Trade shows can showcase some interesting products, and IFA 2024 is no exception. There are usually few new phones on offer, but TCL has something quite intriguing to show off in Berlin.
Physical switches on phones are usually limited to the “Do Not Disturb” toggles on iPhone and OnePlus models, but TCL’s Nxtpaper key does something completely different and far more magical.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
On the 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G, the screen can switch between different display modes. If you’re using the standard color paper option, tapping the switch will open a menu where you can choose between ink paper mode or max ink mode.
Once you’ve chosen what you want, the transition is done with a satisfying animation that mimics splattered ink. See it in action in the post below:
Max Ink mode offers an e-reader-like experience (although the screen isn’t actually E Ink) and means you can read comfortably with a much longer battery life than a regular smartphone – up to a week!
You can also use some apps in this mode, so you’re not limited to immersing yourself in the latest thriller novel.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
The phone doesn’t skimp on specs elsewhere either, with a 108MP main camera, a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, 512GB of storage and a 5010mAh battery.
All this comes in a thin and light chassis that’s nice to the touch and available in a range of colours depending on the market. There’s an eye-catching gold option that’s reminiscent of C3PO, but I’d probably go for the blue one.
The best part is that it’ll only set you back £280! It’s not for nothing that it won one of our Tech Advisor Best in Show awards for IFA 2024.
