We approached the TCL NXTPAPER 60 Ultra with a mix of curiosity and cautious optimism. TCL has been pushing its NXTPAPER technology for several generations now, and while earlier attempts felt interesting but niche, this model feels more complete and intentionally designed. From the moment we started using it, we could tell the focus wasn’t on competing with the flashiest flagships, but rather on creating a phone that’s genuinely comfortable for long-term, everyday use—especially for those of us who spend hours reading on our devices.
The most defining feature is, of course, the NXTPAPER 4.0 display. If you’re familiar with typical smartphone panels, you’ll immediately notice the difference. The display has a soft, paper-like texture that reduces glare and makes reading feel gentler on our eyes. We found ourselves comfortably using it for extended sessions without the strain or fatigue we usually feel on glossy OLED screens. TCL includes several modes, but the standout one for us is the monochrome “Ink Paper” mode. When activated, it transforms the experience into something reminiscent of an e-ink reader while maintaining the smooth responsiveness of a smartphone. For late-night reading, the reduced blue light and very low minimum brightness levels make a meaningful difference.
What also impressed us is that this display manages to avoid the PWM flicker that triggers eye discomfort for some users. That alone makes the NXTPAPER approach valuable for anyone sensitive to display flicker, and during our time with it, we appreciated the consistency and steadiness of the image. Despite its eye-friendly design, the panel still offers a 120Hz refresh rate, so everyday navigation feels snappy and fluid.
When we look beyond the screen, the NXTPAPER 60 Ultra positions itself squarely in the upper midrange. TCL uses a capable MediaTek chipset paired with generous RAM and storage options. In our use, the phone handled multitasking, browsing, reading, streaming, and productivity apps with no trouble. It isn’t aiming to be a high-end gaming device, so the most demanding titles won’t run at max settings, but for normal day-to-day activity, we found performance more than sufficient. The phone strikes a practical balance between speed and efficiency, and we rarely ran into stutters or slowdowns.
Battery life is another area where this device shines. With a 5,200mAh battery and the naturally power-saving benefits of the Ink Paper mode, we consistently made it through a full day of mixed use with plenty left over. On days where we leaned heavily into reading or document review, we could stretch well into a second day before needing to recharge. The included 33W fast charging isn’t class-leading, but it’s good enough for a quick top-up when we were in a rush. We also appreciated the reverse charging feature, which allowed us to top up smaller devices like earbuds without hunting for extra cables.
The camera system is solid but not standout, and it’s clear TCL didn’t intend the NXTPAPER 60 Ultra to compete with the top photography phones. The main 50-megapixel sensor captures crisp, well-balanced shots in daylight, and the included telephoto lens is a welcome addition at this price point. Colors are generally natural and detail is preserved well in good lighting. However, in low-light conditions or scenes with challenging dynamic range, the results begin to show the phone’s limits. We still found the camera perfectly fine for everyday snapshots, social media, and quick captures, but users who prioritize photography above all else may feel underwhelmed.
Design-wise, the phone leans more functional than flashy. It’s slim and surprisingly light for its size, making long reading sessions comfortable. The matte-like finish complements the paper-centric theme of the device, though it doesn’t have the premium feel of more expensive competitors. We didn’t find this to be a drawback—it matches the product’s purpose—but those wanting a luxury aesthetic might find it understated.
If there’s one practical drawback, it’s availability. TCL often launches its devices first in Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia, and at the moment, availability in the United States is unclear. That may make it harder for U.S. buyers to get their hands on one without importing.
Overall, we see the TCL NXTPAPER 60 Ultra as a thoughtfully focused smartphone. It doesn’t try to be everything for everyone; instead, it excels at what it sets out to do: provide a comfortable, eye-friendly, highly readable smartphone experience without requiring flagship-level spending. If your daily habits involve hours of reading articles, documents, or ebooks, this phone offers a unique and genuinely beneficial alternative to traditional smartphone displays. For us, it earned a solid recommendation on the strength of its display innovation, balanced performance, and excellent battery life.
£499
Available from amazon.co.uk