TCL has introduced the Note A1 Nxtpaper, a digital paper tablet that takes a different technical approach from most E Ink-based competitors. Rather than relying on traditional monochrome or limited-color E Ink panels, the Note A1 uses a hybrid LCD display paired with the company’s Nxtpaper Pure technology. The result is a full-color screen capable of running at 120Hz, while still aiming to replicate the low-glare, paper-like feel that has become central to this category.
At a glance, the device sits somewhere between a conventional tablet and a digital notebook. The 11.5-inch display supports 16.7 million colors, which is a substantial jump over the muted palettes found on most digital paper devices. TCL claims the panel avoids common LCD drawbacks such as ghosting and excessive reflections through its Crystal Shield Glass and anti-glare treatment. TÜV certifications for eye comfort and writing performance suggest the company is positioning the screen for extended reading and note-taking sessions rather than entertainment-first use.
The Note A1 is clearly aimed at the same audience as devices like the reMarkable Paper Pro and the Amazon Kindle Scribe. Working professionals, students, and creatives are the intended users, particularly those who want a focused environment without the notifications and app clutter typical of full Android or Windows tablets. While the Note A1 does not abandon smart features entirely, its software emphasis leans toward structured productivity rather than general-purpose computing.
TCL has built in a suite of office-oriented tools, including AI-assisted meeting transcription, real-time translation, and automatic summarization. These features are designed to reduce the friction of capturing and organizing information rather than to automate creative work. Wireless screen casting is also supported, making the tablet viable for quick presentations or collaborative reviews. File sharing is handled through integrations with Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive, provided devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, allowing notes and documents to move easily between teams.
Physically, the Note A1 follows a familiar notebook-inspired design. A thicker bezel on one side provides a natural grip, while a magnetic strip along the opposite edge stores the stylus. At 5.5mm thick, the tablet is notably slim, though the 8,000mAh battery is larger than many direct competitors, likely compensating for the higher power demands of a color LCD running at 120Hz.
TCL’s earlier experiments with Nxtpaper, such as on its 11 Plus tablet, allowed users to switch between standard tablet and e-reader modes. The Note A1 simplifies that approach by committing fully to the hybrid display at all times, prioritizing consistency over flexibility.
The Note A1 Nxtpaper is scheduled for early access via Kickstarter, with a broader launch expected toward the end of February 2026. TCL has indicated a retail price of $549, placing it below several high-end digital paper tablets, including Android-based options like the Onyx Boox Note Max. Whether users see the color display as an advantage or a compromise will likely depend on how much they value visual richness versus the extreme battery efficiency of traditional E Ink.
