TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus vs Apple iPad 11-inch (A16)
Get the iPad (A16). Unless you mostly read and take notes: then the TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus, with its matte screen and included pen.
TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus
A tablet with a matte, paper-like screen that turns into an e-reader at the press of a button. Pen and case included. Slow.
Apple iPad 11-inch (A16)
The cheapest iPad: plenty fast for streaming, browsing, schoolwork and games, with 128GB to start. No Apple Intelligence and no Pencil Pro.
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PCMag found the iPad far faster and suggests it over the NXTPAPER for anyone who wants to do more than read and scribble. The NXTPAPER's matte, paper-like screen is easier on the eyes and in sunlight, and the pen and case are included.
- —You read books and articles for hours.
- —You want a pen without paying extra.
- —You use it outdoors.
- —You play games or edit.
- —You use an iPhone.
- —You want it to stay fast for years.
What verified owners report
Only reviews from checked buyers count, and every 1–3 star review is read by us. How we do this
Owners like the clear, paper-like screen for the price. No complaints so far.
- ✓Clear, paper-like screen, with an e-ink mode that saves battery
None came up often enough to list.
Owners love the value, the build quality and the big step up from an older iPad. The most common complaints are units that stopped working or wouldn't charge, and screen faults.
- ✓Good value for money
- ✓Well made
- ✓A big upgrade on an older iPad
- −Stopped working, froze or wouldn't charge
- −Screen faults: lines, dead pixels or unresponsive touch
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +Matte, paper-like screen with almost no glare
- +Ink-paper mode for e-reader-style reading
- +Pen and case in the box
- −Apps open slowly and demanding games stutter.
- −The speakers are loud but boxy.
- −The included case is flimsy.
- −No memory card slot or headphone jack.
- +Smooth for everyday use
- +128GB to start
- +Good battery life
- −No Apple Intelligence.
- −Works with the USB-C and first Apple Pencils only, not the Pencil Pro.
- −The screen is dimmer in bright light than on the Air.
- −Not much changed from the previous iPad.
Ready to choose?
- Is the NXTPAPER 11 Plus worth it?
- Is the iPad (A16) worth it?
- iPad Air (M4) vs iPad (A16)
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- iPad mini vs iPad (A16)
- Best tablets
How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: Tom's Guide, TechRadar, manufacturer specifications.
Owner reports for the NXTPAPER 11 Plus: 4 verified buyer ratings at Currys and Otto (Germany), read October 2026.
Owner reports for the iPad (A16): 2,304 verified buyer ratings at Currys, Target (US) and Otto (Germany), read October 2026.