I tested TCL's Note A1 at CES, and it's a ReMarkable alternative with full color

2026-01-06 · Source: News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET · Field: Technology & Digital — Emerging Technologies & Innovation, Consumer Electronics · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, medium

Summary

TCL introduced the Note A1 Nxtpaper, a dedicated note-taking tablet, at CES, positioning it as an alternative to devices like ReMarkable Paper Pro and Amazon Kindle Scribe. Unlike general-purpose tablets, the Note A1 features a highly customized Android interface focused solely on note-taking, transcription, and recording. Its 11.5-inch Nxtpaper Pure display offers a full-color, 120Hz refresh rate experience with a matte finish and 3A Crystal Shield Glass for reduced glare and eye comfort, though it omits the mode-switching found in other Nxtpaper products. The device includes a T Pen Pro with 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity and an eraser function, designed for a pen-on-paper feel. TCL emphasizes productivity, integrating Microsoft's Copilot and Edge browser, alongside Google Drive and Dropbox, and plans for a future keyboard accessory.

Key takeaway

For product managers evaluating specialized productivity devices, the TCL Note A1 Nxtpaper demonstrates how a focused design and custom OS can create a compelling user experience, even with a full-color display. Consider how dedicated hardware and tailored software, like the split-view for transcription and note-taking, can enhance specific workflows for your target users, rather than aiming for a general-purpose solution.

Key insights

TCL's Note A1 Nxtpaper offers a focused, full-color digital note-taking experience with a custom Android interface.

Principles

• Dedicated devices excel at singular tasks.
• Matte displays enhance long-term productivity.
• Integrated physical design improves ergonomics.

Method

TCL customizes Android to create a "notes-first" device, integrating audio recording, live transcription, and note-taking into a split-view workflow, and optimizing the display for eye comfort and responsiveness.

In practice

• Utilize split-view for simultaneous recording and note-taking.
• Program side button for quick access to core functions.
• Leverage T Pen Pro's pressure sensitivity for nuanced input.

Topics

• TCL Nxtpaper
• Digital Note-Taking Tablets
• E-Paper Displays
• CES Consumer Electronics
• Productivity Devices

Best for: General Interest, Tech Journalist, Product Manager

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET.