TCL has introduced a new generation of NXTPaper devices led by the NXTPaper 70 Pro, reviving its ‘Max Ink Mode’ low-distraction interface alongside a matte, e‑ink‑like screen. The 70 Pro ships with a 6.9‑inch NXTPaper 4.0 display, a midrange MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, 8GB of RAM, an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, and a 50‑megapixel main camera with optical image stabilization. The company unveiled the device for European markets at a €339 price point (about $400), signaling a higher price than TCLs 2025 US release, the 60 XE, which sold for $249. TCL also revealed the Note A1 NXTPaper, an 11.5‑inch note‑focused tablet that emphasizes writing and distraction reduction and is scheduled to ship at the end of February.
Key Takeaways
- The NXTPaper 70 Pro features a 6.9‑inch NXTPaper 4.0 display with a textured, matte finish intended to mimic paper.
- Core hardware includes a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, 8GB RAM, IP68 ingress protection, and a 50MP main camera with OIS.
- Price in Europe is set at €339 (roughly $400); TCL has not confirmed a US price yet, but it will likely cost more than the $249 60 XE.
- ‘Max Ink Mode’ returns as a combined focus mode and simplified launcher designed to reduce distractions and present a minimalist interface.
- Note A1 NXTPaper is positioned against dedicated e‑ink note devices with an 11.5‑inch screen, Wi‑Fi only connectivity, included T‑Pen Pro stylus, and a $549 MSRP with Kickstarter preorders at $419.
- The Note A1 runs a pared‑down Android variant limited to a few apps such as Edge and Outlook rather than offering a full Play Store experience.
Background
TCL introduced NXTPaper screens to bring a paperlike viewing and note‑taking experience to mainstream phones and tablets. Previous NXTPaper models emphasized reduced glare and eye comfort while accepting tradeoffs in color vibrancy and peak brightness. The 60 XE was the only model TCL shipped in the US in 2025 and targeted the budget segment with an entry‑level 6000‑series MediaTek processor and an aggressive $249 price tag.
NXTPaper 4.0 represents a further refinement of the textured matte finish and software features tailored for low‑distraction use. That strategy reflects a broader industry move toward devices that favor focused productivity and long‑form reading or handwriting over multimedia performance. TCL’s product mix now spans conventional LCD/OLED phones, NXTPaper handsets, and specialized note devices, putting it in direct comparison with both mainstream smartphone makers and niche e‑ink tablet vendors.
Main Event
The NXTPaper 70 Pro was announced with an emphasis on the display and the return of Max Ink Mode, a feature that acts as both a focus tool and a minimalist launcher removing typical smartphone distractions. The handset pairs that software approach with midrange internals: a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 SoC, 8GB of RAM, and a 50MP main camera equipped with optical image stabilization. TCL emphasized the device’s IP68 rating, signaling full dust protection and water resistance for everyday use.
Physically, the 70 Pro’s 6.9‑inch NXTPaper 4.0 panel offers a pronounced textured surface intended to simulate paper friction and reduce reflections compared with glossy displays. The company positioned the 70 Pro above the 60 XE in cost and capability, citing the Dimensity 7300 and enhanced finishing as principal upgrades. TCL set the European price at €339, leaving US pricing unannounced; industry watchers expect a higher US retail price than the 60 XE’s $249.
Alongside the phone announcement, TCL detailed the Note A1 NXTPaper, an 11.5‑inch device aimed at users who prioritize handwriting and note workflows over general tablet functionality. The Note A1 runs a simplified Android build limited to a handful of apps, includes the T‑Pen Pro with haptic feedback to simulate different writing tools, and lacks a cellular modem, relying on Wi‑Fi only. TCL lists an MSRP of $549 for the Note A1, with a Kickstarter preorder tier at $419, and scheduled availability at the end of February.
Analysis & Implications
TCL’s renewed focus on NXTPaper suggests the company believes there is a sustainable niche for devices that trade high‑end multimedia characteristics for eye comfort, low distraction, and pen input. By pairing Max Ink Mode with midrange hardware, TCL aims to balance cost and functionality so that the display and software become the primary value propositions rather than flagship performance. That approach may appeal to readers, students, and professionals who prioritize long reading sessions and handwriting over photography and gaming.
Pricing strategy will determine how broadly the NXTPaper concept can scale. The €339 European launch price for the 70 Pro places it above TCL’s entry budget offerings and closer to other midrange phones that offer stronger multimedia screens. If TCL positions the 70 Pro too close to conventional midrangers with OLED panels, it risks limiting adoption to a smaller, more focused audience attracted mainly by the NXTPaper experience.
For the tablet market, the Note A1 targets a specific competitor set represented by devices like the reMarkable line. TCL’s decision to restrict apps and omit cellular connectivity tightens the product’s focus but also narrows its appeal compared with general‑purpose tablets. The inclusion of haptic feedback and bundled stylus enhances the handwriting experience, yet the reported absence of pressure sensitivity could undercut fidelity for artists and some note‑taking workflows.
Comparison & Data
| Model | Display | SoC | RAM | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCL NXTPaper 70 Pro | 6.9″ NXTPaper 4.0 | MediaTek Dimensity 7300 | 8GB | €339 (~$400, EU) |
| TCL 60 XE (2025 US) | NXTPaper earlier gen | MediaTek 6000‑series | varied | $249 (US) |
| TCL Note A1 NXTPaper | 11.5″ NXTPaper | Midrange | varied | $549 MSRP, $419 Kickstarter |
The table highlights TCL’s positioning: the 70 Pro is a midrange phone centered on an NXTPaper 4.0 display and modest performance specs, while the Note A1 is a specialist note device priced between mainstream tablets and dedicated e‑ink competitors. These numbers show TCL moving away from budget‑only NXTPaper offerings toward tiered products that demand higher spend for improved hardware and refined display treatment.
Reactions & Quotes
Max Ink Mode is a clear attempt to reduce noise on the home screen and give users a single place to focus on reading and writing.
TCL product briefing (official)
The tactile screen and bundled stylus are interesting, but lack of full pressure sensitivity will limit the device’s appeal to serious illustrators.
Independent analyst
Offering NXTPaper on both phones and tablets signals TCL’s intent to own a niche where distraction reduction and pen input matter more than raw display luminance.
Industry commentator
Unconfirmed
- TCL has not announced an official US price or release schedule for the NXTPaper 70 Pro; the €339 European price may not translate directly to US retail pricing.
- Detailed battery life figures under typical NXTPaper usage scenarios have not been published yet and remain to be verified in full reviews.
- Claims about the Note A1’s stylus haptic fidelity and long‑term durability are based on early impressions and require hands‑on testing to confirm.
Bottom Line
TCL’s NXTPaper 70 Pro marks a deliberate move to refine the companys paperlike display concept and reintroduce Max Ink Mode as a selling point for users who prioritize focus and comfortable long reads. The combination of a textured 6.9‑inch panel, midrange MediaTek Dimensity 7300 internals, IP68 rating, and a stabilized 50MP camera positions the 70 Pro as a niche midranger rather than a mass‑market flagship.
The Note A1 expands TCLs NXTPaper ambitions into the dedicated note‑taking category, with an 11.5‑inch screen, T‑Pen Pro, and a pared software environment. Potential buyers should weigh the stronger handwriting and reduced distraction environment against omissions such as cellular connectivity, a restricted app set, and reported limits in pressure sensitivity. Final purchasing decisions will hinge largely on confirmed US pricing, real‑world battery performance, and hands‑on reviews once units reach reviewers.