TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER review

A budget smartphone with a paper like NXTPAPER display aims to blend reading and everyday use.

TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER trades general power for a reading friendly edge

The TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER stands out in the budget phone field thanks to a display that feels more like paper than glass. The NXTPAPER Key lets you switch among Ink Paper, Color Paper and Max Ink modes, transforming the screen into a true reading tool when you want to focus on text. The display is designed to be eye friendly, with a matte finish and a claim of filtering more blue light than typical phone screens. Outdoors, visibility can suffer, which limits the device as a daily reader in bright sunlight. On the hardware front, the phone uses a MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus with 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage, a setup that is adequate for basic tasks but not a performance highlight. The camera system is serviceable for the price, while software is Android 15 with a limited upgrade path and a handful of AI features. Battery life benefits from Max Ink mode, but charging remains modest at 18W. All of this comes at a price of about $249, positioning the 60 XE NXTPAPER as a value option for readers who want a single device instead of a dedicated e-reader.

The NXTPAPER concept reflects a broader push in budget tech to mix distinctive, niche features with everyday usefulness. For people who read a lot, this phone can replace a separate e-reader at a lower total cost and with the convenience of a phone in one pocket. TCL is betting that the novelty of a paper like screen will persuade buyers who are ambivalent about buying two devices. But there are clear tensions. The value proposition hinges on software support, app compatibility and how long the unique display remains appealing as apps evolve. The trade off is clear: a budget phone that excels as a reader and fades as a power device. The market will judge whether readers gravitate toward this hybrid or prefer lighter, longer lasting e readers and more capable smartphones.

Highlights

The NXTPAPER concept could push more brands to rethink what a phone can do beyond apps.