Is the TCL NXTPAPER 60 Ultra the Ultimate Kindle Killer? You Won't Believe What It Can Do!

The TCL NXTPAPER 60 Ultra phone is turning heads for all the right reasons. Unlike many modern smartphones that chase after the sleek and stylish aesthetics popularized by Apple and Samsung, TCL has aimed this device squarely at a demographic overwhelmed by the glare of conventional screens. This new phone is designed with a focus on eye comfort, and it largely succeeds, even if its size may be a bit daunting.

At a hefty 7.2 inches, the TCL NXTPAPER 60 Ultra is undeniably larger than what many users might consider pocket-friendly. However, once you see the innovative NXTPAPER display, the rationale behind the size becomes clear. This phone is not just about being visually striking; it’s crafted to provide a much more comfortable viewing experience.

A Screen That Wants to Save Your Eyes

The phone boasts a 7.2” FHD+ 120Hz NXTPAPER Display, which is the standout feature of this device. Utilizing NXTPAPER 4.0 technology, this display is engineered primarily for eye comfort rather than flashy visuals. It holds certifications from both TÜV Rheinland and SGS, achieving a reduction of blue light to just 3.41%, cutting glare by an impressive 90%, and eliminating flicker altogether.

In layman's terms, using this smartphone feels significantly more like reading on a Kindle than staring at a traditional smartphone. The display is bright without being harsh, and it is noticeably easier on the eyes during extended use, making it ideal for reading articles, documents, or books.

The NXTPAPER Key: The Party Trick That Actually Works

The phone also features a physical NXTPAPER Key that unlocks three useful display modes:

• Max Ink Mode – Minimizes distractions by closing background app processes for an immersive reading experience with a paper-like screen.
• Ink Paper Mode – Converts the display to a black-and-white e-reader format, perfect for long documents and books.
• Colour Paper Mode – Produces low-saturation colors ideal for magazines and graphic content.

This "NXTPAPER zone" is a key reason for the phone's size, and once you start using it, the dimensions make more sense.

TCL has also leaned into AI-enhanced productivity, offering features like Handwriting to Text, which converts handwritten notes into editable text, Easy Script that refines handwriting into polished content, and Memo Craft, which organizes photos into structured notes. These features are genuinely beneficial for students, writers, or anyone who spends time in meetings.

However, some users may find it frustrating that core apps like calendar, files, and photos rely on Google rather than having TCL’s own native alternatives, which disrupts the cohesive ecosystem they seem to be building.

Cameras: Competent, With One Standout Trick

Moving onto the camera capabilities, the TCL NXTPAPER 60 Ultra houses a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 50MP periscope lens for 3x optical zoom, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 32MP front camera. The performance, while decent, does not stand out significantly against competitors. However, it shines with the Super Macro mode, which delivers impressive close-up shots full of detail.

Additionally, the phone features TCL’s MuseFilm function, which includes artistic filters like Mono, Art, and Film, providing a fun and creative way to edit photos that leans toward artistic expression rather than strict realism.

Power, Storage, and Battery Life

The device comes equipped with 12GB RAM and storage options up to 512GB, alleviating any concerns about running out of space for books, photos, or videos. Its 5200mAh battery is designed to last comfortably through a full day, supported by 33W fast charging that can reach 50% in around 30 minutes. Furthermore, the inclusion of 10W reverse charging is a thoughtful addition, allowing users to charge other devices when necessary.

In terms of daily usability, fingerprint ID is conveniently integrated into the power button, and facial recognition is quick. Performance across Android 15 is smooth, and while the size may initially seem unwieldy, it becomes manageable with use. However, one notable downside is the absence of an integrated stylus. Given the phone's focus on reading and note-taking, having a stylus built into the device would have been a smart design choice.

Conclusion

The TCL NXTPAPER 60 Ultra phone distinguishes itself by not attempting to cater to every consumer; instead, it focuses on meeting the needs of readers, thinkers, and those fatigued by harsh screens. Yes, it is large, and its camera may not outshine the competition. However, the unique screen technology and eye-care features are substantial advantages, and the NXTPAPER modes offer a refreshing alternative in a market often criticized for sameness.

At a price point of £499 on Amazon, the TCL NXTPAPER 60 Ultra represents a compelling value proposition, combining premium eye-care technology with functional design without the exorbitant prices associated with flagship devices. For anyone whose phone doubles as a reading companion, this may well be the most sensible purchase of the year.