• 3 min read
TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro makes budget phones feel fresh
TCL’s $379.99 budget phone stands out with a 6.9-inch NXTPAPER 4.0 display built for reading, though performance and camera limits remain.
Image: TechRadar
At $379.99 / £269 for the 256GB model, the TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro gets something rare right in budget phones: it feels distinctive. The hook is TCL’s 6.9-inch NXTPAPER 4.0 display, a matte, paper-like screen that makes long reading sessions far more comfortable than a typical glossy phone panel.
The phone’s design helps sell the illusion. With slim bezels, a clean look, and color options in Stellar Blue and Nebula Gold, it comes off as more expensive than it is. TCL also adds a physical NXTPAPER key on the side that quickly switches between display modes, including Color Paper, Ink Paper, and Max Ink.
TechRadar found the display especially strong for ebooks, websites, and digital comics. Color Paper mode softens colors for more comfortable reading, while Ink Paper mode switches to black and white for text-heavy use. Max Ink mode further extends battery life by limiting which apps can run. The standard display still offers 120Hz, 1080 x 2340 resolution, and up to 900 nits of peak brightness.
That reading-first approach comes with trade-offs. Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 and 8GB of RAM, the phone handles everyday tasks well enough, but it does not feel as quick as pricier devices. TCL lets users allocate up to 16GB of virtual RAM, bringing the total to 24GB, though that does not fully close the gap. The handset also supports 5G, dual SIMs, and eSIM, but only offers Wi-Fi 5.
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On cameras, the rear setup is led by a 50MP main sensor with OIS, paired with an 8MP secondary camera, while the front camera is 32MP. TechRadar says day-to-day shots are fine, but digital zoom falls apart quickly, and shooting at the full 50MP can introduce a brief processing pause.
Pricing and availability
The 256GB version costs $379.99 / £269, while a 512GB model is listed at $429.99 / £319. In the US, TCL also sells a cheaper 128GB version for $329.99. The phone is available in Europe and North America, but not officially in Australia.
In the UK, Amazon offers the phone with a protective slipcase and stylus for £369.98. In the US, buyers ordering from TCL’s official store also get TCL CrystalClip earbuds worth $95.99. Storage can be expanded via microSD up to 2TB.
What stands out in daily use
The review’s clearest takeaway is that TCL has built a phone for readers first, not gamers or mobile photographers. Android 16 runs smoothly, videos and games are playable, and the 5,200mAh battery gets extra help from the paper-style display modes. Charging, however, tops out at 33W.
TechRadar’s verdict is simple: the TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro is a stylish, dependable budget handset with a genuinely unusual screen. For people who spend hours reading on a phone, that may be enough to make it a standout.
Gadgets Editor
Eli is obsessed with the tangible future. He reviews phones, wearables, and everything with a battery. Known for his rigorous testing protocols and unabashed teardowns, Eli has broken more review units than he cares to admit, all in the name of discovering the truth about durability and repairability.
via TechRadar
