It’s challenging to regard eye-friendly displays as credible when they are not present in North American flagship phones. TCL is beginning to alter that.
Contemporary smartphone screens, even the top OLEDs, aren’t flawless. They can flicker, typically due to low pulse-width modulation (PWM) rates, which may be bothersome or even painful for some users. Additionally, they aren’t optimal for usage in direct sunlight, as their glossy glass surfaces can cause glare, restricting visibility. If you wish to utilize your phone as an e-reader or reduce distractions, many flagships fall short in delivering the paper-like visual effects essential for an optimal experience.
One brand seeking to tackle these issues is TCL, although its devices seldom reach the U.S. I made an effort to purchase the TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G, a budget model that was actually available in the States, and had to navigate slow performance, a limited camera system, and lower-end build quality. At MWC 2026, TCL unveiled the NXTPAPER 70 Pro, which is a significantly better option set to launch in the U.S. next month.
I had a chance to experience the TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro firsthand, and if you give it a try, you might find it offers impressive features compared to your current device. Between the visually accessible display and integrated digital minimalism functionalities, the NXTPAPER 70 Pro could redefine how you interact with your smartphone.
Most devices aim to grab your attention as much as possible, enticing you with vivid colors, relentless notifications, and a plethora of distractions. In contrast, TCL’s forthcoming phone features a unique slider that enables you to filter out the noise instantly.
A lesser-known advantage of NXTPAPER phones is their integrated matte glass display. While most phones have a glossy finish that attracts fingerprints and increases glare, a matte screen protector can solve this issue—but it usually requires settling for a lower-quality plastic film. With this design, you enjoy the luxurious feel and resilience of glass while benefiting from anti-smudge and anti-glare properties.
TCL presented a compelling demonstration at IFA 2025 that illustrated the contrast between a NXTPAPER matte screen and a conventional glossy display in difficult lighting scenarios. The drawback? The flagship showcased, the NXTPAPER 60 Ultra, never made it to the U.S. This enhances the excitement surrounding the TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro.
For the typical user, the key feature is the NXTPAPER key. It cycles through four color options: full color, Color Paper Mode, Ink Paper Mode, and Max Ink Mode. It’s crucial to clarify that this isn’t an e-ink display, but it effectively simulates that appearance through an LCD. Nevertheless, it does an impressive job. Color Paper Mode transforms the phone into a Kindle Colorsoft with a paper-like look and subdued colors, whereas Ink Paper Mode creates a similar aesthetic in a black-and-white setting.
Max Ink Mode is particularly fascinating. This mode not only provides a paper-like black-and-white viewing experience but also restricts app access and notifications. The intention is to allow you to use your phone as an e-reader devoid of distractions from other applications, such as social media or messaging apps. It’s akin to having a minimalist device that can switch to a fully-featured Android flagship with a simple toggle.
In addition to enhancing focus, Max Ink Mode significantly boosts battery life. TCL claims that you can achieve seven days of usage from the NXTPAPER 70 Pro when operating in Max Ink Mode for reading. In standby, the phone can last an impressive 26 days. We’ll need to verify these assertions ourselves, but based on my experiences with Max Ink Mode in previous NXTPAPER devices, I have confidence in those figures.
For individuals sensitive to PWM flicker, the fact that this smartphone provides a genuinely flicker-free experience will feel refreshing. The device utilizes DC dimming, with brightness adjustable down to 1 nit. It’s also designed to minimize blue light exposure and complies with several eye-friendly certifications:
– Low Visual Fatigue A+2.1 SGS certification
– Dim-Light Eye Protection SGS certification
– Flicker Free TÜV Certification
The noteworthy features extend beyond merely the eye-friendly display, as purchasing a NXTPAPER phone in the U.S. generally meant making sacrifices in various other aspects. In this scenario, you get a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, a 5,200mAh battery, and storage options up to 512GB. The main camera is a dependable 50MP sensor complemented by an 8MP ultrawide lens. On the front, there’s a 32MP selfie camera.
The design of the TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro is commendable, although it somewhat resembles the Samsung