TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G Space Blue 256GB

The TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G is a $230 unlocked phone built around a unique paper-like display that's way easier on the eyes. You get 256GB of storage, a big 5,010mAh battery with reverse charging, and solid everyday performance. The camera and build quality are just average, and charging is slow. Buy it for the screen and battery life, not for gaming or photography.

The Dimensity 6300 inside the TCL 60 XE is a capable 5G chip for this price bracket, but it's not going to set any records. In our database, performance lands right around average for smartphones, which means it handles social media, web browsing, and video streaming without breaking a sweat. The 8GB of physical RAM plus another 8GB of virtual RAM helps keep apps in memory, so multitasking feels smoother than you'd expect at this price. Just don't expect to crank up Genshin Impact to max settings and get a silky 60fps.

Real-world use is where this phone makes sense. The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through articles and feeds feel responsive, and the NXTPAPER display modes don't tax the processor much at all. Switching into Max Ink Mode for reading is genuinely pleasant, and it sips battery while doing it. For productivity tasks, the built-in AI assistant can handle transcription and summarization without hiccups. This isn't a powerhouse, but it's tuned well for the job it's meant to do.

The most direct competitor in spirit is probably an Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet or a Kindle, but since this is a phone, let's talk about other smartphones. The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE will demolish the TCL in performance and camera quality, but it'll cost two to three times as much. The Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 is a foldable in a completely different league. If you want a phone that's also an e-reader, the TCL stands alone at this price. The Google Pixel 10a will offer a much better camera and cleaner software experience, but you'll pay more and get less storage.

Against other budget phones like the OnePlus Nord series or Moto G line, the TCL 60 XE holds its own on battery and storage but falls behind on camera and raw speed. The NXTPAPER screen is the differentiator. If you don't care about eye comfort or reading on your phone, a Moto G Power or a discounted Pixel will serve you better. But if your eyes are tired of standard LCD and OLED panels, none of those alternatives offer what TCL has here.

At $230, the TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G is punching above its weight in a few key areas. You're getting 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM, which is almost unheard of at this price. Most budget phones from Motorola or Samsung in this range ship with 64GB or 128GB and 4GB of RAM. The battery capacity is also generous, and the NXTPAPER display tech is something you simply won't find anywhere else for under $300.

When you compare it to something like the upcoming Google Pixel 10a, which will likely cost significantly more, the TCL gives up camera quality and processing power but wins on storage, battery, and that unique screen. If your priority is reading comfort and media consumption on a budget, the value proposition here is strong. Just know that you're trading away camera prowess and premium build materials to get there.

The TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G is one of the most interesting budget phones we've seen in a while, and it's not because of raw speed or a flashy camera. It's all about that screen. TCL built their NXTPAPER 3.0 tech into a 6.8-inch 120Hz display that's designed to feel like paper, cutting blue light by up to 61% and killing glare. If you spend hours reading on your phone and your eyes feel like sandpaper by the end of the day, this thing was basically made for you. At $230 unlocked, it's also refreshingly affordable.

Under the hood, you're getting a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a generous 256GB of storage that you can expand up to 2TB with a microSD card. That's a solid setup for everyday tasks, streaming, and even some light gaming. The 5,010mAh battery is a standout too, landing in the 83rd percentile in our database. You'll easily get through a full day, and the reverse wireless charging is a neat trick for topping up earbuds or a friend's phone in a pinch.

But let's be real about what this phone is and isn't. It's not competing with a Galaxy S25 or an iPhone 16 Pro, and it doesn't try to. The camera system is fine for the price, but it's middle of the pack overall. The build quality is average, and the performance won't blow anyone away. What TCL did here is focus relentlessly on a specific use case: a comfortable, eye-friendly reading and media experience with solid battery life, all for less than $250. For the right person, that's a winning formula.

If you prioritize camera quality above all else, look elsewhere. The TCL 60 XE's camera system is firmly mid-pack, and the ultrawide lens in particular is a weak spot. A used Pixel 7a or a discounted Pixel 8a will run circles around it for photography. Gamers should also steer clear. The Dimensity 6300 is fine for daily tasks but chokes on demanding titles. A Moto G Power or a slightly older flagship like a Galaxy S22 will give you much better gaming performance for similar money.

People who want a premium feel in the hand won't be happy here either. The build quality is average, and the materials reflect the budget price. If you're coming from a glass-backed phone, the TCL will feel like a step down. And if you need fast charging, the 18W wired speed is frustratingly slow by 2025 standards. Anyone who regularly needs a quick top-up before heading out should consider something with at least 30W charging.

If you're a voracious reader who does most of your book consumption on your phone, or if you deal with eye strain from staring at screens all day, the TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G is an easy recommendation. The paper-like display isn't a gimmick. It genuinely reduces fatigue, and the Max Ink Mode turns the phone into a capable e-reader that fits in your pocket. Pair that with all-day battery life and generous storage, and you've got a specialized tool that nails its niche.

For everyone else, this is a tougher sell. The camera is just okay, performance is average, and the charging speed is sluggish. If you want a solid all-rounder for $230, you might be happier with a discounted Moto G Stylus or a previous-gen Pixel. But if the screen is your priority, nothing else in this price range comes close. This is a phone with a clear mission, and for the right user, it absolutely delivers.