NXTPAPER Technology: A Delightful Display for Book-Lovers

In our increasingly digital world, we spend countless hours staring at screens. While technology offers undeniable conveniences, the side effects, particularly digital eye strain, are a growing concern. 

TCL aims to revolutionize our interaction with screens through its innovative NXTPAPER display technology, designed to mimic the comfort of reading on paper while retaining the vibrancy of a full-color display.  It’s important to clarify upfront that this display is not simply a matte screen protector; it’s a fundamental change in how the display itself functions.

What is NXTPAPER?

NXTPAPER isn’t just another screen; it’s a carefully engineered display technology that reimagines how we interact with digital content.  It’s built on the principle of providing a paper-like visual experience, minimizing eye fatigue and maximizing comfort during extended use.  Imagine the crispness of printed text combined with the dynamic range of a modern display – that’s the essence of NXTPAPER.

NXTPAPER’s Journey: From Reflection to Reality

The NXTPAPER technology has evolved significantly since its inception, with each iteration bringing improvements in performance and features. Here’s a look at the progression:

Initially, NXTPAPER 1.0 relied solely on reflected ambient light. Later versions, starting with 2.0, adopted a hybrid approach (Hybrid RLCD), incorporating a backlight while still retaining the reflective element for eye comfort. This allowed for better control over brightness and improved performance in various lighting conditions.

Subsequent iterations have focused on refining the display, with NXTPAPER 3.0 utilize circular polarization filter to angle light and DC deeming, While Delta E < 1 for improved color accuracy and 100% sRGB color gamut is incorporated in NXTPAPER 4.0, demonstrating a commitment to delivering vibrant and true-to-life colors. The consistent presence of the nano-matted surface across all versions emphasizes the focus on a paper-like feel and reduced glare. Features like PWM dimming and CPL (likely referring to a Circular Polarizing Layer) have also been incorporated to further enhance visual comfort.

How Does it Work? A Hybrid LCD Approach

A typical LCD consists of an LCD layer that generates colors placed above a backlight panel. This panel emits white light, which is crucial for the display’s brightness. However, the white light generated contains a broad spectrum, including blue light (specifically 400 to 495nm), which can strain the eyes with prolonged exposure.

TCL’s NXTPAPER takes a different approach with what they call “Reflective LCM,” which is more accurately described as a transflective backlighting system – a hybrid of reflective and transmissive backlighting.  In normal use, the display functions like a typical LCD, using the conventional backlight. 

However, when NXTPAPER mode is activated, the reflective element comes into play. The conventional backlight is dimmed, and the display relies on reflecting ambient light from the environment.  TCL states that this reflective mode significantly reduces blue light emission compared to the conventional method.

Paper-Like Texture and No Color Compromise

NXTPAPER incorporates a nano matte display surface, providing exceptional anti-glare capabilities unmatched by typical displays. This matte finish not only provides a paper-like tactile experience but also enhances the writing experience when used with a stylus, as demonstrated on devices like the TCL 40.

Crucially, this shift to transflective backlighting doesn’t compromise color vibrancy.  NXTPAPER displays boast a wide NTSC 96% color gamut, ensuring rich and accurate color reproduction suitable for everyday media consumption.

TCL asserts that this display maintains full-color output even with the reduction of certain harmful blue light.  Tests confirm this, showing no noticeable color degradation between normal and NXTPAPER modes.  The primary difference is a reduction in brightness, which is expected as the display relies more on reflected ambient light and less on the direct backlight.

Benefits of NXTPAPER:

NXTPAPER offers a compelling set of advantages:

• Eye Comfort: The significant reduction in eye strain allows for longer reading sessions and minimizes discomfort.
• Paper-Like Experience: It mimics the look and feel of paper, making reading more enjoyable and natural.
• Full-Color Display: Unlike many e-readers limited to grayscale, it boasts a full-color spectrum, allowing for vibrant images, videos, and a rich user interface.
• Versatile Content: It is suitable for all kinds of digital content.
• TÜV Certified: NXTPAPER’s commitment to eye health is validated by TÜV Rheinland certifications.

NXTPAPER vs. Traditional LCD:

Traditional LCD screens, while bright and vibrant, are often harsh on the eyes due to high blue light emission and glare. TCL addresses these issues directly, offering a gentler alternative for prolonged use. While LCDs still offer higher refresh rates beneficial for fast-paced gaming, NXTPAPER prioritizes eye comfort for reading and general use.

NXTPAPER vs. E-Ink:

E-ink technology is renowned for its exceptional power efficiency and paper-like appearance. However, it typically offers limited color palettes and slower refresh rates. This display bridges the gap, providing the comfort of e-ink with the full-color capabilities and responsiveness of an LCD.

While e-ink remains superior for ultra-low power consumption in dedicated e-readers, NXTPAPER offers a compelling alternative for devices where color and responsiveness are important.

User Experience/Reviews:

Our review of TCL 40 NXTPAPER 5G highlights the its display technology’s success in providing a comfortable viewing experience with reduced eye strain due to the specialized translucent backlight that emits no blue light. This aligns perfectly with the core benefits of this display, reinforcing its appeal for users seeking a more eye-friendly digital experience.

Conclusion:

TCL’s development of NXTPAPER technology is a significant and welcome advancement in display technology. As smartphone usage continues to grow, the need for technologies that help protect our eyes becomes increasingly crucial.

It addresses this need head-on, offering a compelling alternative to traditional LCDs by prioritizing eye comfort and minimizing digital eye strain without sacrificing the vibrancy of a full-color display. It’s a promising step towards a future where we can enjoy the benefits of digital technology without compromising our eye health.

Reference:

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/ereaderfamily/posts/7058702320853208/
• https://www.gizmochina.com/2021/01/11/tcl-nxpaper-10s-tablets-s600-tws-ces-2021/
• https://www.notebookcheck.net/TCL-launches-NXTPAPER-a-new-rival-to-e-ink-rated-for-improved-color-contrast-and-eye-safety.492189.0.html
• https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tcl-debuts-the-companys-nxtpaper-display-technology-along-with-tcl-10-tabmax-and-tcl-10-tabmid-tablets-at-ifa-2020-301123644.html
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lzgij1q_W1Y&ab_channel=Charbax
• https://tcl-mobile.tw/tcl-nxtpaper-faq/?srsltid=AfmBOoq9kNod_ui6U7x4HOdD–VGfd1beJAoWM7SIbsdRqLViY2Ko-2K
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZYzJySXD8Q
• https://www.tcl.com/global/en/news/tcl-unveils-next-gen-nxtpaper-4-0-display-technology-at-ces-2025