When we're looking for a new phone, we usually get obsessed with processor power or camera megapixel count. However, TCL has decided to change things up and focus on something we often forget until our eyes start to itch: the visual experience and eye health . With the launch of the TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro, the brand presents the fourth generation of its TCL NxtPaper display technology , aiming for that perfect balance between a versatile smartphone and an e-reader.
This device doesn't try to compete in raw power with the most expensive high-end models, but rather positions itself as an ideal tool for those who spend hours reading or working with text. It's essentially a focus on visual comfort , sacrificing some extras like a telephoto lens to offer a much more competitive and attractive price for the average user.
A robust design with a premium feel
At first glance, the device follows current trends with a flat metal frame and a screen without curves , giving it a very clean look. The back is made of glossy plastic, available in colors like Stellar Blue and Nebula Gold, and although it's not glass, the overall feeling is one of solidity. With a 6,9-inch diagonal , it's a large device, although slightly more compact than its bigger brother, the iPhone 60 Ultra.
One detail that's greatly appreciated is the IP68 certification , so you won't have to panic if it gets caught in the rain or if you need to clean it with a damp cloth. On the right side, we have the volume controls and the power button, which integrates the fingerprint reader, but the real gem is the dedicated physical key for NXTPAPER , allowing us to switch between different display modes without navigating through complicated menus.
For the more productive users, there's an optional case that includes a stand and a slot for the T-Pen . While this makes the phone thicker and bulkier in your pocket, the functionality it provides for drawing or taking notes is fantastic, as it transforms the device into a highly efficient digital notebook.
The magic of the NXTPAPER 4.0 screen
What truly makes this phone special is its matte finish. Unlike conventional glass, there are no annoying reflections and fingerprints are barely noticeable, making it incredibly easy to clean. It feels smooth to the touch and glides effortlessly, eliminating that sticky feeling you get when the screen is a bit dirty.
When we press the side button, we can choose between three main modes: Color Paper , which maintains the color range but with a softened intensity ideal for comics; Ink Paper , which eliminates color to leave a grayscale perfect for reading novels; and Max Ink mode , which is the most radical, as it reduces distractions and notifications to focus only on reading, also optimizing energy consumption.
In terms of image quality, it's impressive, with a Delta E color accuracy of less than 1 and full sRGB coverage. However, there's a small catch: in very bright light, if you tilt the device, the perceived brightness decreases, so it's best to hold it perpendicular to your line of sight to maximize brightness.
Eye care and eye health
TCL has taken eye health very seriously, reducing blue light emissions to less than 3,5% . This system is backed by an arsenal of 117 patents and 12 certifications, ensuring that eye strain decreases by 30% and dry eye problems are significantly reduced. It is probably the healthiest mobile phone for the eyes currently on the market.
The system is very smart and allows you to set proximity alerts or warnings if you spend too much time looking at the screen or if the ambient light is insufficient. Everything is designed so you don't miss a Kindle or a Kobo, allowing you to read on any device without straining your eyes.
Performance and power for everyday use
Under the hood, it has a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 SoC , which is more than adequate for everyday use. The system runs smoothly, and while you can play titles like Asphalt 9, you'll need to adjust the graphics to medium settings for an optimal experience. As for multitasking, it has 8 GB of physical RAM, expandable up to 24 GB using the SSD.
Thermal management is impeccable; the device doesn't suffer from throttling or overheat even under heavy use. Storage options include 256GB or 512GB, which is ample for most users. The 5.200mAh battery offers decent battery life, lasting around 12 hours in standard tests, although the 33W charging isn't the fastest on the market, taking approximately an hour and a half to fully charge.
In addition, the device comes loaded with AI features, such as writing assistants, real-time subtitles , and an audiobook generator, plus Google tools like Gemini and the search circle, which work wonderfully, especially if you use the T-Pen.
Cameras: functionality without frills
This is where it becomes clear that the budget went to the screen. The 50MP main sensor with an f/1.9 aperture takes very decent photos in good light, but struggles a bit at night. The 8MP ultra-wide camera and macro mode do their basic job, but don't expect miracles or extreme detail if you zoom in.
The 2x digital zoom is usable , although beyond that, the quality drops significantly. For portrait enthusiasts, the subject isolation is accurate, although the blur effect at f/1.0 can look somewhat artificial. Video recording reaches 4K at 30 fps on the rear camera and 1080p on the 32MP front camera, which is sufficient for social media but falls short for demanding content creators.
Software and user experience
The device runs Android 16 with TCL UI 9.0 . The interface is heavily focused on maximizing screen space and AI features. However, some users have reported that the software experience can feel somewhat unpolished in certain aspects, conveying a sense of clunkiness in some transitions compared to more mature interfaces like those from Samsung or Xiaomi.
Despite this, the integration of the physical button and reading modes is its standout feature. It's a device that breaks the mold, replacing the artificial intensity of OLED screens with optimized LCD panels that prioritize user health over infinite contrast.
This phone is a brilliant option for those looking for a well-rounded device, with an elegant design and a screen that's simply easy on the eyes. While its battery life might be a bit short under heavy use and its cameras aren't professional-grade, its focus on reading and working with the T-Pen makes it a unique product that offers versatility rarely found in other phones in its price range.