TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G Ships a Phone-to-E-Reader Display Switch for $199

What it is

The TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G is TCL's 2025 budget Android smartphone built around the NXTPAPER 3.0 display technology. The 6.8-inch FHD+ 120Hz screen runs a matte anti-glare coating that reduces reflections significantly and filters 61% more blue light than typical smartphone displays. A dedicated physical switch on the frame toggles between a standard color-tuned phone display and an e-ink-style "paper mode" optimized for long reading sessions. The phone ships with 8GB RAM, 128GB or 256GB storage, a 5,010mAh battery, a 32MP front-facing camera, and a 50MP primary rear camera in a triple-lens configuration.

Pricing is $199 for the 128GB configuration on Amazon and TCL USA direct, with the 256GB variant around $249.

What's interesting

The paper-mode switch is the feature no other phone has. Flipping the physical toggle converts the display into a grayscale, high-contrast, e-ink-style rendering that is genuinely usable for long-form reading. For commuters, readers, and anyone who wants to use their phone for Kindle, Pocket, or long articles without eye fatigue, this is a novel category differentiator. Android Central called it a unique smartphone that is also an e-reader.

At $199, the price is aggressively low for a 5G unlocked phone. Competing phones in this tier (Motorola Moto G Power 2025, Samsung Galaxy A15 5G) cost $250-$350, which makes the NXTPAPER 3.0 display a free upgrade on top of competitive specs.

The 5,010mAh battery is large for the class. Android Authority confirmed real-world use extends to roughly two full days with mixed-use, partly because the paper mode uses less power than the color-tuned mode.

Paper mode also reduces blue light by 61% per TCL's spec. Independent testing has not verified the exact percentage, but the reduction is visibly substantial and comparable to typical night-mode filters found on iPhone and Samsung devices.

Unlocked compatibility with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon makes the TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G easy to activate on any US carrier.

What's missing or unverified

Performance is the primary trade-off. The MediaTek chipset (likely Dimensity 6300 or similar) handles everyday tasks but struggles with demanding games and sustained multi-tasking. Android Central specifically noted that TCL does not seem to have any desire to bring the NXTPAPER features to a more powerful chipset.

Photography is adequate but not exceptional. The 50MP primary sensor produces acceptable daylight shots; low-light is not competitive with mid-tier Samsung or Google phones.

Software update commitments are shorter than Samsung or Google. TCL promises 2 years of Android version upgrades and 4 years of security patches, which is below the 5-year commitments of top-tier brands.

The dedicated paper-mode switch is a mechanical component that could fail over time. TCL has not published a reliability spec or warranty position on the switch specifically.

Who it's for

Commuters, readers, and avid e-book consumers who want a single device that works as both phone and e-reader. Parents buying a first smartphone for a teen, where the paper mode encourages less eye strain during long reading. Light-use users who prioritize price and battery life over raw speed.

Not for: gamers (the chipset is not up to flagship games), photographers, power users running heavy multi-tasking workflows, or anyone who needs the latest flagship-tier specs.

Verdict

The TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G is the most interesting budget smartphone of 2025-2026. The paper-mode switch is a genuine category innovation that no other phone offers, and $199 for an unlocked 5G device with this display is an aggressive price point. Against the Motorola Moto G Power and Samsung Galaxy A15 5G, the TCL wins on display innovation and price; it loses on processor performance and software update longevity. For readers and casual users, this is the right pick at this price.