I tried TCL's phone with a paper-like OLED display, plus its new nxtPaper tablets, and I was seriously impressed — here's why

TCL has unveiled its P80 series of phones at IFA Berlin, and I had the opportunity to examine them firsthand. Among the three models, the P80 Ultra and Pro showcased a captivating AMOLED display complemented by TCL’s nxtPaper technology, resulting in a matte, paper-like screen reminiscent of an e-reader. I also had the chance to test TCL's nxtPaper tablets, which I found to be quite impressive.

Combining AMOLED and nxtPaper technology, the P80 series delivers exceptional contrast, color, reduced glare, and improved readability. When using the phone for tasks like drawing, watching videos, or scrolling, the display remained clear and vibrant. Two nxtPaper modes are available: Max Ink Mode for a distraction-free, power-efficient reading experience and Paper Mode for a paper-like feel with customizable eye-care settings.

The P80 Ultra boasts a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a 3,200 nits peak brightness, 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 1.38mm ultra-thin bezels, and an 8,000mAh battery. It also features a 50MP main lens, 50MP periscope telephoto, 8MP ultra-wide, and 32MP front camera. The P80 Pro has similar specs but lacks the periscope telephoto camera.

The P80 starts at €549 (around $640 / £470 / AU$890), the Pro starts at €429 (about $500 / £370 / AU$690), and the regular P80 goes for €349 (approximately $400 / £300 / AU$570). TCL's nxtPaper tablets include the A1 and A1 Plus, with the Note A1 being the premium choice. The Note A1 provides a smooth, responsive experience for basic tasks, video streaming, and drawing, making it feel like drawing on real paper when using the stylus.

Its specs include a 1.5-inch 120Hz display, 8,000mAh battery, octa-core processor, 8GB RAM, and 256GB storage.