TL;RD
- TCL has announced new phones and tablets at MWC 2023.
- Its latest whiteboard features the company’s new NXTPAPER 2.0 display technology.
- All three new TCL 40 series smartphones are available for US users.
DCL is well known for taking some design risks. Earlier this year we were given a glimpse of its immediate future. Now, at MWC 2023, the company has unveiled its latest mobile devices and enhanced NXTPAPER technology.
The TCL NXTPAPER 11 is the first addition and it comes with an 11-inch 2K display with NXTPAPER 2.0 technology, which is basically a matte screen. The second-generation display technology still focuses on caring for the eyes with a flicker-free, paper-like panel, but now has a 500-nit brightness rating. The good news is that our biggest criticism of the NXTPAPER concept phone unveiled at CES 2023 was its lack of flash.
Hadley Simons / Android Authority
Internally, the new slate is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Helio P60T chipset paired with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. That combo should suit the purposes of most users, from light multitasking to streaming on the go. Adding to the NXTPAPER 11’s appeal is an 8000 mAh battery.
On paper, that stunning screen makes it look like a solid Kindle alternative, and it has all the qualities that should make it one. As for pricing, the device will cost $249 when it launches globally in May, but there’s no word yet on whether it’ll be available in the US. In any case, read our TCL NXTPAPER 11 for our first impressions.
TCL also offers a slightly cheaper tablet that lacks slick display technology. The TCL Tab 11 offers the same chipset, storage, and battery for $179.
New TCL 40 series phones
Hadley Simons / Android Authority
As for its smartphone lineup, TCL is bringing four new models to the 40 series.
The TCL 40X 5G uses a MediaTek Dimensity 700 backbone to support a 6.56-inch 90Hz HD+ LCD display. At the back, you’ll find a 50MP main camera with two 2MP instant cameras. Sitting just below the pecking order, the TCL 40XE 5G has the same screen as its sibling, but uses a 13MP main camera with dual 2MP rear shooters. Both devices feature an 8MP selfie camera. Both phones are exclusive to the US and will retail for $169 and $199 respectively.
For those who prefer a slightly larger screen, the TCL 40XL lives up to its title. It comes with a 6.75-inch HD+ screen with a 50 MP main camera and a 5000 mAh battery. Buyers also get 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, but they’ll have to look elsewhere for 5G connectivity. Despite its size, it costs a bit less at $149.
Finally, TCL announced a $119 Android 13 phone called the TCL 406. Available especially for the prepaid audience, the phone has a 6.6-inch HD+ display.
