Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, where innovation often feels incremental, TCL has stepped into the spotlight with something refreshingly different. The company has officially launched the TCL NxtPaper 60 Ultra, a smartphone that isn’t just another glass-and-metal slab with predictable specifications. Instead, it brings with it a unique paper-like display technology, impressive camera hardware, and features that position it as a strong contender for professionals, students, readers, and creative individuals alike.
At a time when smartphones are central not only to communication but also to entertainment, content creation, and productivity, TCL’s NxtPaper 4.0 technology stands out as a serious attempt to make digital reading and writing feel natural—almost like flipping through the pages of a book or jotting notes in a physical diary. Combined with its 7.2-inch large display, stylus support, and a versatile triple-camera setup with a 50MP telephoto lens, this device could well be a game-changer in its category.
But is the TCL NxtPaper 60 Ultra just another niche product, or is it a smartphone that can truly compete with the big names in the market? Let’s dive deep into its design, specifications, features, and overall performance to find out.
TCL NxtPaper 60 Ultra Specifications at a Glance
To set the stage, here’s a clear look at the TCL NxtPaper 60 Ultra’s official specifications:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 7.2-inch IPS LCD, FHD+, 120Hz refresh rate, NxtPaper 4.0 technology |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP Main (OIS) + 50MP Periscope Telephoto (3x Optical Zoom) + 8MP Ultra-wide |
| Front Camera | 32MP |
| Battery | 5,200mAh |
| Operating System | Android 15 |
| Special Features | NxtPaper display, Stylus support (TCL T-Pen Magic), NFC, eSIM support, IP68 rating |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB Type-C |
| Price | €449 ( |
| Availability | Europe, LATAM, APAC regions initially |
Design and Build: Minimalist Yet Functional
At first glance, the TCL NxtPaper 60 Ultra may look like a typical modern smartphone with slim bezels and a large screen, but there’s a subtle design philosophy behind its construction. The 7.2-inch form factor gives it a phablet-like feel—larger than most mainstream phones, yet still manageable for one-handed use if you’re accustomed to big devices.
The back panel houses a triple-camera setup neatly arranged without being too intrusive. Unlike flashy gradient designs, TCL has opted for a subtle matte finish that helps reduce fingerprints and glare. The phone also comes with IP68 certification, making it resistant to dust and water, a feature that’s often missing in mid-range devices.
Ergonomically, the phone is designed for long reading and writing sessions. Its slightly boxy structure, combined with a firm grip, makes it comfortable to hold like an e-reader, while still functioning as a powerful smartphone.
Display: NxtPaper 4.0 – A Paper-Like Experience
The real star of the TCL NxtPaper 60 Ultra is its 7.2-inch IPS LCD panel with FHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. But what truly sets it apart is NxtPaper 4.0 technology.
This innovation is designed to mimic the look and feel of paper. Unlike typical displays that can strain the eyes with excessive blue light and glare, the NxtPaper screen significantly reduces these issues. It minimizes reflections, offers better readability under direct sunlight, and creates a matte-like texture that feels closer to reading a book or newspaper.
For avid readers, students who need to go through research papers, or professionals who often review documents, this feature could be a game-changer. Add to this the fact that the display supports stylus input with TCL T-Pen Magic, and you now have a screen that functions like both a digital notebook and a traditional tablet.
Stylus Support: The TCL T-Pen Magic
Unlike many smartphones that treat stylus support as an afterthought, the TCL NxtPaper 60 Ultra integrates it meaningfully. The TCL T-Pen Magic supports low latency and pressure sensitivity, making it useful for:
- Taking handwritten notes during meetings or lectures
- Sketching and doodling for creative users
- Annotating PDFs or documents for professionals
- Writing in digital journals with a realistic pen-on-paper feel
One limitation, however, is the lack of a dedicated slot inside the phone for the stylus. Users will need to purchase a separate case to carry the stylus conveniently. While this may not be a dealbreaker, it does slightly reduce portability compared to competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Note series or S23 Ultra.
