Fearing that the digital displays we use all day would put even more strain 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 benefit it’s also resistant to fingerprints), while retaining vibrant colors.
The company launched version 2.0 of the technology earlier this year, but there are still only a handful of products available: three tablets and a convertible laptop. Now the company is ready to bring NxtPaper to the smartphone market. Two phones, in fact.
TCL 40 NxtCarta
TCL 40 NxtPaper has a 6.78-inch LCD display with 90Hz refresh rate (FHD+, 20.5:9). There is a special e-reader mode which enables grayscale mode for the user interface to make it easier for the eyes to read.
TCL 40 NxtCarta
Plus, you can use your phone as a notepad with the optional case that includes a T-Pen stylus. NxtPaper technology is made up of several layers, one of which makes using the stylus closer to using real pen and paper.
Either way, this phone is powered by the Helio G88 paired with 8GB of RAM (expandable with up to 8GB of virtual RAM) and 256GB of storage. If you need more a microSD slot is available (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 pixel). Added to this is a 5 MP (115°) ultra-wide-angle camera and a 2 MP macro module. The front camera has a 32 MP (1/3.45”, 0.65 µm) sensor. The main rear and front cameras can record 1080p video at 30fps.
50+5+2MP rear camera (plus 32MP selfie camera)
TCL 40 NxtPaper is not just for reading and taking notes, its large display is flanked by stereo speakers with DTS 3D Boom Sound technology. A 3.5mm headphone jack is also available.
The phone supports 33W fast charging (USB-PD 3.0) for its 5,010mAh battery. 50% is reached in about 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 Nxt Paper in midnight blue
TCL 40 NxtOpalescent paper
TCL40NxtPaper 5G
As the name suggests, the TCL 40 NxtPaper 5G also uses the company’s eye comfort display technology, now paired with 5G. However, it is a smaller display, 6.6” and with only HD+ resolution (20:9). It still runs at 90Hz and also supports a T-Pen. A standard feature of NxtPaper allows the phone to adjust the color temperature of the display based on the ambient light.
TCL40NxtPaper 5G
The goal here is to provide next-generation connectivity at a reasonable price. Its Dimensity 6020 chipset is still paired with 256GB of storage, but the RAM capacity has been reduced to 6GB (+6GB virtual). The dual card slot can accept two SIMs or one SIM plus a microSD card.
Both phones come with Android 13 out of the box (with NxtPaper UI). They will receive at least one operating system update and security patch for at least two years (other updates are also possible, but this will be determined in the future).
The battery capacity is 5,000mAh with support for 15W charging. The retail box only comes with a cable, so you’ll need to use your own.
TCL 40 NxtPaper 5G in Starlight Black
The 5G model still boasts a triple camera including a 50 MP main module (1/2.76”, 0.64 µm). Also on the back are a 2MP macro cam and a 2MP depth sensor. However, the selfie camera has been scaled down to an 8MP sensor. The front and rear cameras are limited to 1080p video recording at 30fps.
Like the 4G model, this phone has a fingerprint reader built into the power button. However, this one doesn’t have a 3.5mm jack and there’s only one speaker.
Prices and availability
The two NxtPaper phones will be available in stores “in a few weeks.” The TCL 40 NxtPaper will cost €200 ($215 / ₹18,000) and will be available in Europe next month with plans to roll out in more regions later this year.
TCL 40 NxtPaper in midnight blue and opalescent
The TCL 40 NxtPaper will cost €250 ($270 / ₹22,500) and will arrive in Europe in October. Again, TCL plans to make it available in more regions of 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 and new AR glasses, all covered in a separate post.
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