I listen alot (I mean alot!) to tech podcasts. About 6 month ago I heard alot about something called TCL NXTPAPER. TCL was not a large brand in Sweden and that meant that they were not really on my radar. Hearing all the praise the screens got, I reaches out to TCL here in Sweden and asked if I could possibly borrow a device and test the screens. They sent me the TCL NXTPAPER 14 (a large format tablet) and the TCL NXTPAPER 50 Pro which is a smartphone.

To give you some context for the test, I am a big fan of e-ink for reading. I have had multiple Amazon Kindles, two Storytel Readers (a Swedish book service that for a while had their own reader), an Onyx Boox Note Air 2 and the latest addition to the “collection” was that I bought a Boox Palma (a phone sized reading device without legacy phone functionality) this summer. The main reason for this was that I wanted a very portable device for reading and this is where the NXTPAPER devices comes in. I’ve found this display technology offers a unique middle ground between conventional screens and e-ink displays and it also means that if it can live up to e-ink standard (or at least close to it) it would mean that I would not have to carry two devices, but still have the better reading experience.

The Matte Revolution

The most immediately noticeable feature of NxtPaper is its matte display finish. Unlike the glossy screens that dominate the market today, this matte surface significantly reduces glare and reflections. The anti-glare properties make it much more comfortable to use in various lighting conditions, and the absence of fingerprint smudges is a welcome bonus. This design choice feels more natural and less straining on the eyes during extended use.

Black and White Mode: A Game-Changer

One of the standout features is the black and white mode. While it doesn’t quite match the paper-like quality of dedicated e-ink displays, it provides a remarkably comfortable reading experience. The grayscale presentation is easy on the eyes, making it ideal for extended reading sessions. This feature bridges the gap between traditional tablets and e-readers, potentially eliminating the need to carry separate devices for different purposes.

Comparison with E-ink

While NxtPaper doesn’t fully replicate the eye-friendly characteristics of e-ink displays, it offers a compelling compromise. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Faster refresh rates than e-ink, allowing for smooth scrolling and video playback
• Better color reproduction when needed
• More versatile use cases, from reading to multimedia consumption
• No ghosting issues that are common with e-ink displays

The devices

Here is a short summary of the specs for the two devices and what is was like using it

TCL NXTPAPER 14

The NXTPAPER 14 represents TCL’s venture into larger-format devices with this innovative display technology.

Key Specifications:

• Display: 14-inch 2.8K (2880 x 1800) NXTPAPER display
• Processor: MediaTek Kompanio 1050 processor
• Memory: Up to 12GB RAM
• Storage: Up to 256GB
• Battery: 10000mAh (!!)
• Operating System: Android 14
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Optional 4G LTE

The larger 14-inch form factor makes this device particularly suitable for productivity tasks and content consumption. The high resolution ensures crisp text display, making it excellent for document work and reading. This device is probably mostly used as a laptop replacement tablet together with a keyboard (competing with the lagger iPad Pros). It was delivered with an active stylus which is charged with USB-C. One of the coolest features of the tablet is that it comes preloaded with a software that makes it a casting target, which means that it can be used as a secondary display for a Windows laptop. The price in Sweden is around 5000 SEK which makes it a really nice deal.

TCL NXTPAPER 50 Pro

As a tablet offering, the NXTPAPER 50 Pro brings the eye-friendly technology to a more portable form factor.

Key Specifications:

• Display: 10.4-inch 2K (2000 x 1200) NXTPAPER display
• Processor: MediaTek Helio G99
• Memory: 8GB RAM
• Storage: 256GB, expandable via microSD
• Battery: 8000mAh
• Operating System: Android 14
• Additional Features: Stylus support, Quad speakers

The more compact size makes it an ideal device for on-the-go use, while still maintaining the benefits of the NXTPAPER technology. I have used it mostly as a secondary device for media consumption on the commuter train to work. With a starting price of around 3500 SEK it has the same price as the Boox Palma I bought this summer, with the added benefit of being a great phone with a really nice display, meaning that I will not have to carry two devices. While the Boox Palma has the benefit of NOT being able to be used as a phone the TCL device gives you a great reading device, for the not so hardcore “simple phone”/off-grid user.

Final Verdict

TCL’s NxtPaper technology represents an innovative approach to display technology that successfully bridges the gap between traditional LCD screens and e-ink displays. While it may not completely replace dedicated e-readers for hardcore e-book enthusiasts, it offers a versatile solution for users who want a more eye-friendly display without sacrificing the functionality of a full-color screen. The matte finish and black and white mode are standout features that make this technology particularly appealing for users who spend long hours looking at screens but don’t want to carry multiple devices.

The NXTPAPER 14 and NXTPAPER 50 Pro each serve different use cases well – the former excelling as a productivity device with its larger screen, while the latter offers greater portability without compromising on the core benefits of the NXTPAPER technology. Both devices showcase how this display technology can be effectively implemented across different form factors.

For those considering a device with NxtPaper technology, it’s worth noting that you’re getting the best of both worlds – a capable multimedia display that can transform into a more eye-friendly reading screen when needed. While it may not be perfect for every use case, it’s a significant step forward in display technology that addresses real user needs.