TCL launches affordable 11-inch tablets with 90Hz display, 8,000mAh battery and Helio G100

TCL has launched two new 11-inch tablets, the Tab A1 and Tab A1 NxtPaper, expanding its Tab A1 lineup. Both models share the same core hardware, while the NxtPaper version adds TCL's display technology and bundled accessories.

Both tablets have an 11-inch LCD with a 2,112 x 1,320-pixel resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio and 90Hz refresh rate. The screens also support 10-point touch. The Tab A1 NxtPaper uses TCL's NxtPaper 3A Crystal technology, which is designed to reduce reflections and give the screen a more paper-like appearance.

The NxtPaper model supports different screen modes for reading and other content, including Color Paper and Ink Paper modes. TCL also bundles a T-Pen 2 with the tablet. The stylus supports up to 4,096 pressure levels and comes with a flip case. The same accessories are available separately for the standard Tab A1.

Both tablets use MediaTek's Helio G100 processor with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. A microSD card can expand the storage by up to 2TB, according to TCL.

TCL also includes several AI features, including Google Gemini and Circle to Search. Its software adds multitasking features such as split-screen and floating-window modes.

Battery capacity is 8,000mAh, with support for 20W charging. Both models measure 251.28 x 163.2 x 6.2 mm. The standard Tab A1 weighs 430 grams, while the NxtPaper version is slightly lighter at 426 grams.

The standard model comes in Space Blue, while the NxtPaper version is offered in Aerolite Grey. TCL also lists IP54 protection for both tablets.

The camera setup consists of a 5MP front camera and an 8MP rear camera. Four speakers are included, while connectivity covers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 and USB-C.

The new models are smaller than TCL's Tab A1 Plus tablets, which use 12.2-inch displays with a 2,400 x 1,600-pixel resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. TCL also offers the larger Tab A1 Plus with its NxtPaper display technology.

Pricing and availability

TCL lists the Tab A1 at $189.99 and the Tab A1 NxtPaper at $249.99 on its official US store.

At the time of writing, Amazon lists the Tab A1 at $179.99 and the Tab A1 NxtPaper at $229.99. The NxtPaper version is therefore $50 more expensive, with the higher price covering the NxtPaper display, T-Pen 2 and included flip case.