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This 120Hz tablet replaced my Kindle and iPad for $220 - here's why I recommend it
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The TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus is an Android tablet with a 2.2K display and a 120Hz refresh rate, all for only $220 -- and these specs aren't even what makes it special. This tablet is typically priced at $280, so getting it for a discount makes this a legitimate steal.
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If you've read my tablet reviews, you probably know how much I love TCL's Nxtpaper tablets, and I say this as a loyal iPhone user deeply immersed in the Apple ecosystem. Sure, I have a MacBook Neo and use HomePods and the Apple TV 4K at home, but I consistently prefer TCL Nxtpaper tablets over every single iPad I test.
Why I chose TCL over my iPad
The TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus features a display technology that lets you switch your screen from a vibrant full color mode to an E-Ink-like display with a single button, going from tablet to a color or black-and-white e-reader. This switch can easily turn your tablet from an entertainment device into a digital notebook for studying or work within seconds.
Also: The tablet that replaced my iPad and Kindle got a worthy successor (and it's just as cheap)
As a $220 tablet, you may not expect this TCL to outperform the iPad, but I find that everyday experiences suggest otherwise. Don't expect the Nxtpaper 11 Plus to get better benchmark scores and an Apple silicon processor, but I've used both this and the iPad 11 extensively and haven't experienced a single issue or shortcoming from TCL's tablet -- not even an app crashing. Along with a lower price, this makes a strong case for those choosing between the base-model iPad and an Android tablet.
I have young Minecraft-obsessed kids, and the game experiences a lot of glitches and hiccups when loading heavy graphics on their base model iPads. Minecraft runs best on powerful processors and high-refresh-rate displays, since it features large world builds.
In contrast, my $220 TCL tablet with a 120Hz refresh rate, MTK Helio G100 processor, and 8GB of RAM loads Minecraft worlds like it's streaming a movie, and the rich colors on the matte display make the game visually pop.
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Why I chose TCL over my Kindle
The matte display features beautiful colors without inducing eye strain, and the ability to turn the TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus into an e-reader means I can take my tablet into bed to read and wind down. I switch my tablet to Ink Paper, open my Kindle app, and simply pick up where I left off with my Kindle, no need for a dedicated ereader.
And this is before you consider the rest of this TCL tablet's features: it has an 8,000mAh battery, supports 33W fast charging, 8MP front and rear cameras, quad speakers, and 256GB of storage.
How I rated this deal
At $220, this TCL Nxpaper 11 Plus is a true bargain and a purchase you'll be hard-pressed to regret. I know it's hard to spend money on a tablet without knowing exactly how it'll perform, which is why many of us simply go for an iPad (millions of people can't be wrong, right?). While the iPad works well for many purposes, the TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus is a perfect option for most users, especially those who value versatility and a high refresh rate.
As someone who tests tablets, I can attest that they're all too often overpriced and overhyped, since most users don't need one to run advanced AI processes or render multiple 4K videos.
When will this deal expire?
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