TCL Unveils Nxtpaper 5G Series with Paper-like Displays at IFA 2024
At the IFA 2024 trade show in Berlin, TCL introduced two new models featuring anti-glare paper-like displays: the TCL 50 Nxtpaper 5G and the TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G. The event highlighted how these screens mimic the reading comfort of e-paper while delivering modern smartphone performance. These devices are part of TCL’s push into display technology that blends readability with everyday versatility.
Both phones sport a 6.8-inch Nxtpaper display with a 2650×1080 resolution, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and brightness around 550 nits. The coating reduces glare significantly, producing a texture reminiscent of paper. The design aims to reduce eye strain during extended reading sessions and content consumption while maintaining vibrant color and sharp detail for media and apps.
Under the hood, performance comes from the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor paired with 8 GB of RAM. Storage options for the TCL 50 Nxtpaper 5G include 128, 256, and 512 GB, whereas the Pro variant offers a single 512 GB configuration. Both models support microSD expansion up to 2 TB, giving users room to keep a large media library on hand. This combination targets multitasking users who value extended storage and smooth everyday performance.
The TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G features a main camera module of 108 MP, complemented by an 8 MP ultra-wide lens and a 2 MP macro sensor. The front camera on this model is a 32 MP sensor, designed for clear selfies and video calls. The standard TCL 50 Nxtpaper 5G uses an 8 MP front camera. These configurations reflect TCL’s emphasis on versatile imaging capabilities for both casual photography and social sharing, while also supporting video capture and conferencing workflows.
Battery life is supported by a 5010 mAh cell with 33 W fast charging. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC, along with Android 14 on board. A distinctive feature is the NXTPAPER Key switch on the device body, which activates a monochrome display mode reminiscent of e-reader screens, offering an alternative reading experience in environments where color is less important or battery conservation is a priority.
The TCL 50 Nxtpaper 5G is positioned at a price of €219, with the Pro version priced at €299. This pricing strategy suggests targeting budget-conscious buyers seeking novel display tech alongside robust everyday performance, rather than competing solely on flagship camera or processor metrics. The price points align with TCL’s broader strategy of affordable innovation in midrange smartphones.
In context, these models follow TCL’s ongoing exploration of e-ink inspired readability within a modern Android device, aiming to deliver a hybrid experience that suits readers, students, and commuters who want a lighter reading mode without sacrificing smartphone capabilities. This approach resonates with users looking to reduce eye strain during long reading sessions while still having access to a full-featured Android device. [Source: TCL official announcements, IFA coverage]
Overall, the TCL 50 Nxtpaper 5G and TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G embody TCL’s effort to fuse paper-like readability with contemporary smartphone power. They promise a distinctive niche in the crowded midrange segment, appealing to Canadians and Americans who value display comfort and expandable storage, alongside reliable performance and modern Android features. [Cited product brief]