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TCL Just Dropped a Phone That Turns Into an E-Reader, Seriously
Alright, tech lovers and bookworms, this one’s for you. TCL just unveiled the TCL 50 NXTPaper 5G, and it does something pretty wild, it transforms into a black-and-white e-reader at the press of a button. They’re calling it “Max Ink Mode,” and honestly, it might just change the way we think about reading on our phones. Oh, and did I mention the battery can last up to seven days in this mode? Pretty impressive, right?
How Does Max Ink Mode Work?
The charm of this feature is a special NXTPaper Key. This key quickly changes the phone’s bright, colorful screen into a clear, black-and-white reading mode. The goal is easy: read better and feel less strain on your eyes. With a 6.8-inch screen, there is enough space for text. You won’t feel crowded when reading.
One of the best parts? It mutes notifications and other distractions while you read, so you can actually focus, no more getting lost in TikTok when you just meant to check one chapter.
If you’re an avid reader but don’t love carrying around multiple devices, this could be a game-changer. Of course, if you’re in the market for a dedicated e-reader, you might still want to check out some of the best budget-friendly options.
The Two Models & Pricing
TCL’s giving us two versions of this device:
- TCL 50 PRO NXTPaper 5G: Priced around €299 ($331)
- TCL 50 NXTPaper 5G: Slightly cheaper at €229 ($253)
The catch? Availability is limited. The Pro version will be sold in Europe and Latin America, while the standard version is Europe-only (at least for now). So if you’re in North America, you might have to get creative with importing.
What About Performance & Specs?
Look, if you’re expecting iPhone or Samsung Galaxy levels of power, this ain’t it. But for the price, it’s pretty solid:
- 1080 x 2460 resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate
- 550 nits peak brightness (though it has an anti-fingerprint coating that might slightly dim things)
- MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset
- 8GB RAM + 256GB storage (expandable RAM up to 16GB)
Photography lovers, you’ll get a 108MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro sensor, plus a 32MP selfie cam. Decent, but not exactly flagship-level.
What Makes NXTPaper Special?
TCL’s NXTPaper technology isn’t the same as traditional E Ink, but it’s designed to mimic paper by cutting glare and reducing blue light exposure by 61%. It’s all about making screen time more comfortable, especially for reading.
The latest NXTPaper 3.0 model has a matte finish, which helps with reflections and gives it a more natural feel, great for those of us who spend hours reading on screens. If you’re comparing e-readers, you might want to check out this in-depth guide to the best e-readers of 2024.
Final Thoughts
TCL is onto something interesting here. A phone that doubles as an e-reader? That’s pretty unique. And with extended battery life, eye-friendly display tech, and a solid price, it’s an appealing option for people who love to read but don’t want to carry a separate device.
The big question: Will it actually replace your Kindle? Maybe, maybe not. But at the very least, it’s a cool step towards blending smartphones and e-readers into one seamless experience. What do you think, game-changer or just a gimmick?
