TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G: A Phone for Readers, But Not a Kindle Replacement
The TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G is one of the more intriguing Android phones released in 2024, especially for those who love to read. TCL markets this device as having a “paper-like” display, but it’s important to note that this phone is not an E-Ink Kindle hybrid. Instead, it’s a budget-friendly smartphone with a few unique features aimed at enhancing the reading experience. However, beyond its screen, the TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G doesn’t excel in other areas like gaming or camera performance.
In this review, we’ll break down the pros and cons of the TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G to help you decide if it’s the right phone for you.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Matte screen finish: Reduces reflections, making it easier to read in bright environments.
- Reading mode: Features a monochrome mode that mimics an e-reader display.
- Headphone jack: A rare feature in modern smartphones.
Cons:
- Not an E-Ink display: The screen may look like paper, but it’s still an LCD.
- Weak processor: The MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chip limits performance, especially for gaming.
- Mediocre cameras: The 108MP camera doesn’t perform as well as it sounds on paper.
Key Features
Nxtpaper Screen
The TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G boasts a 6.8-inch LCD screen with a matte finish that TCL claims offers a “paper-like” reading experience. While it’s not an E-Ink display, it does have a unique monochrome mode that can be toggled with a slider, making it easier on the eyes for reading.
512GB Storage
One of the standout features of this phone is its generous 512GB of internal storage, with the option to expand it via a microSD card. For a phone in this price range, that’s quite impressive.
Matte Screen Finish
Unlike most phones that have glossy screens, the TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G uses a matte finish to scatter reflections, making it easier to read under bright lights or outdoors.
Design
At first glance, the TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G looks like a more expensive phone than it actually is. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that it has a plastic body and plastic sidewalls. The rear of the phone features a “basalt texture” finish, which is smooth but adds a bit of flair to the design. The phone also comes with a book-style case that houses a stylus, although the stylus lacks pressure sensitivity.
Screen
The screen is the main selling point of the TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G. Its matte finish eliminates reflections, making it easier to read in various lighting conditions. The phone also includes a monochrome reading mode that mimics the look of an E-Ink display, though it’s still an LCD at heart. While the display is bright, reaching up to 875 nits, it suffers from oversaturated colors and poor color accuracy, which can make photos appear unnatural.
Ebook Reader Features and Software
The TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G includes a dedicated e-reader interface that simplifies the home screen and offers a bookshelf-like layout. You can read your own ebook files or connect to ebooks.com, but you’re not limited to this platform. You can also use the Kindle or Kobo apps for a more familiar reading experience. However, the reading experience is not as comfortable as a dedicated e-reader like a Kindle Paperwhite.
Performance
The TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, which is comparable to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695. While it handles day-to-day tasks without any issues, it’s not ideal for gaming. Games like Fortnite struggle to run smoothly, and you’ll need to lower the graphics settings to get a playable experience.
Camera
The phone features a 108MP main camera, but don’t let the high megapixel count fool you. The camera’s performance is average at best, particularly in low-light conditions. The 8MP ultra-wide camera and 2MP macro lens are also underwhelming. If you’re looking for a phone with a better camera, you might want to consider alternatives like the Google Pixel 7a.
Battery Life
The TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G is equipped with a 5010mAh battery, which offers decent battery life. You should easily get through a full day of use, and the phone supports 33W fast charging. However, it lacks wireless charging, which is a feature available in some competing phones.
Final Thoughts
The TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G is a unique phone that will appeal to readers who want a smartphone that can double as an e-reader. Its matte screen and reading mode are well-implemented, but it’s important to remember that this is still an LCD screen, not an E-Ink display. The phone’s performance and camera are average, so if you’re looking for a more well-rounded device, you may want to explore other options like the Nothing Phone (2a) or the Google Pixel 7a.
That said, if you’re primarily interested in reading and want a phone with a large amount of storage, the TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G is worth considering.
