The TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G is among the most intriguing budget-friendly smartphones of 2024. Marketed as an innovative Android device with unique features, it stands out primarily for its “Nxtpaper” screen. This phone aims to provide an experience akin to reading on an e-book, making it appealing to those who spend considerable time reading on their devices. Despite its promise, this device is not without its limitations and quirks, which potential buyers need to be aware of.
The Nxtpaper display is its most advertised feature, offering a toggle between full-color mode and a paper-like monochrome setting. While this concept sounds revolutionary, it’s important to note that the display is still an LCD screen with a matte finish to reduce reflections. The phone’s other specifications, including its processing power and camera capabilities, are fairly standard for its price range, which may leave some users wanting more in terms of overall performance.
Design
The TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G has a bold and stylish look, enough to create the impression of a more premium phone. However, closer inspection reveals its modest build. The device features a plastic back and sidewalls, with only the screen receiving a glass finish. Despite the plastic material, TCL has taken steps to make the design appear unique and somewhat luxurious.
One design variant features a basalt texture on the rear, which adds a matte look with a bit of sparkle. However, the texture is smooth rather than contoured, which might disappoint those expecting a tactile finish. Other versions have a glass fiber look, but the material remains plastic regardless of the finish. The prominent camera module, which appears metallic at first glance, is also made of plastic.
The phone comes with a decent side-mounted fingerprint scanner, but it lacks advanced hardware features such as water resistance or robust screen protection. It includes a book-style case with a slot for a basic stylus, adding value to the package. While the stylus is functional, it does not offer pressure sensitivity, which limits its usefulness for advanced tasks.
Screen
The centerpiece of the TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G is its 6.8-inch Nxtpaper display. The screen offers a Full HD LCD panel with a matte-textured glass top, designed to reduce glare and reflections. This feature makes it a practical choice for use in environments with bright lighting, as it minimizes mirror-like effects that can be distracting.
Switching to the monochrome mode creates a black-and-white display reminiscent of an e-reader. While this setting may appeal to those seeking a Kindle-like experience, the display remains backlit and cannot replicate the true comfort of an E-Ink screen. Colors on the screen are oversaturated, even in sRGB mode, which could make photos and videos appear unnatural.
Brightness levels are better than expected, with the screen reaching 730 nits indoors and up to 875 nits in direct sunlight. This ensures decent visibility outdoors, although the phone cannot completely eliminate the impact of bright light on the display. Overall, while the Nxtpaper screen is an interesting concept, it falls short of delivering the full e-reader experience that some users might expect.
Ebook Reader Features and Software
The TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G includes a dedicated e-reader mode that simplifies the interface and reduces screen glare. This mode can be activated via a slider on the side of the phone, which transforms the display into a monochrome setting with a warm hue. It also introduces a bookshelf-style home screen that provides quick access to ebooks and PDFs.
The phone supports popular reading platforms, including Amazon Kindle and Rakuten Kobo, through their respective apps. It also connects to ebooks.com, an independent ebook store. While these features add versatility, the reading experience is not as comfortable as a dedicated e-reader due to the backlit display and narrow screen size.
Despite its focus on reading, the phone is not ideal for bedtime use as the screen does not dim sufficiently in dark environments. Additionally, accidental activation of the e-reader mode is a common annoyance, as the slider can easily be triggered while handling the device.
Performance
The TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, which delivers acceptable performance for basic tasks but struggles with demanding applications. The processor is comparable to the Snapdragon 695, which is also used in other budget phones. While day-to-day usage is smooth, gaming performance is limited.
For instance, running games like Fortnite is challenging, as the phone can only handle mid-level settings and struggles to maintain consistent frame rates. This makes it less suitable for serious gamers. However, the phone does not exhibit any significant thermal throttling, which ensures stable performance during prolonged use.
Overall, while the TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G performs adequately for its price, it lags behind competitors that offer more powerful processors and better gaming capabilities.
Camera
The phone features a triple rear camera setup, led by a 108MP primary sensor. It also includes an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP macro lens. While the main camera boasts impressive specifications on paper, its real-world performance is average.
Daytime shots are decent, with good detail and color reproduction. However, low-light photography is underwhelming, as the camera struggles to capture detail and maintain image quality. The ultra-wide lens adds versatility but suffers from noticeable drops in clarity and dynamic range compared to the primary sensor. The 2MP macro camera, as expected, delivers subpar results and feels more like a filler feature.
Video recording capabilities are also limited, with a maximum resolution of 1080p at 30fps. The absence of 4K recording and higher frame rates is a letdown, particularly when competing phones offer more advanced video options.
Battery Life
The TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G houses a 5010mAh battery, which provides solid endurance for daily use. The phone easily lasts through a full day of moderate usage, with around 30% charge remaining by the end of the day. However, its claims of lasting up to seven days of reading are exaggerated, as the LCD screen consumes more power than an E-Ink display.
Charging speeds are reasonable, with the included 33W adapter bringing the battery to 50% in about 28 minutes and 100% in 91 minutes. However, the final stages of charging are slower compared to some competitors. The phone lacks wireless charging, which is standard at this price point.
Final Thoughts
The TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G stands out as an unconventional budget phone, thanks to its Nxtpaper display and e-reader features. While it does not deliver a true Kindle-like experience, its matte screen and reading mode provide a unique alternative for users who prioritize glare reduction and occasional reading.
However, the phone’s performance, camera quality, and build materials are average for its price range. It may appeal to those looking for an affordable device with an interesting twist, but it is unlikely to satisfy users seeking top-tier performance or photography.
For those considering a phone that blends reading functionality with regular smartphone use, the TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G offers a compelling option. Just be sure to manage your expectations, as it is not a direct replacement for a dedicated e-reader or a high-performance phone.
