Most smartphone users would be thrilled with all-day battery life. While some phones push into the next day, it’s the exception, not the rule. But what if a fully functional smartphone could last a week on a single charge, all for under $200? At CES 2025, TCL showcased the 60XE Nxtpaper 5G, leveraging its Nxtpaper 3.0 technology and a dedicated Nxtpaper key for seamless mode switching. This technology, I believe, holds the answer to our battery life woes.
The back of the TCL 60XE NXTpaper smartphone
TCL Brings Nxtpaper to North America
This marks Nxtpaper’s North American smartphone debut, though we’ve seen it in TCL tablets and last year’s impressive TCL 50XE Nxtpaper phone. TCL also unveiled a new tablet featuring Nxtpaper 4.0, a testament to the technology’s exciting evolution. Let’s explore why this is a game-changer.
TCL 60XE Nxtpaper: Key Specifications
While full specifications are still pending, here’s what TCL has revealed about the 60XE Nxtpaper:
| Specs | TCL 60XE Nxtpaper |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.8-inch FHD+ |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
| Rear Camera | Triple camera with 50MP main sensor |
| Front Camera | 32MP |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 256GB |
| Battery | 5,010 mAh |
Priced at $199, the 60XE Nxtpaper offers incredible value, particularly considering the potential week-long battery life in Nxtpaper mode. This surpasses virtually every other smartphone, especially considering full functionality is retained.
Nxtpaper 4.0: Enhanced Visual Experience
The TCL NXTPaper 11 Plus which features NXTpaper 4.0 technology
Like its predecessors, Nxtpaper 4.0 minimizes blue light and glare for comfortable viewing. TCL employs nano-matrix lithography to etch the display surface, achieving this effect.
TCL boasts accurate color reproduction with Nxtpaper 4.0, hitting 100% of the sRGB color gamut across various lighting conditions. This facilitates high-resolution media consumption and clear text readability, regardless of ambient light.
The dedicated Nxtpaper key toggles between two monochrome modes: black-and-white e-paper mode (full functionality with reduced glare) and Max Ink mode (seven apps for maximized battery life). Switching between modes is quick and easy, offering diverse display options, though only Max Ink mode unlocks the full week-long battery potential (up to 28 days standby, seven days with e-reader usage).
The Allure of Nxtpaper Technology
A person holding the TCL 60XE NXTpaper phone
Nxtpaper’s primary draw is its extended battery life. The 6.8-inch FHD+ 120Hz display seamlessly transforms into an e-reader. Low battery? The Nxtpaper key significantly extends usage without sacrificing functionality.
Traveling without a charger? The Nxtpaper key is a lifesaver. Low battery on a night out? Extend your usage while retaining access to all your essential apps.
While previous Nxtpaper iterations lacked vibrancy in standard mode, this version addresses those concerns. There’s little reason not to embrace this technology, though the 60XE Nxtpaper is positioned as an ultra-affordable device, not a flagship.
Nxtpaper in a Flagship Future?
The TCL NXTPaper 11 Plus mid-transition between display modes
While TCL isn’t a flagship manufacturer, imagine Nxtpaper in a Samsung or Apple device. Though proprietary, the technology’s potential is immense. Licensing it to other manufacturers could revolutionize the smartphone landscape.
While unlikely, seeing Nxtpaper in a flagship phone would be remarkable. At $199, the 60XE Nxtpaper’s experience should be viewed within its price context. Nevertheless, it represents a significant display advancement.
TCL’s Nxtpaper journey since 2021 showcases immense progress. The latest generation offers a smooth experience in both color and Nxtpaper modes, with seamless switching on the 60XE Nxtpaper. Its potential for future smartphones is undeniable, even if a flagship integration remains a distant prospect.
While Nxtpaper 4.0’s smartphone debut remains uncertain, the 60XE Nxtpaper is impressive. The future of Nxtpaper, both in this phone and others, is exciting.
