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For developers and tech enthusiasts weary of screen fatigue, TCL's 60 XE Nxtpaper 5G presents a fascinating, if flawed, proposition. Priced at just $222 on Amazon, this budget Android device centers its identity around Nxtpaper 3.0 technology—a matte, paper-like display coating that significantly deviates from the glossy norms dominating the smartphone market.

The core innovation lies in the display's physical properties. The matte finish drastically cuts reflections and blue light while resisting fingerprints, creating a tactile experience reminiscent of paper. Underneath resides a standard 1080p, 120Hz LCD panel, but the coating transforms its behavior. A dedicated physical 'Nxtpaper Key' (despite its plasticky feel) toggles between distinct modes:
* Color Paper Mode: Mutes colors for reduced eye strain while maintaining full Android functionality.
* Ink Paper Mode: Shifts the interface to grayscale.
* Max Ink Mode: An extreme minimalism mode restricting apps and background processes, extending battery life to over a week – ideal for focused reading or digital detox.

"The display does come with a major caveat. On the brightest days, the matte finish would all but wash out on-screen content, often making it unusable in direct sunlight," notes reviewer Jason Howell. This sunlight limitation is a significant consideration for outdoor use.

Beyond the display, the 60 XE reveals its budget constraints. The MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset and 8GB RAM deliver only modest performance, with noticeable delays in tasks like launching the camera. General navigation and app usage are functional but lack snappiness. While the large 5,010mAh battery is a strong point for daily use (surviving a full day with 20-30% remaining), 18W wired charging feels sluggish. The software outlook is particularly concerning for long-term viability: only one OS upgrade to Android 16 and two years of security patches.

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The camera system exemplifies the device's compromises. The main and ultrawide sensors struggle significantly in anything but ideal lighting, producing soft, grainy images. The prominent circular camera module design also causes the phone to wobble on flat surfaces.

The Verdict for Tech Professionals: The TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper 5G isn't a performance powerhouse or a photography contender. Its value proposition rests entirely on the Nxtpaper display's unique ability to mitigate eye strain and promote digital minimalism through its specialized modes. For developers, designers, or avid readers seeking relief from traditional screens within a tight budget, the display innovation warrants consideration. However, those prioritizing processing speed, camera quality, longevity via software updates, or outdoor visibility will find better value in alternatives like the CMF Phone 2 Pro. TCL's experiment succeeds in offering a genuinely different visual experience but underscores that true innovation at this price point demands significant trade-offs elsewhere. It serves as a reminder that solving niche user problems often requires accepting limitations in broader functionality.

Source: ZDNet