TCL 60 XE NxtPaper

Design

The TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper features a unique matte finish that feels soft and prevents finger smudges. Reviewers at Android Central appreciated how the design “feels incredibly soft to the touch” and provides an impressive grip.

The back sports a marble pattern with a glossy camera module, which some users find stylish. CNET noted the phone is slim and fits well in pockets, offering practicality in everyday use.

Overall, the phone’s design focuses on user comfort, making it enjoyable to hold and use for extended periods.

Display(s)

This phone’s unique matte display sets it apart, offering a textured paper-like experience that eases eye strain. It’s designed to reduce glare and filter out blue light, making it much easier to read content, even doubling as a substitute for an eReader.

Reviewers appreciate the screen’s matte finish and note that “the NxtPaper display is unique in both look and feeling,” according to Android Central. It’s great for dim settings since the screen’s adaptive features enhance color and contrast while remaining comfortable to view.

Outdoors, the screen’s visibility declines in direct sunlight, but indoors or for nighttime reading, it delivers a pleasant and comfortable experience, with reviewers highlighting its suitability for reading and browsing without straining the eyes.

Performance

The TCL 60 XE NxtPaper focuses on a balanced daily performance experience with the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor, backed by an improved 8GB RAM and ample storage options. This setup allows for streamlined task handling and seamless multitasking in everyday use.

Incorporated AI features like text assistance and memo transcription extend the device’s functional capabilities, though are modest when compared to premium models. Experts highlight, “It’s snappy enough for daily tasks like browsing, streaming, messaging, even light gaming”, making it a practical choice for routine smartphone tasks without the power of top-tier devices.

Expect efficient performance for regular activities but note that the phone’s ability may stutter under the weight of heavy processing demands or graphics-rich applications, reminding you that this device is crafted for fundamental use above all.

Software & Storage

The TCL 60 XE NxtPaper delivers basic everyday performance with Android 15 and a custom TCL interface. It’s simple but effective for browsing and light tasks.

It provides one major Android update and two years of security updates, limiting its use over time. As one expert lamented, “Samsung and Google offer more with their budget phones.”

On a brighter note, the software avoids bloatware, offering a cleaner user experience. Be prepared for fewer AI features, as experts note the absence of Google’s advanced AI functionalities.

Cameras

The TCL 60 XE NxtPaper’s camera system blends a 50-megapixel main lens with a 5-megapixel ultrawide and a 2-megapixel depth sensor for basic photography needs. It’s solid for daylight shots, separating foreground from background effectively.

In low-light conditions and where colors are similar, photos can turn out grainy, requiring some adjustments. Expert opinions indicate the camera performs under typical budget constraints, with one source mentioning the “50MP main lens does fine in bright conditions, colors lean toward natural rather than oversaturated.”

While you won’t capture award-winning photos with this system, for everyday use and casual social media posts, the results are satisfactory.

Battery

The 5010mAh battery provides dependable power throughout the day, even under frequent use. You can enjoy activities without worrying about running dry quickly.

Unfortunately, the charging speed lags behind modern expectations, capped at 18W. “Experts” find this slow, noting, “It takes time to get back to full.” You’ll need some patience while recharging; it takes over two hours for a full boost, which can be inconvenient if you’re in a rush.

Audio

Experts note that while the 60 XE NxtPaper has a built-in headphone jack, users report that the speakers can muddy audio when the volume is up. This is less noticeable when using headphones, offering a clearer sound experience in noisy surroundings.

The sound quality of this phone can let you enjoy media content comfortably, but you might want to use headphones for a crisper experience. While you might miss out on some finer audio details when gaming, the inclusion of a headphone jack is a great plus for anyone wanting reliable wired audio.

Overall, the audio experience is functional but shines when enhanced with a headset. It’s great for daily tasks and casual entertainment.

The Bottom Line

This phone stands out with its NxtPaper technology, making it well-suited for reading and reducing eye strain with a matte, paper-like screen. It combines an impressive display with modes mimicking traditional e-readers for extended reading comfort. Reviewers highlighted its ease of use, saying the “display has this unexpected paper-like tactility that works particularly well when reading e-books.” Though outdoor visibility and limited software updates may disappoint some, the display features and affordability make it a compelling choice for readers on a budget.

While it struggles with direct sunlight visibility, the battery life extends impressively when using e-reader modes. Users seeking a versatile device should note that this phone balances functionality with distinctive display features, providing a unique smartphone experience.