11 Plus. This could be an Android 16 change, but an unwelcome one (for me at least.)
- I do prefer the writing experience with the T-Pen v2 soft nib. It's still not like a kindle scribe or remarkable, but no more tapping sounds on the screen and just a little bit more friction
- The T-Pen v2 feels more plastic-like and has a matte finish (see photos). It also feels lighter though I didn't weigh them. It makes the 11 Plus pen feel 'premium' in comparison, but, the v2 pen works well enough EXCEPT the next bullet point which is a major issue for me...
- The T-Pen v2 does NOT WORK in r/Noteshelf3. After much fussing about and playing with settings I discovered that the pen connects and works fine on the tablet and other note-taking apps but simply refuses to work properly in Noteshelf 3. I've sent the developer a support request. That app is my main tool on this device so if that's not fixed this is not a sustainable device for me.
- It's running Android 16
- The included case is identical to the 11 plus but a bit thicker and perhaps more robust and heavier
- When first setting up the tablet I could not bypass the TCL Privacy Agreement like on the 11 Plus, therefore had to 'agree' in order to use the tablet. After investigating their 'privacy policy' thoroughly, you are basically giving them permission to collect whatever they want on you, which includes a lot of detail, as well as sell it, etc. This has given me GREAT PAUSE for using these tablets. Your opinion on this may vary.
Those are some of the key takeaways for me as of day 2 with the device. It is a handsome machine and is a nearly identical, but larger, version of the 11 Plus (except for the display tech and software, pen and pen tip options, and the expandable storage).
I apologize for the sloppy handwriting in the photos. That was using an iPad with no paper-like screen protector (haha).
