Surprising MWC highlight: TCL Nxtpaper Phone

I just happened to pass by TCL's stand at the Mobile World Congress, but was surprised to find a trade fair highlight. The TV manufacturer's smartphones are usually only average devices and don't play a role in Europe. The Nxtpaper Phone with its matte display should change that.

Tablets with matte displays are followed by a smartphone

TCL is already selling tablets with Nxtpaper displays, but the smartphone is still a concept model. The manufacturer first showed it at CES at the beginning of January. Now I've been able to see it with my own eyes and I'm thrilled. No annoying reflections, no fingerprints - and I imagine my eyes are less strained when I look at the screen. I can imagine putting up with the duller colours compared to AMOLED displays.

The LCD touchscreen has a special coating. It provides the matt look and a slightly rough surface. As a result, TCL advertises the Nxtpaper tablets as paper-like. This makes less sense for a smartphone, which is why TCL is focussing on eye-friendly properties here. For example, the display should emit less blue light.

While I'm on the subject of rough surfaces. The plastic back of the Nxtpaper Phone is nice and grippy. It reminds me of the Sandstone back of the OnePlus One. I prefer that to smooth backs.

As this is a concept smartphone, the technical features are still a minor matter. However, with the Dimensity 700 as the chipset, TCL seems to want to remain in the mid-range segment, as with its conventional smartphones.

TCL did not reveal when a market-ready version of the Nxtpaper Phone can be expected.