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Yes—with an important distinction: TCL’s 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G can switch into a Kindle-like reading mode, but it does not turn into a Kindle or use a dedicated E Ink panel. Announced at CES 2025, the phone uses TCL’s Max Ink Mode to give its screen an e-ink-style appearance for reading.
How the phone switches to its reading mode
The feature belongs to the TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G. Pressing the phone’s physical NXTPAPER Key activates Max Ink Mode, which TCL describes as presenting an e-ink-format reading experience. TCL says the mode also silences notifications to reduce distractions. Those are descriptions of the phone’s software mode, not evidence that its screen is an actual e-paper display.
TCL’s CES announcement places the handset in its NXTPAPER product line and describes paper-like viewing, glare reduction, and reduced blue light as part of the company’s display approach. Those are TCL claims; the cited product materials do not establish independent clinical eye-health benefits. TCL’s January 6, 2025 launch announcement and its CES 2025 NXTPAPER 4.0 announcement describe the feature.
What TCL says about reading and battery life
In its January 6, 2025 announcement, TCL claimed up to seven days of reading and 26 days on standby. These are manufacturer-stated figures, not independently tested results. The announcement does not provide a controlled Kindle comparison, so the numbers should not be treated as a guarantee of how long the phone will last in a particular person’s use.
#1 Best Overall
- Built for Eye Comfort: The TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G cell phone features NXTPAPER 3.0 technology with a glare-free, paper-like screen that reduces blue light exposure by up to 61%, easing eye fatigue. Its Eye Care Assistant adjusts brightness and color temperature to your environment and gently reminds you to take breaks
- 4 Display Modes for Any Moment: With the NXTPAPER Key, the TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G phone lets you switch display modes with ease. Standard Mode is crisp for daily use, Color Paper Mode is softer for comics and digital art, Ink Paper Mode supports comfortable reading, and Max Ink Mode creates an e-reader-like experience with longer battery life
- Built-In AI Assistant for Daily Tasks: The TCL phone unlocked comes with an intelligent AI assistant ready to help translate text, summarize information, transcribe audio, and organize ideas. Whether for meetings, studying, writing, or planning, it boosts productivity and keeps you focused with less effort
- Capture Every Detail with Stunning Clarity: The TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G smartphone features a 50MP main camera, 5MP ultra-wide lens, 2MP depth sensor, and 32MP front-facing camera, delivering sharp photos, expansive wide shots, detailed portraits, and clear selfies. With 360° horizon lock and AI scene optimization, every frame stays steady and vibrant
- Massive Battery with Reverse Charging: The TCL NXTPAPER phone packs a 5010mAh battery that powers you all day. With 18W fast charging, it reaches full capacity in just 2.5 hours, and 5W reverse charging lets you charge other phones or devices—ideal for travel or long workdays
Price and specifications depend on market and date
The “$200 phone” description comes from the launch announcement: TCL said the 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G would start at $199 in Canada and be available there from May 2025, with a US version to follow later that year. Separately, TCL’s US product page displayed a price of $179.99 when accessed on October 4, 2026; storefront prices can change.
| Detail | What TCL’s source states |
|---|---|
| Launch price and availability | $199 starting price in Canada; availability from May 2025. TCL said the US version would follow later in 2025. (TCL, January 6, 2025) |
| US storefront price | $179.99 displayed on TCL’s US product page on October 4, 2026; the price may change. (TCL North America product page) |
| Display listed on the US product page | 6.78-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate. (TCL North America product page) |
| Storage listed on the US product page | 128GB or 256GB, expandable by MicroSD up to 2TB. (TCL North America product page) |
| Launch announcement configuration | 6.8-inch display and 256GB storage with 8GB RAM. (TCL, January 6, 2025) |
The launch announcement and the current US product page describe the display and configurations differently. The figures above are kept with their respective sources rather than combined into a single specification.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is it a substitute for a Kindle?
It may suit someone who wants a smartphone that can make reading less distracting, but the cited sources do not establish that it reproduces the display behavior, battery life, or reading experience of a Kindle. The practical difference is that the TCL remains a phone, with a high-refresh-rate display listed on its US page, while Max Ink Mode is a mode intended for reading—not a separate e-reader screen.
- Consider the TCL if you want one device that handles smartphone tasks and offers a dedicated reading mode activated by a physical key.
- Consider a dedicated e-reader if your priority is an e-reader rather than a phone, or if you want a direct comparison of device-specific reading behavior and battery performance. No head-to-head Kindle test is established in the cited materials.
What TCL’s launch statement says
In the January 6, 2025 announcement, Jefferson Li, General Manager of TCL Mobile Phone BU, said: “Our integration of the NXTPAPER Key into phones last year was met with great acclaim from users, leading to a strong user demand for its broader availability.” This is TCL’s statement; it is not survey data.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