Cameras: A Triple-Lens Setup That Means Business
TCL hasn’t compromised on the camera department. The rear camera system consists of:
- 50MP Primary Camera with OIS – Ensures sharp images, stable video recording, and improved low-light performance.
- 50MP Periscope Telephoto Lens with 3x Optical Zoom – A rare inclusion at this price point, allowing users to capture distant subjects without losing detail.
- 8MP Ultra-Wide Lens – Perfect for landscapes, group photos, and architectural shots.
On the front, the 32MP selfie camera handles video calls and social media content with ease.
With this combination, TCL aims to compete directly with brands like Samsung and Xiaomi that dominate the mid-range photography segment. The inclusion of a periscope telephoto lens is particularly impressive, as even some premium phones skip this feature.
Performance: Powered by MediaTek Dimensity 7400
Under the hood, the TCL NxtPaper 60 Ultra is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset. Paired with 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage, the phone is built to handle multitasking, gaming, and heavy apps with ease.
The Dimensity 7400 is a 5G-ready processor, ensuring future-proof connectivity. Benchmarks place it slightly below flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, but it is more than capable of handling demanding use cases such as video editing, graphic-intensive games, and long productivity sessions.
Software Experience: Android 15 with TCL Enhancements
Out of the box, the phone runs on Android 15, the latest version of Google’s mobile operating system. TCL has added its own software enhancements, particularly to optimize the NxtPaper display.
Features like reading mode, customizable refresh rates, and handwriting recognition with the T-Pen make the software experience cohesive. Unlike many Chinese OEMs that overload devices with bloatware, TCL has kept the UI relatively clean and intuitive.
Battery Life: Long-Lasting and Reliable
The 5,200mAh battery is another highlight. Given the efficiency of the Dimensity 7400 and the NxtPaper display’s reduced strain on power consumption compared to traditional OLED panels, the phone comfortably lasts a full day of heavy usage.
TCL also includes fast charging support (though the exact wattage has not been confirmed officially). Users can expect the phone to recharge quickly enough to keep up with a busy lifestyle.
Price and Availability
TCL has priced the NxtPaper 60 Ultra competitively:
- 12GB + 256GB: €449 (~₹40,000)
- 12GB + 512GB: €499 (~₹44,000)
Initially, the phone will be available in Europe, LATAM, and APAC regions, with a gradual rollout planned for other markets. The pricing makes it a mid-to-premium range device, targeting users who value innovation and productivity features.
Who Is This Phone For?
The TCL NxtPaper 60 Ultra isn’t built for everyone—it’s a specialized device that appeals most to:
- Students and Readers: Those who read extensively on their phones.
- Writers and Professionals: People who want to take notes or annotate documents naturally.
- Creative Artists: Illustrators or designers who want a portable sketching tool.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Thanks to the telephoto lens and versatile camera setup.
- Tech-Savvy Users: Anyone curious about cutting-edge display technologies.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unique paper-like display with NxtPaper 4.0 technology
- Large 7.2-inch screen perfect for reading and productivity
- Stylus support with low latency and pressure sensitivity
- Triple-camera system with 50MP telephoto lens (rare in this segment)
- Dimensity 7400 + 12GB RAM ensures smooth performance
- IP68 certification and Android 15 out of the box
- Competitive pricing for its feature set
Cons:
- Stylus doesn’t have a dedicated storage slot
- Availability is limited to selected regions initially
- Not as compact as traditional smartphones—may feel bulky to some users
- Battery charging speed details not clearly specified
Final Verdict
The TCL NxtPaper 60 Ultra is one of the most intriguing smartphones of 2025. It dares to be different in a sea of lookalike devices. By focusing on eye comfort, reading, writing, and creativity, TCL has carved out a niche that could resonate strongly with students, professionals, and digital creators.
While it may not have the sheer raw power of flagship devices from Samsung or Apple, its combination of a paper-like display, powerful cameras, strong performance, and reasonable pricing makes it a compelling option in the mid-to-premium segment.
If you’ve ever wished for a smartphone that feels like an e-reader, a notebook, and a high-performance device all in one, the TCL NxtPaper 60 Ultra might just be the answer.
