In an era dominated by vibrant, high-resolution displays, TCL has taken a unique approach with its 50 Pro NXTPAPER. This smartphone boasts a display technology that mimics the texture and appearance of traditional paper, offering a refreshing departure from the usual glossy screens. But does this innovative feature compromise the overall smartphone experience? Let’s dive into a comprehensive review to find out, priced at £279.99 from Amazon, Argos and other stores.

The NXTPAPER Display: A Game-Changer

The pièce de résistance of the TCL 50 Pro NXTPAPER 5G is undoubtedly its e-ink-like display. Unlike conventional smartphone screens, which emit blue light that can strain your eyes, the NXTPAPER display utilizes a technology that reflects ambient light, similar to a traditional book. This reduces eye strain and provides a more comfortable reading experience, especially in low-light conditions.

The display’s paper-like texture is immediately noticeable when interacting with it. Swiping through menus or scrolling through web pages feels almost tactile, reminiscent of turning the pages of a physical book. This unique sensation adds depth and engagement to the user experience.

While the NXTPAPER display offers several advantages, it’s important to note that it also has its limitations. Compared to traditional AMOLED or OLED displays, the NXTPAPER screen has a lower refresh rate, which can result in slightly slower animations and less responsive touch input.

Camera Samples

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Technical Specifications

• Body: Dimensions: 167.6 x 75.5 x 8 mm (6.60 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) | Weight: 196 g (6.91 oz)
• SIM: Nano-SIM, eSIM or Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
• Display: Type: IPS LCD, 120Hz | Size: 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio) | Resolution: 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) | NxtPaper technology
• Platform: OS: Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades |
• Chipset: Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | CPU: Octa-core (2×2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | GPU: Mali-G57 MC2
• Memory: Card slot: microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | Internal: 512GB / 8GB RAM
• Main Camera: Triple: 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67″, 0.64µm, PDAF | 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0″, 1.12µm | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) | Features: LED flash, HDR | Video: 1080p@30fps
• Selfie Camera: Single: 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.45″, 0.64µm | Features: HDR | Video: 1080p@30fps
• Sound: Loudspeaker: Yes, with stereo speakers | 3.5mm jack: Yes, DTS-certified 3D Boom Sound
• Comms: WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Bluetooth: 5.3, A2DP, LE | Positioning: GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | NFC: Yes | Radio: Unspecified
• USB: USB Type-C 2.0 |
• Features: Sensors: Fingerprint (side-mounted), gyro, accelerometer, proximity, compass, barometer
• Battery: Type: 5010 mAh, non-removable
• Charging: 33W wired
• Misc: Colours: Moon Gray

Performance and Battery Life

Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, the TCL 50 Pro NXTPAPER offers adequate performance for everyday tasks. While it may not be as powerful as flagship devices, it handles most apps and games smoothly. The phone’s large 5020mAh battery ensures excellent battery life, especially when using the NXTPAPER display in its low-power reading mode.

Camera Capabilities

The TCL 50 Pro NXTPAPER features a triple-camera setup on the back, consisting of a primary 108MP sensor, an ultra-wide-angle 8MP lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The camera performance is decent, with good image quality in well-lit conditions. The ultra-wide-angle lens is handy for capturing landscapes and group photos. However, the camera’s low-light performance could be improved, and the video quality is average.

Software and Features

The TCL 50 Pro NXTPAPER runs on Android 14, with a clean and uncluttered user interface. TCL has added a few customizations to enhance the NXTPAPER experience, such as a dedicated reading mode that optimizes the display settings for comfortable reading. The phone also supports various connectivity options, including 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC.

Conclusion

The TCL 50 Pro NXTPAPER is a unique and refreshing smartphone that offers a truly paper-like experience. Its NXTPAPER display is a standout feature that reduces eye strain and provides a more comfortable reading experience. While the phone may have some limitations in terms of performance and camera capabilities, it excels in its core purpose of delivering a comfortable and immersive reading experience.

If you’re looking for a smartphone that prioritizes eye health and offers a distinctive user experience, the TCL 50 Pro NXTPAPER is worth considering. It’s a device that caters to those who value the traditional reading experience and appreciate innovative technology that enhances their daily lives.

TNC Score

4.3/5.0