At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, TCL has unveiled its latest attempt to carve out a unique niche in the crowded smartphone market. The NXTPAPER 70 Pro isn't chasing raw performance benchmarks; instead, it doubles down on the company's signature display technology, promising unparalleled eye comfort and marathon battery life. This announcement signals TCL's continued commitment to offering an alternative for users who prioritize reading and content consumption over gaming prowess or computational photography.
A Display Designed for Your Eyes
The centerpiece of the TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro is its 6.9-inch NXTPAPER 4.0 display. This is not a conventional OLED or LCD panel. TCL markets it as a "paper-like" screen that incorporates seven distinct eye-care technologies. These include a natural light mode that adjusts color temperature, zero flicker to reduce strain, blue light purification, and an anti-glare, reflection-free surface. The goal is to create a viewing experience that mimics reading from physical paper, potentially reducing the eye fatigue commonly associated with prolonged smartphone use. The panel also boasts a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and a peak brightness of 900 nits for outdoor visibility.
Key Specifications of the TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.9-inch NXTPAPER 4.0, FHD+, 120Hz, 900 nits |
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 7300 |
| RAM/Storage | 8GB RAM with 256GB or 512GB storage (expandable via microSD) |
| Battery & Charging | 5,200mAh, 33W wired charging |
| Claimed Battery Life | Up to 7 days (Max Ink Mode) |
| Rear Camera | 50MP main (OIS) + 8MP |
| Front Camera | 32MP |
| Unique Feature | Dedicated NXTPAPER key (Color/Ink/Max Ink modes) |
| Stylus | T-Pen support (pressure-sensitive, low-latency) |
| Durability | IP68 water & dust resistance |
| OS | Android 16 |
| Price (Europe) | €339 (8/256GB), €389 (8/512GB) |
| Availability | Global launch from February 2026 |
The Versatile NXTPAPER Key and Modes
A unique hardware feature is the dedicated NXTPAPER key on the phone's side. This physical switch allows users to instantly toggle between three distinct display modes: Color Paper for full-color vibrancy, Ink Paper for a color e-reader-like experience, and Max Ink Mode, a monochrome setting designed for distraction-free reading. It is in this Max Ink Mode that TCL makes its most astonishing claim: up to seven days of battery life from the 5,200mAh cell. This suggests extreme power efficiency when the display is limited to black-and-white output, a boon for avid readers.
Display Modes & Battery Life Claims
The NXTPAPER Key provides instant switching between three modes, each optimized for different use cases and power consumption:
- Color Paper Mode: Standard full-color smartphone display.
- Ink Paper Mode: Color e-reader-like experience, reducing strain.
- Max Ink Mode: Monochrome (black & white) mode for distraction-free reading. TCL claims this mode enables the up to 7-day battery life from the 5,200mAh battery.
Mid-Range Performance and Stylus Support
Under the hood, the NXTPAPER 70 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage. This positions it firmly in the mid-range segment, capable of handling everyday tasks and moderate multitasking but not competing with flagship devices in raw power. A notable addition is support for the T-Pen stylus, which offers pressure sensitivity and low latency. TCL is promoting AI features for the pen, such as handwriting recognition and AI-generated note covers, aiming to position the device as a digital notebook.
Camera, Build, and Global Availability
The imaging system includes a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and an 8MP secondary sensor on the rear, capable of 4K video recording. A 32MP front-facing camera handles selfies. The phone builds out its spec sheet with practical features like an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, and dual speakers. It will launch with Android 16. TCL has announced a broad global rollout planned for February, spanning Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.
Pricing and Market Position
The TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro enters the market with aggressive pricing. The 8GB/256GB model is set at €339, while the 8GB/512GB variant costs €389. It's important to note that the T-Pen stylus appears to be a separate accessory and is not included at these price points. This strategy makes the phone a compelling option for users seeking a device with a unique display technology, exceptional claimed battery life in specific modes, and stylus capabilities, all at a mid-range price. It faces the challenge of convincing users to step away from mainstream brands, but its specialized focus could find a loyal audience among readers, note-takers, and those sensitive to screen fatigue.