TCL unveiled a tablet at CES 2026 that strips Android to its paper-like essentials, betting writers and note-takers will pay for focus over flash.
> At a Glance
> – TCL’s 11.5-inch Note A1 uses a locked-down Android build for distraction-free writing
> – NxtPaper Pure screen stays matte monochrome-no color toggle-at 120 Hz
> – Kickstarter pledge sits at $437 with limited-country shipping
> – Why it matters: It targets ReMarkable and Kindle Scribe users who want paper feel without E Ink lag
The Note A1 swaps media-binge features for a single-minded writing slate. Aerospace-grade aluminum keeps the 5.5-mm, 500-g chassis light while housing an 8,000-mAh battery.
Display Built for Ink, Not Netflix
NxtPaper Pure is a matte LCD panel locked to monochrome, delivering 16.77 million colors but choosing not to use them. The 120 Hz refresh gives stylus response E Ink can’t match, though battery life takes the hit.
- One-side wide bezel for thumb grip
- Customizable home button on the grip strip
- No color mode-paper aesthetic only
Stylus and Software: All Business
An 8,192-pressure stylus ships with dual tips, eraser, and linear motor for paper-like feedback. Split View mode reads, writes, and transcribes audio at once. Microsoft Edge and Copilot are baked in; other Android apps are possible but not promoted.
| Spec | Note A1 | Typical E Ink |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | ≤ 30 Hz |
| Battery drain | Higher (LCD) | Ultra-low |
| Color option | None (locked matte) | Toggle on/off |
AI tricks include one-tap summaries, meeting transcriptions, and writing polish. The Kickstarter campaign is live ahead of a late-2026 retail drop.
Key Takeaways
- Paper-only display removes temptation to switch to color video
- 120 Hz matte LCD targets lag-free handwriting
- $437 early-bird price undercuts ReMarkable’s latest by a wide margin
TCL is wagering that less Android equals more productivity-writers will decide later this year if the bet pays off.
