TCL has announced 2 new budget tablets under the TAB A1 lineup for the US market. The hardware pairs an 11 inch 90Hz display with a MediaTek Helio G100 processor, offering buyers a choice between a standard glass screen and an eye friendly NXTPAPER panel. Pricing starts at $179.99 for the base model and $249.99 for the paper texture variant.
Both tablets share an 11 inch screen with a sharp 2112 by 1320 resolution and 10 point touch support. Users can also sketch or take notes on the panel using the optional T Pen 2 NXTVISION stylus. The visual experience changes depending on which version you buy. The standard tablet uses a traditional glossy glass surface capable of 500 nits of typical brightness. The NXTPAPER version cuts reflection using a matte finish that feels closer to physical paper. It outputs 400 nits indoors, but an automatic daylight mode boosts the screen up to 500 nits under direct sunlight.
Under the hood, the MediaTek Helio G100 processor handles day to day tasks alongside 6GB of memory and 128GB of internal storage. If you run out of space, a microSD card slot allows for quick expansion. For media playback, TCL installed 4 separate speakers and 2 microphones. An 8MP camera sits on the back for scanning documents, while a 5MP front lens covers video calls. Power comes from an 8000mAh battery that charges at 20W over a USB C port.
The tablets are slim at 6.2 millimeters and carry an IP54 rating to guard against dust and minor water splashes. Weight differs slightly between the 2 configurations. The standard model weighs 430 grams, while the NXTPAPER edition is slightly lighter at 426 grams. At $179.99 for standard glass and $249.99 for the matte screen, TCL is giving budget shoppers a direct alternative to entry level Android rivals.
