TCL Launches NXTPAPER Phones and Tablets

TCL's NXTPAPER range of two smartphones and three tablets is now on sale in Australia, priced from AUD $449 to AUD $1,299.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Consumer Electronics

A slim matte-grey tablet lying flat on a light timber table beside a closed paperback, screen turned away from view in soft window light. — TCL has launched its NXTPAPER range in Australia, with two smartphones and three tablets priced from AUD $449 to AUD $1,299 at JB Hi-Fi, The Good Guys and Harvey Norman. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you buy a phone or tablet with a paper-like reading screen?

TCL has launched its NXTPAPER range in Australia, comprising two smartphones and three tablets. The products will be sold through JB Hi-Fi, The Good Guys and Harvey Norman.

Why it matters

The range targets readers who want an e-reader-style experience without carrying a separate device. Its dedicated NXTPAPER Key lets users switch between display modes designed for reading and focus.

The P80 smartphones feature a 6.83-inch display, a 5,800mAh battery and peak brightness of 3,200 nits, while the tablets support expandable storage up to 2TB. Independent testing of the display and battery life against rival devices has not yet been reported.

The players

TCL

TCL is a Chinese consumer electronics manufacturer known for televisions, smartphones and tablets sold across international markets.

JB Hi-Fi

JB Hi-Fi is an Australian retailer of consumer electronics, music and entertainment products with a national store network.

The Good Guys

The Good Guys is an Australian electronics and appliance retailer with stores across the country.

Harvey Norman

Harvey Norman is an Australian retailer of furniture, bedding and electronics that operates franchised stores nationwide.

The details

A dedicated NXTPAPER Key switches between Regular Mode, Paper Ink Mode and Max Ink Mode, with Paper Ink Mode reducing on-screen colour and Max Ink Mode using a monochrome display that silences notifications. The lineup spans the TCL P80 Pro and P80 Ultra smartphones, the TCL Note A1 NXTPAPER, and the TCL TAB A1 Plus and TAB A1 NXTPAPER tablets.

3 November 2026: TCL's NXTPAPER range launch is reported in Australia.

The Tech Race

The NXTPAPER range places TCL alongside the Amazon Kindle line in the dedicated reading-device market, but within general-purpose phones and tablets. It positions TCL against rivals that offer paper-like display modes on multi-purpose devices.

The NXTPAPER Key lets users switch between reading-focused display modes without carrying a separate e-reader. Prices from AUD $449 to AUD $1,299 place the range across budget and premium buyers.

The takeaway

Buyers wanting a reading-focused screen can now consider a phone or tablet with a dedicated mode instead of a separate e-reader. Compare the display modes and prices before choosing a model.