In the world of budget-friendly smartphones, the TCL 40 NXTPAPER stands out as a unique offering. Priced at just 215 USD, this phone offers something different with its “ePaper” display.
In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the TCL 40 NXTPAPER, exploring its design, user interface, performance, display technology, audio quality, and camera capabilities. Is this budget smartphone a work of genius, or is it just another quirky addition to the market?
Design:
The TCL 40 NXTPAPER greets you with a refreshing departure from the usual smartphone design. The first thing you’ll notice is the unconventional Eaper display, which TCL claims to be unlike any e-ink display on the market.
While it may not be as crisp as a Kindle screen, it boasts a unique matte finish that minimizes reflections and provides a tactile feel. The 6.78-inch screen comes with reasonably chunky bezels, particularly noticeable when you change the default wallpaper, which adds a substantial “lip” at the bottom.
The phone’s construction is mainly plastic, including flat plastic edges and a plastic back. It’s available in different colors, with the midnight blue variant offering a subtle glimmer in the right lighting. The camera bump on the back is well-placed, so it doesn’t protrude excessively.
User Interface and Features:
The TCL 40 NXTPAPER runs on Android 13 with TCL’s UI launcher overlay. While the initial impression is close to stock Android, TCL has added some unique features. Swiping down from anywhere on the screen reveals a news feed, in addition to the Google Discover feed. Fortunately, you can disable this feature in the settings.
TCL has also tweaked the visual style, offering a unique look for notifications and a multitude of toggle options. However, there is some pre-installed bloatware and an annoying “Hot Apps” folder, though these can be removed.
It’s unclear how many years of OS and security updates TCL will provide for this budget phone, but it’s reasonable to expect limited support.
The phone features a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, which works reliably but isn’t the quickest. Face unlock is also available and functions well under good lighting conditions. What’s impressive is the 256GB of internal storage, double what you’d find in many flagship smartphones. Plus, it supports microSD expansion.
Display Technology:
The standout feature of the TCL 40 NXTPAPER is undoubtedly its unique display. While it’s not a traditional e-ink screen like those found in e-readers, TCL has designed it differently, with multiple layers that create a matte finish. This design makes the screen easier to read outdoors, even though its brightness tops out at 450 nits. The absence of reflections and glares is a significant advantage.
Additionally, the display emits less blue light due to its design, making it easier on the eyes. TCL offers an “Eye Comfort” mode, but it gives the screen a reddish tint. The “Reading Mode” is more user-friendly for web browsing, while the “Next Paper” mode mimics a Kindle-like experience. However, the latter mode can be a bit buggy, affecting screen responsiveness.
For reading, particularly black-and-white content, the Next Paper mode is excellent. Still, it’s not ideal for watching videos or other typical smartphone activities due to the limitations it imposes.
Performance:
The TCL 40 NXTPaper is powered by MediaTek’s Helio G88 chipset, which is basic and lacks 5G support. While it handles everyday tasks and basic games without major issues, it’s not meant for heavy gaming. The phone supports a 90Hz refresh rate, though it doesn’t feel as smooth as you might expect. Screen responsiveness is generally acceptable, but occasional taps may require a second attempt.
The device boasts a large 5,000mAh battery, ensuring all-day usage on a single charge. The 33W fast charging is reasonable for a budget phone, though it won’t blow you away with speed.
Camera Capabilities:
The TCL 40 NXTPaper’s camera setup includes a 50-megapixel primary sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide shooter, and a 2-megapixel macro camera. The camera app offers plenty of features, including a Pro mode for manual adjustments, portrait mode, night mode, and a macro mode. The front camera is a 32-megapixel sensor.
In terms of image quality, don’t expect flagship-level results. The primary camera captures decent photos in good lighting, but the lack of optical image stabilization can lead to some blurriness. The ultra-wide camera is serviceable, but the macro camera’s quality is limited by its low resolution.
