TCL is making waves at CES 2026 with the return of 'Max Ink Mode' on its new NXTPaper 70 Pro smartphone. The device boasts a unique e-Ink-like display, aiming to minimize eye strain while offering a distinctive user experience. But does this paper-like screen translate to real-world value, or is it just another gimmick?
The NXTPaper 70 Pro features a 6.9-inch NXTPaper 4.0 screen with a textured finish designed to mimic the feel of paper. According to The Verge's Allison Johnson, the device also includes upgrades like full dust and water resistance. It's powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, 8GB of RAM, and has an IP68 rating. The primary camera clocks in at 50 megapixels with optical image stabilization. It all sounds good on paper, but the real test will be how this phone performs in everyday use.
Max Ink Mode: More Than Just a Filter?
'Max Ink Mode' is the headline feature here. It's a combination of focus mode and minimalist launcher designed to reduce distractions and further enhance the e-reader experience. TCL is marketing this as a way to make "excessive screen-on time as pleasant as possible," as Android Authority puts it. The NXTPaper 70 Pro hopes to carve out a niche for itself by appealing to users concerned about eye strain and seeking a more comfortable viewing experience. But I’m skeptical.
The question is, does 'Max Ink Mode' offer a genuine advantage, or is it just a software trick that can be replicated on any Android device? I'll be putting this to the test in my full review. If the implementation is clunky or the performance is subpar, the entire value proposition falls apart. A phone's screen is nothing if the performance is junk. The asking price will be about €339, which is pretty fair. But if it buckles with the first stress test, it's dead to me.
Beyond the Phone: TCL's Broader CES Strategy
TCL isn't just focused on smartphones. The company is also making a splash in the TV market with its X11L SQD-Mini LED TV. As The Verge notes, the X11L is challenging the dominance of RGB LED technology with its own approach to color accuracy and brightness. While the NXTPaper 70 Pro targets a specific niche of mobile users, TCL's TV innovations demonstrate a broader commitment to pushing display technology forward. The Note A1 NXTPaper, an 11.5" “Remarkable rival” is slated to launch at $549.
While the NXTPaper 70 Pro's 'Max Ink Mode' is intriguing, its success will depend on delivering tangible benefits to users in terms of eye comfort and usability. I’m eager to see if it lives up to the hype, or if it's just another example of marketing over substance. Stay tuned for my full review, where I'll put this device through its paces and determine whether it's a worthwhile investment or just a passing fad. And I'll be honest with you, as always.