At CES 2026, TCL has once again turned its focus to a niche but growing segment of the smartphone market: devices designed for prolonged, comfortable screen use. Building on the foundation laid by last year's well-received NXTPAPER 60 Ultra, the company has introduced the NXTPAPER 70 Pro. This new model refines the concept of an eye-friendly Android phone, blending a unique display technology with practical features aimed at users who prioritize screen comfort and battery life over raw, glossy performance. Alongside the phone, TCL also announced a companion tablet and new networking gear, signaling a broader push into its specialized product ecosystem.
The Core Philosophy: NXTPAPER Display Technology
The defining feature of the NXTPAPER 70 Pro is its 6.9-inch FHD+ display, which utilizes TCL's NXTPAPER 4.0 technology. Unlike conventional glossy smartphone screens, this panel employs a matte, paper-like finish designed to reduce glare and minimize eye strain. The display operates at a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth interactions, but its true value lies in its specialized viewing modes. Through a dedicated physical "NXTPAPER button" on the device, users can instantly switch between a standard color mode, a more subdued "Color Paper Mode," and a high-contrast "Max Ink Mode" that renders the interface in monochrome. This final mode is particularly geared towards reading, with TCL claiming it can enable up to seven days of continuous reading time on a single charge, a testament to its power efficiency.
Display Mode Comparison
| Mode | Description | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Standard/Color | Full-color smartphone display. | Standard use, media consumption. |
| Color Paper Mode | Subdued, paper-like color rendering. | Reduced eye strain, more natural look. |
| Max Ink Mode | High-contrast monochrome (black & white). | Extreme power efficiency, ideal for reading (up to 7 days). |
Hardware and Performance Specifications
Under the hood, the NXTPAPER 70 Pro is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 system-on-chip, paired with 8GB of RAM. This represents a slight step down from the Dimensity 7400 found in its predecessor, the 60 Ultra, positioning the 70 Pro firmly in the mid-range performance bracket. Storage options include 256GB and 512GB variants. The device is powered by a substantial 5,200mAh battery, supporting 33W wired charging, and it carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. For photography, it features a 50-megapixel main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), now enhanced by TCL's MuseFilm engine, and a 32-megapixel front-facing camera.
TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro Key Specifications
- Display: 6.9-inch FHD+, NXTPAPER 4.0 (matte), 120Hz
- Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 7300
- RAM/Storage: 8GB RAM with 256GB or 512GB storage
- Rear Camera: 50MP main (OIS)
- Front Camera: 32MP
- Battery & Charging: 5,200mAh, 33W wired
- Durability: IP68 rated
- Special Features: Dedicated NXTPAPER button, T-Pen stylus support, AI translation, anti-flicker tech
- Price: €339 (~USD 400) for 256GB, €389 (~USD 455) for 512GB
- Availability: Global launch starting February 2026
Software, AI Features, and Accessory Support
The software experience is augmented with several AI-driven features, most notably a real-time translation engine for conversations. The phone also maintains full support for TCL's T-Pen active stylus, offering an "authentic writing experience" and AI-powered handwriting recognition, though the stylus is sold separately. A notable technical achievement highlighted by TCL is new anti-flicker technology. This not only contributes to eye comfort during use but also ensures that when the screen is recorded by an external camera—a common scenario for content creators—the resulting video is smooth and free of distracting flicker artifacts.
Pricing, Availability, and Broader Ecosystem
TCL has announced aggressive pricing for the NXTPAPER 70 Pro. The 256GB model will retail for €339 (approximately USD 400), while the 512GB version will cost €389 (approximately USD 455). Both prices include bundled accessories. The phone is scheduled to go on sale globally in February 2026, with availability confirmed for Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region. Its launch was part of a broader mobile product reveal at CES, which also included the TCL Note A1 NXTPAPER tablet with an 11.5-inch screen and the TCL LINKZONE MW517 5G Wi-Fi 7 mobile router, indicating TCL's commitment to building a connected suite of products centered around its display and connectivity innovations.
Conclusion: A Niche Device with Clear Intent
The TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro is not a device designed to win benchmark wars. Instead, it carves out a specific identity by addressing genuine user concerns about digital eye strain and battery anxiety, particularly for avid readers and those who spend hours on their phones for work. By refining its unique display technology, adding practical features like the mode-switching button and anti-flicker tech, and pricing it competitively, TCL is offering a compelling alternative in a market saturated with similar-looking glass slabs. For consumers whose priority is a kinder, gentler, and longer-lasting screen experience, the NXTPAPER 70 Pro presents a thoughtfully executed option.