The phone’s camera app is feature-rich but can feel cluttered. Despite the various modes, it struggles to deliver standout photography experiences.
Audio Quality:
The TCL 40 NXTPaper features stereo speakers with “3D Boom Sound.” However, the audio quality is not as impressive as the name suggests. The speakers lack the loudness and clarity you might expect from a “Boom Sound” setup, especially when you increase the volume. For better audio quality, using headphones or the built-in headphone jack is recommended.
TCL 40 NXTPAPER Review: Pros And Cons”:
Pros:
- Unique Eaper Display: The standout feature of the TCL 40 NXTPAPER is its innovative Eaper display. With a matte finish and reduced blue light output, it offers an excellent reading experience, even in bright sunlight.
- Ample Storage: With 256GB of internal storage, the TCL 40 NXTPaper provides plenty of space for apps, media, and files. This is double what many other budget phones offer.
- Good Battery Life: The phone’s 5,000mAh battery ensures all-day usage on a single charge. Plus, the 33W fast charging support means you won’t have to wait too long for a top-up.
- Unique Design: The TCL 40 NXTPAPER’s design is a departure from the standard smartphone aesthetic. The Eaper display and matte finish give it a distinctive look and feel.
- Headphone Jack: In an era where many phones are ditching the headphone jack, the NXTPAPER 40 includes one, providing convenience for users who prefer wired headphones.
- Affordable Price: Priced at just $215, the TCL 40 NXTPAPER offers a unique feature set at an affordable price point.
- Minimal Reflections: Thanks to the matte finish of the display, reflections and glares are significantly reduced, making it easier to use outdoors.
Cons:
- Limited Camera Capabilities: While the camera setup is functional, it falls short of delivering exceptional photos. The absence of optical image stabilization and a higher resolution macro camera are notable limitations.
- Basic Performance: The Helio G88 chipset is serviceable for everyday tasks and basic gaming, but it lacks the power for more demanding applications and heavy gaming.
- Screen Responsiveness in Next Paper Mode: The screen responsiveness in Next Paper mode can be a bit buggy, affecting the overall user experience.
- No 5G Support: The TCL 40 NXTPAPER does not support 5G, which might be a drawback for users seeking faster data connectivity.
- Audio Quality: Despite the “Boom Sound” branding, the stereo speakers may not meet expectations for those looking for high-quality audio.
Reasons to Buy:
- Eaper Display for Reading Enthusiasts: If you’re an avid reader and often find yourself outdoors, the TCL 40 NXTPAPER’s Eaper display provides a unique and enjoyable reading experience.
- Ample Storage for Media Lovers: With 256GB of storage, this phone is perfect for users who want to store a large amount of media, apps, and files without worrying about running out of space.
- Affordable and Unique Design: For those seeking something different without breaking the bank, the TCL 40 NXTPAPER offers a distinctive design and feature set at an affordable price.
- Headphone Jack Support: If you prefer using wired headphones, the inclusion of a headphone jack is a convenient feature not found in many modern smartphones.
- Long Battery Life for All-Day Use: The large battery capacity ensures you won’t be constantly searching for a charger, making it a practical choice for users with busy, on-the-go lifestyles.
- Read also:
- Oppo A78 Review
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Review:
Conclusion:
The TCL 40 NXTPaper is an intriguing budget smartphone with its unique Eaper display, making it an excellent choice for those who read a lot on their phones and need outdoor visibility without glare. It’s packed with features and a generous amount of storage. However, it does have some software quirks and limitations, such as a lack of 5G support, screen responsiveness issues in Next Paper mode, and a camera setup that falls short of delivering exceptional photos.
Ultimately, the TCL 40 NXTPaper is a solid budget option for those looking for something different in the smartphone market. It offers a unique experience, even though it comes with some trade-offs. If you can live with its limitations, this budget-friendly smartphone could be a worthy addition to your tech collection.
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