ZDNET’s main insights highlight that the TCL Nxtpaper 60 Ultra, a device recently introduced to the European market, represents a carefully balanced blend of affordability, innovation, and usability. The smartphone comes in two storage variants — a 256GB configuration priced at €449 and a 512GB model for €499 — positioning it firmly within the mid-range segment while still offering the kind of technological sophistication typically associated with more premium devices. Its 7.2‑inch display, expansive by any standard, operates at a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and is specifically designed to emulate the visual texture of e‑Ink screens, providing a uniquely comfortable viewing and writing experience, particularly when paired with the compatible stylus. Although this model is currently unavailable in the United States, TCL’s expansion across Europe, Latin America, and the Asia‑Pacific region signals a growing ambition to redefine the mid-tier smartphone experience.
TCL’s proprietary Nxtpaper technology, which has long distinguished the company from its competitors, truly comes into its own with the Nxtpaper 60 Ultra. Previous devices such as the TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper 5G demonstrated the concept’s promise, yet its reach had previously been confined to lower‑end smartphones. The latest iteration of this technology, Nxtpaper 4.0, transforms the new model into something much more compelling — a mid-range handset prioritizing comfort and display refinement over pure hardware dominance. Unlike flagships such as Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra or Google’s Pixel 10 Pro, the Nxtpaper 60 Ultra does not attempt to chase benchmark supremacy. Instead, it reimagines what the term “Ultra” can signify: not blistering speed or extreme processing capability, but a focus on ergonomics, screen clarity, and eye comfort.
Upon unboxing the device, its sheer physical presence is immediately apparent. The 7.2‑inch panel feels immense compared with most smartphones, even making the Galaxy S25 Ultra seem relatively compact. Handling it one‑handed borders on impractical, a reminder that this is a device made for immersive experiences rather than portability. A protective case accommodating the stylus amplifies its size further, although users interested in digital sketching or note‑taking will likely consider the trade‑off worthwhile. The high-refresh LCD screen maintains remarkable visual fluidity, and surprisingly deep black levels blur the line between traditional LCD and OLED panels. TCL’s engineering solution — layering additional eye-soothing filters onto the display — gives content a delightfully soft matte aesthetic, reminiscent of fine paper under ambient light. The anti-reflective coating minimizes glare and fingerprints, though it can slightly hinder visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
With respect to visual comfort, TCL’s attention to detail proves impressive. The company claims that Nxtpaper’s adaptive eye protection remains effective even when battery power dips as low as 3.4%, reducing strain without employing artificial color tints or intrusive software dimming. Equally notable is the absence of pulse‑width modulation, a common cause of flicker-induced headaches and eye fatigue in many smartphone displays. The 60 Ultra can dim its screen to an exceptionally low brightness of two nits — ideal for nighttime use, allowing users to read or browse quietly without discomfort.
One of the Nxtpaper 60 Ultra’s most distinctive attributes is its physical switch located on the device’s side, which instantly alters the display’s behavior and interface mode. Each setting tailors the color palette and background processes to suit different needs. The most extreme transformation occurs in Max Ink Mode, where the interface becomes purely monochromatic, stripping Android down to essential functions. This minimalist configuration dramatically extends battery life, reportedly allowing hundreds of hours on a single charge, and evokes the appearance of an e‑Ink reader perfect for uninterrupted reading sessions. Ink Paper Mode retains grayscale tones while preserving full system functionality, creating a compromise between distraction-free engagement and general productivity. Meanwhile, Color Paper Mode gently reduces saturation levels without completely eliminating color, striking an elegant balance that appeals to users who enjoy vivid media but prefer reduced visual stress.
Interacting with the display via stylus further enhances the illusion of writing on real paper. Although stylus input is not a necessity for most smartphone users, TCL’s inclusion of this capability enriches creative workflows. The T‑Pen, available separately, uses electromagnetic resonance — technology similar to that found in Wacom tablets and Samsung’s S Pen systems — eliminating the need for an internal battery and providing immediate responsiveness. The 4,096 pressure-sensitivity levels allow fluid shading and nuanced pen strokes, while near‑instant cursor feedback virtually eliminates latency. Beyond performance, tactile satisfaction defines the experience: the matte screen texture generates a faint sound and friction under the pen tip, simulating the sensation of writing with graphite on paper. The primary drawback lies in storage; unlike Samsung’s integrated stylus slot, TCL requires users to rely on an external case accessory, which adds noticeable bulk.
Underneath its refined surface, the Nxtpaper 60 Ultra houses a MediaTek Dimensity 7400 processor coupled with 12GB of RAM. This configuration delivers reliable performance across typical operating system tasks, from multitasking to mobile gaming, where titles such as PUBG run fluidly with no thermal buildup. However, more demanding processes, such as rapid image capture or toggling display modes, occasionally trigger modest slowing. Power longevity is impressive thanks to a 5,200mAh battery that comfortably endures day-long use, aided by efficiency‑geared modes such as Max Ink. Although the phone supports 33‑watt wired charging — sufficient to restore fifty percent capacity in about half an hour — it omits wireless charging, a noticeable absence in an otherwise polished “Ultra” product.
AI-assisted features are present yet somewhat underwhelming. Tools like automatic transcriptions, content summaries, Magic Eraser photo edits, and Google’s Circle to Search function provide convenience but do little to expand beyond industry norms. One novel feature, the Bookshelf app, converts written material into audio or dialogue-style narration via AI-driven text‑to‑speech. Despite the ambitious concept, the artificial voices currently sound mechanical and lack the natural rhythm of real narration, limiting long-term appeal. Nevertheless, TCL compensates through commendable software policy: the device will receive three major Android updates and an impressive seven years of security patches — a level of commitment rarely offered in this price bracket.
Photography represents a similar balance of ambition and compromise. A standout feature for a mid-range model, the rear periscope lens delivers 50‑megapixel resolution and true 3x optical zoom, supplemented by up to 6x “optical quality” enhancement. Although the system technically supports magnification up to 100x, practical results deteriorate quickly beyond its optical range; image sharpening becomes aggressive and detail collapses. Still, for creative uses such as macro food or floral photography, the periscope module offers genuinely rewarding flexibility. The primary 50‑megapixel sensor performs capably in strong lighting but can occasionally yield flatter color tones due to TCL’s conservative image processing. The 8‑megapixel ultrawide camera, while serviceable, unmistakably reveals the device’s cost-conscious design.
In conclusion, ZDNET’s recommendation positions the Nxtpaper 60 Ultra as a thoughtfully engineered alternative to high-priced flagships like the Samsung S25 Ultra. It distinguishes itself through ergonomic design, advanced eye-comfort display technology, and a surprisingly natural stylus experience. While its AI utilities and camera consistency fall short of perfection, the phone represents a refreshing redefinition of what constitutes an “Ultra” device — one centered on visual ease, tangible creativity, and all‑day practicality. For consumers in Europe or other supported regions, the Nxtpaper 60 Ultra stands out as a distinctive, value-conscious choice that challenges conventional expectations of performance-driven smartphone design.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/i-tried-a-400-android-phone-that-looks-dull-on-paper-and-i-couldnt-put-it-down/
