Trade shows can throw out some interesting products and IFA 2024 is no different. It’s usually a slim ask for new phones, but TCL has something rather intriguing on display in Berlin.
Physical switches on phones are typically limited to the do-not-disturb switches on iPhone and OnePlus models, but TCL’s Nxtpaper Key does something completely different and much more magical.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
On the 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G, the screen can switch between different viewing modes. If you’re using the regular colored paper option, flipping the switch opens a menu where you can choose Ink Paper Mode or Max Ink Mode.
Once you’ve chosen what you want, it transitions into a satisfying animation that imitates ink being splattered. See it in action in the post below:
Max Ink mode offers an e-reader-like experience (although the display isn’t quite E Ink) and means you can read comfortably with much longer battery life than a regular smartphone – up to a week!
You can also use a number of apps in this mode, so it’s not limited to simply getting stuck into the latest gritty novel.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
The device doesn’t exactly skimp on specifications elsewhere either, with a 108 MP main camera, MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, 512 GB storage and a 5010 mAh battery.
All this comes in a suitably thin and light chassis that’s nice to the touch and available in a range of colors depending on the market. There’s a striking gold option reminiscent of C3PO, but I’d probably just go for the blue.
Perhaps the best part: it only costs you €280! It didn’t win one of our Tech Advisor Best in Show awards for IFA 2024 for nothing.
