TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G Review: A Unique Blend of Comfort and Connectivity
The smartphone market is saturated with devices prioritizing high-contrast OLEDs and blinding brightness. The TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G, however, carves out a unique niche, focusing instead on eye comfort and a novel, paper-like display experience. Positioned as an accessible, unlocked 5G Android smartphone, it attempts to strike a balance between modern utility and digital wellness.
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| TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G |
📱 The Star Feature: NXTPAPER Display Technology
The defining characteristic of the TCL 60 XE is its 6.8-inch FHD+ (1080 x 2460) NXTPAPER 3.0 display. Unlike standard LCD or OLED panels, NXTPAPER uses a multi-layer technology with a matte, anti-glare finish, designed to dramatically reduce reflections and harmful blue light (up to 61% reduction), mimicking the look and feel of paper.
Eye Comfort: The matte texture and light diffusion make reading texts, browsing, and even viewing under direct sunlight a significantly more comfortable experience than on a glossy screen. This technology is a boon for heavy readers and those sensitive to eye strain.
120Hz Refresh Rate: Despite the paper-like finish, the screen maintains a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring scrolling and animations are fluid, though the lower-tier processor can sometimes limit its potential in demanding scenarios like high-frame-rate gaming.
The Dedicated NXTPAPER Key: A standout physical feature is the dedicated switch that cycles through the specialized viewing modes:
Standard Mode: Full color, vibrant visuals for everyday use.
Ink Paper Mode: Converts the display to black and white while retaining full app functionality—ideal for comfortable, extended reading.
Color Paper Mode: Introduces muted, warm colors, offering a compromise between full color and monochrome e-reader aesthetics.
Max Ink Mode: A deep monochrome mode that limits app use and notifications to maximize battery life, offering an e-reader experience with claims of multi-day battery life for pure reading.
⚙️ Performance and Hardware: The Budget Compromise
To achieve its competitive price point (around $250 MSRP), TCL made predictable compromises on the internal components.
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| TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G |
| Feature | Specification |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (Octa-core) |
| RAM/Storage | 8GB RAM + 8GB Virtual RAM / 128GB ROM (expandable via microSD up to 2TB) |
| Battery | 5010mAh, 18W Fast Charging, 5W Reverse Charging |
| Connectivity | Unlocked for AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon (5G sub-6GHz) |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers, 3.5mm Headphone Jack |
The MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ is a capable mid-range chip for general use. Tasks like social media, email, and light multitasking are handled smoothly, especially with the 8GB of physical RAM. However, the phone can exhibit noticeable stutters and lag when running graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact. This is a clear trade-off: you get a unique screen, but not flagship-level speed. The generous 5010mAh battery is a major plus, providing all-day power, which is significantly extended when utilizing the Max Ink Mode for reading.
📸 Camera System: Capable, But Not Class-Leading
The TCL 60 XE features an advanced camera system for its price segment:
Rear Main Camera: 50MP
Rear Ultrawide: 5MP
Rear Depth Sensor: 2MP
Front Selfie Camera: 32MP
In good lighting, the 50MP main sensor captures detailed and well-balanced shots. TCL also integrates AI Features like AI Scene Optimization and Motion Focus to aid in capturing better images. The 32MP front camera is excellent for selfies and video calls. However, overall image quality tends to be merely "decent." Photos can sometimes appear dull or lack the contrast and dynamic range seen in higher-end or even some competing budget phones. The auxiliary lenses (ultrawide and depth) are functional but do not particularly impress.
💡 AI and Software
The phone runs on a customized TCL UI over Android, incorporating several built-in AI features aimed at productivity:
AI Reading/Writing Assistant: Tools to translate, summarize, and assist with content creation.
Voice Memo Transcription: Records, transcribes, and summarizes audio for meetings or lectures.
These features, while not fully replacing high-end AI models, add a layer of functionality that enhances its appeal as a device for students or professionals focused on documents and information processing.
🏁 Verdict: A Niche Champion
The TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G, in its Alps White finish, is a refreshing and highly specific device. It is a phone for the user who prioritizes visual comfort and reading experience over raw performance and camera dominance.
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| TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G |
Pros:
Exceptional Eye Comfort: The NXTPAPER display is truly glare-free and reduces eye strain significantly.
Dedicated NXTPAPER Key and Modes: Seamless transition into e-reader mode is intuitive and adds significant value.
Solid Battery Life: The large 5010mAh cell offers excellent endurance, especially in monochrome modes.
Broad Carrier Compatibility: Fully unlocked for the major US carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon).
Good RAM/Storage: 8GB RAM is respectable, and storage is expandable.
Cons:
Middling Performance: The Dimensity 6100+ chip struggles with intensive tasks.
Display Trade-Off: The matte finish, while great for comfort, mutes colors and contrast compared to OLEDs.
Slow Charging: 18W charging takes a while to top up the large battery.
Uninspiring Camera: While capable, it won't satisfy photography enthusiasts.
Ultimately, if you spend hours reading ebooks, browsing long articles, or simply want a smartphone that is gentler on your eyes, the TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G is not just a compelling option—it's arguably the best phone in its class for digital reading, offering a niche experience unmatched by its competitors.