by 
TCL, the Chinese multinational electronics company, has recently taken a leap into the future with its NXTPAPER technology, originally intended for tablets and e-readers. However, in a surprising twist, the company has now integrated this technology into its first smartphone, the TCL 40 NXTPAPER.
This budget-friendly device aims to provide “industry-leading eye comfort” while maintaining modest technical specifications. NXTPAPER, as TCL explains, is a “fusion of screen and paper.” It boasts a 25 percent higher contrast than the standard E Ink displays, and it’s 65 percent more energy-efficient. The latest iteration of this technology can produce up to 500 nits of brightness, surpassing TÜV-certified standards for blue light reduction.
This feature, according to TCL, can help safeguard your eyes without compromising color accuracy or causing screen yellowing. Additionally, the screen’s color temperature adjusts automatically based on the time and surrounding environment. The TCL 40 NXTPAPER and its 5G counterpart, despite sharing a name, differ in design and specifications. The former features a 6.78-inch FHD+ NXTPAPER display, a 32-megapixel (MP) front camera within a punch hole, and a 50MP rear camera. It’s powered by a MediaTek Helio G88 processor, backed by 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, expandable via a microSD card.
However, it only supports 4G connectivity and is set to retail at €199 ($215) in Europe from September 2023. The TCL 40 NXTPAPER 5G, as the name implies, supports 5G connectivity but has some peculiar downgrades. It features a smaller 6.5-inch HD+ (720 x 1,612) notch-type display, an 8MP front camera, and a 50MP rear camera. It’s powered by MediaTek’s MT6833v processor (equipped with 5G radios), and offers 6GB of RAM and 256GB of storage (also expandable). It’s set to hit the European market in October for €249 ($269).
Both models are expected to be available globally later in 2023. The NXTPAPER display is the standout feature of these smartphones. Each device is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, and given the energy-efficiency of the NXTPAPER technology, these smartphones should last a considerable time on a single charge. However, it remains to be seen whether this screen technology will provide a satisfactory smartphone experience. tcl.com
