TCL unveils its first NxtPaper phones with eye-care technology, including 4G and 5G versions

Worried that the digital displays that we use all day put extra stress on our eyes, TCL unveiled its NxtPaper display technology a couple of years ago. It focuses on eye comfort and reducing glare (as a side bonus it's resistant to fingerprints too), while maintaining vibrant colors.

Earlier this year the company launched version 2.0 of the technology, but there are still only a few products with it – three tablets and one convertible laptop. Now the company is ready to bring NxtPaper to the smartphone market. Two phones, in fact.

TCL 40 NxtPaper

The TCL 40 NxtPaper has a 6.78” LCD with 90Hz refresh rate (FHD+, 20.5:9). There is a special e-reader mode that enables grayscale mode for the UI to make reading easier on the eyes.

TCL 40 NxtPaper

Additionally, you can use the phone as a notepad with the optional case that includes a T-Pen stylus. NxtPaper tech is composed of several layers, one of which makes using the stylus feel closer to using a real pen and paper.

Anyway, this phone is powered by the Helio G88 paired with has 8GB of RAM (expandable with up to 8GB virtual RAM) and 256GB storage. A microSD slot is available if you need more (it’s a triple card slot, 2 SIM + 1 microSD).

The triple camera setup includes a 50MP main module (1/2.76” sensor, 0.64µm pixels). It is joined by a 5MP ultra wide camera (115°) and a 2MP macro module. The camera on the front has a 32MP sensor (1/3.45”, 0.65µm). The main rear and the front cameras can record 1080p videos at 30fps.

50+5+2MP rear camera (plus 32MP selfie camera)

The TCL 40 NxtPaper isn’t just for reading and note taking, its large display is flanked by stereo speakers with DTS 3D Boom Sound tech. There is a 3.5mm headphone jack available as well.

The phone supports 33W fast charging (USB-PD 3.0) for its 5,010mAh battery. 50% is achieved in around half an hour, a full charge takes 100 minutes. Note that the 33W charger and a USB-C 2.0 cable are included in the box.

TCL 40 NxtPaper in Midnight Blue

TCL 40 NxtPaper in Opalescent

TCL 40 NxtPaper 5G

As the name suggests, the TCL 40 NxtPaper 5G also uses the company’s eye-comfort display technology now paired with 5G. This is a smaller display, however, 6.6” and with only HD+ resolution (20:9). It still runs at 90Hz, though.

TCL 40 NxtPaper 5G

The focus here is on providing next-gen connectivity at a reasonable price. Its Dimensity 6020 chipset is still paired with 256GB storage, but the RAM capacity was reduced to 6GB (+6GB virtual). The dual card slot can accept two SIMs or one SIM plus one microSD card.

Both phones come with Android 13 out of the box (with NxtPaper UI). They will receive at least one OS update and security patches for at least two years (more are possible, but this will be determined in the future).

The battery capacity is 5,000mAh with support for 15W charging. The retail package only comes with a cable, though, so you’ll have to use one of your own.

TCL 40 NxtPaper 5G in Starlight Black

The 5G model still boasts a triple camera including a 50MP main module (1/2.76”, 0.64µm). There are also a 2MP macro cam and a 2MP depth sensor on the back. However, the selfie camera was parred back to an 8MP sensor. The front and rear cameras are limited to 1080p at 30fps video recording.

Like the 4G model, this phone has a fingerprint reader built into its power button. This one has only one speaker, but at least it kept the 3.5mm headphne jack.

Pricing & availability

The two NxtPaper phones will be available in stores “in just a few weeks”. The TCL 40 NxtPaper will cost €200/£180 ($215/₹18,000) and will be available in Europe next month with plans to launch in more regions later this year.

TCL 40 NxtPaper in Midnight Blue and Opalescent

The TCL 40 NxtPaper 5G will be €250/£220 ($270/₹22,500) and is coming to Europe in October. Again, TCL plans to make it available in more regions around the world by the end of 2023, but those plans will be announced later.

TCL 40 NxtPaper 5G in Starlight Black

PS. TCL also unveiled new tablets, plus new AR glasses, all of those are covered in a separate post.