I've discovered a phone that's a true game-changer for eye health and comfort. It's like finding a hidden gem in a sea of flashy, high-tech gadgets. But here's the twist: it's not about chasing the latest trends or pushing the boundaries of brightness and refresh rates.
At MWC 2026, while most brands are focused on these traditional specs, TCL has taken a bold, alternative approach with its NXTPAPER technology. They've prioritized eye health and comfort over raw performance, and the results are impressive.
The NXTPAPER 70 Pro, available now in Asia, Europe, and Latin America, is a testament to this unique vision. With a starting price of €299, it's set to arrive in the US in April 2026, so mark your calendars if you're intrigued.
What sets this phone apart is its 6.9-inch display, which feels unlike any other smartphone screen. It's not the typical glossy, reflective surface; instead, it has a matte finish, almost like paper. This nano-textured finish, a key part of NXTPAPER 4.0, reduces eye fatigue by minimizing blue light exposure and cutting down on glare.
And it's not just about the display. TCL has packed a lot of value into this mid-range phone. It's powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, backed by a substantial 5,200mAh battery, and supports 30W wired fast charging. It comes with a generous 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage on the base variant, ensuring a smooth and fluid Android 16 experience with TCL's custom Android skin.
But the real magic is in the NXTPAPER modes. With a dedicated slide key, you can transform your phone into a comfortable reading device on demand. Color Paper Mode retains some color while giving you a softer, paper-like finish, making it easier on the eyes. Ink Paper Mode switches to a black-and-white interface, and Max Ink Mode turns your phone into an e-reader, perfect for long reading sessions, with up to seven days of reading time and 26 days on standby.
And this is the part most people miss: the NXTPAPER 70 Pro is not just a comfortable reading device; it's a fully functional Android phone. You get the best of both worlds - a comfortable, eye-friendly display and all the features and animations of a modern Android device. It's like having your cake and eating it too!
But here's where it gets controversial... TCL has also integrated AI features, including photo editing and text summary/generation tools, and Google's Gemini. While these features are impressive, they might raise some privacy concerns. Is it worth sacrificing some personal data for these conveniences? That's a question worth pondering.
The NXTPAPER 70 Pro also supports note-taking with TCL's T-Pen stylus, though you'll need to carry the stylus separately as there's no storage slot on the phone.
In terms of cameras, the phone offers a 50MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 32MP front camera. While we didn't have enough time to thoroughly test these during our hands-on session, given the budget nature of the phone, expectations should be managed accordingly.
If you're looking to reduce screen time or make the time you do spend on screens more comfortable, the NXTPAPER 70 Pro is an excellent choice. But if you're after something a little more eccentric, check out our other MWC 2026 coverage and our MWC 2026 Best in Show nominees.
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More from Tom's Guide:
- 5 TCL TV settings for the best picture
- TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus: A budget tablet that's a surprise iPad killer
- The Pixel Tablet and the best stylus to go with it
Written by Sanuj, a tech writer covering smartphones, tablets, and wearables. You can also find his work on Android Central, Android Police, and Pocket-Lint.
