I had the chance to check out innovations from TCL at a pre-show event in Las Vegas prior to CES 2026. Along with the latest TVs, including its SQD Mini LED TV, there were also new Nxtpaper devices, including a tablet-like device and an Android phone with the neat Nxtpaper Key that makes it easy to switch from full-colour to black and white when you need an experience that’s easier on the eyes.
The Nxtpaper Key, introduced with the company’s last generation devices, is on the side of the device. Push it on a device like the new TCL Nxtpaper 70 Pro smartphone to switch among Color Paper Mode, Ink Paper Mode, and Max Ink Mode, a paper-like monochrome mode.
The phone can pair with a low-latency and pressure-sensitive T-Pen stylus for an authentic writing experience. It offers various AI handwriting input methods, including off-screen memo and AI-generated covers or bullet journals.
Certified by TÜV1 and SGS2, the Nxtpaper 70 Pro delivers an eye-comfort viewing experience similar to an eReader. You get seven core eye-care technologies: natural light display, zero flickering, blue light purification, reflection-free and anti-glare viewing, dim-light eye protection, circadian screen comfort, and TruePaper Restoration technology.
It’s also a powerful phone with a Mediatek Dimensity 7300 processor, 24GB RAM (8GB + 16GB RAM expansion), 512GB storage, a 5,200mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging, and an IP68 rated chassis. It comes with a 5MP main camera and 32MP selfie camera and built-in AI tools like AI Smart Interpreter, real-time subtitles, voice memo transcriptions, and recording summaries.
There’s also the TCL Note A1 Nxtpaper eNote tablet, which has an 11.5-inch screen, a MediaTek G100 processor, 8GB RAM, and 256GB storage. Designed as a tablet that you can use for note-taking, reading, and productivity, it has an 8,000mAh battery and supports 33W fast charging, support for cloud storage services like Dropbox and Google Drive, and the option to install third-party book APKs, like Kindle.
It works with the 10-point T-Pen Pro. Based on my short time with it, it’s really responsive (almost too responsive!), writing showing up even when I hover the pen over the page. But you can adjust sensitivity and upcoming firmware updates should improve the experience, overall, and work out some kinks.
Equipped with a 13MP rear camera, Bluetooth 5.3, and a fingerprint button on the front, it’s a perfect gadget for students, office workers, and creatives.