TCL’s Nxtpaper know-how is really distinctive, however after reviewing the TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper 5G, I noticed its potential has been restricted to lower-end smartphones.
The TCL Nxtpaper 60 Extremely adjustments that, integrating the most recent model of Nxtpaper 4.0 know-how right into a larger-format mid-range system. This isn’t a spec-chasing flagship just like the Galaxy S25 Extremely or the Pixel 10 Professional, as an alternative positioned as an “Extremely” by way of consolation and measurement somewhat than sheer efficiency.
A display screen constructed for eye consolation
The very first thing I seen after I unboxed the Nxtpaper 60 Extremely was its unmistakably giant 7.2-inch panel, which dwarfs the Galaxy S25 Extremely I carry. One-handed use is almost not possible, and I had to make certain my pockets might deal with the footprint of the system, particularly when outfitted with the case that additionally shops a stylus.
The LCD panel includes a 120 Hz refresh for easy navigation, and black ranges impressed me greater than I anticipated from LCD. Actually, a lot of the colour science resembled an OLED show. The tech that drives Nxtpaper’s eye-soothing show provides further layers on prime, which may give content material a refined haze. The matte end kills any reflections and most fingerprints, but additionally makes it considerably tough to view in direct daylight.
For eye consolation, two issues stand out. First, the Nxtpaper know-how is efficient all the way down to round 3.4% battery life in response to TCL, a function that does not require coloration tinting or software program settings.
One other vital be aware is the entire lack of pulse-width modulation to realize its low brightness functionality. That is nice for anybody who suffers from complications or pressure from flickering shows. The panel can dim all the way in which down to 2 nits, which for me meant bedtime scrolling stayed peaceable even with the lights out.
Altering modes on the flick of a swap
Nxtpaper units just like the 60 Extremely embrace a bodily swap on the facet to unlock totally different show modes with variable coloration traits, together with deeper system changes meant to extend battery efficiency and restrict distraction.
Max Ink Mode is probably the most drastic change, with every part turning black and white whereas the system is diminished to a couple key apps. This mode was the right selection for no-distraction studying. It is not E Ink know-how, but it surely positive appears to be like prefer it, and it will increase battery life to a whole bunch of hours on a full cost. Whereas I did not push it that far, I logged fairly a number of hours of studying and plan to take this on my upcoming journey to Eire for precisely this function.
Ink Paper Mode additionally goes to grayscale however retains the complete Android working system intact. I discovered it splendid for information and informal searching. Switching to Google Pictures or the Digicam app briefly returns the system to full coloration, and that sudden burst of coloration from black and white actually helped me recognize simply how vibrant this panel may be.
Coloration Paper Mode mutes saturation with out eliminating it. That is maybe my favourite mode as a result of it retains every part straightforward on the eyes whereas nonetheless letting me watch movies or browse Instagram with out feeling like I am utilizing a monochromatic e-ink system.
Writing feels nice
Utilizing a stylus on a smartphone is not important in my expertise, however I recognize the lengths TCL has gone to combine a succesful stylus expertise into the 60 Extremely. The T-Pen, bought individually, makes use of electro-magnetic resonance, the identical tech behind Wacom and Samsung’s S Pen. The passive stylus has no battery, although you’d by no means comprehend it. A brief hover over the show presents a cursor, and the T Pen affords 4,096 ranges of strain sensitivity. I had a tough time detecting any latency.
What stands out is how the T Pen feels on this display screen. The matte texture provides the pen paper-like friction, and I seen a faint sound when writing that provides to the phantasm.
My greatest frustration is that the T Pen does not retailer within the cellphone itself, like on Samsung’s Galaxy S Extremely telephones. TCL does promote a cumbersome case with a side-mounted attachment level, however that makes an already big smartphone that a lot bigger in on a regular basis use.
AI options fall quick
Contained in the Nxtpaper 60 Extremely is a MediaTek Dimensity 7400 paired with 12 gigabytes of RAM. I discovered this midrange chip to carry out properly throughout customary OS features, and PUBG ran easily with no noticeable warmth. Lag tended to creep up extra when taking plenty of footage and maneuvering by means of the digicam interface. Switching Nxtpaper show modes with the toggle additionally takes longer than anticipated.
The battery is a wholesome 5,200 mAh, which simply lasted by means of full days with constant use. Options like Max Ink Mode assist relieve battery nervousness, notably since it is a easy flick of the swap away. Wired charging tops out at 33 watts, reaching 50% in half-hour. Nonetheless, there is no wi-fi charging, which seems like a missed alternative on a cellphone branded as “Extremely.”
TCL features a handful of AI options, a lot of that are desk stakes. Summaries, transcriptions, Magic Eraser, and Circle to Search are all current. A novel Bookshelf app seems inside Max Ink Mode that may flip any e-book into an audiobook or two-person podcast with AI-driven text-to-speech. I couldn’t hearken to “The Odyssey” for various minutes earlier than changing into irritated by the odd voice traits and robotic supply.
On the plus facet, software program assist is stronger than I anticipated. TCL guarantees three main Android OS updates together with seven years of safety patches. That is a stable replace promise for a mid-range smartphone like this one.
A uncommon mid-range cellphone with periscope zoom
The rear digicam system includes a 50-megapixel periscope lens providing 3x optical zoom, together with 6x optical high quality zoom. That lens can go all the way in which to 100x, though I might by no means advocate utilizing these settings. Not like Google’s sharpening on 100x photographs shot with the Pixel 10 Professional sequence, TCL’s processing is harsh and unusable.
That mentioned, I am all the time blissful to have an optical zoom in my toolset, and I loved utilizing the periscope for macro images of meals and flowers. The first 50MP lens can seize good ends in good lighting, however TCL’s post-processing usually leaves photos wanting washed out. The 8MP ultrawide is forgettable and a straightforward inform that some corners had been lower.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
The Nxtpaper 60 Extremely performs properly as a inexpensive different to the Samsung S25 Extremely, with a surprisingly succesful stylus integration and an impressively differentiated show. There are compromises within the digicam system, the AI options promise greater than they will ship, and the bigger measurement may be a polarizing design selection.
One other large draw back for US patrons is that TCL has but to announce whether or not it plans to carry the cellphone to the States. At the moment, it may be present in Europe, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific, and priced at € 449 for the mannequin with 256GB of storage, or €499 euros for 512GB.
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