TCL 50 XE NxtPaper 5G specifications and in-depth review

TCL 50 XE NxtPaper 5G

Manufacturer: TCL

The TCL 50 XE NxtPaper 5G is an Android 14 smartphone built around a 6.56-inch LCD IPS panel with a 90Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels. It carries the NxtPaper branding, which corresponds to its e-paper display capabilities, a distinguishing trait within its category. The handset measures 164.1 x 75 x 8.3 mm and weighs 185 g, with dual SIM support and a USB Type-C port rounding out its physical profile.

Under the hood, the TCL 50 XE NxtPaper 5G runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus chipset, built on a 6 nm process and paired with 4 GB of LPDDR4 RAM running at 2133 MHz and 128 GB of internal storage, expandable up to 2 TB via a dedicated memory slot. Camera hardware includes a triple rear setup headlined by a 50 MP main sensor, supplemented by 5 MP and 2 MP lenses, alongside an 8 MP front camera. The 5010 mAh battery supports 18W fast charging and comes with a charger included. Connectivity features encompass 5G, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and GPS with Galileo support.

Pros
  • The e-paper display capability sets this device apart for users who benefit from reduced eye strain during extended reading sessions
  • A 5010 mAh battery paired with 18W fast charging and an included charger provides solid all-day power with a practical recharging option
  • The triple rear camera system offers a useful range of manual controls including exposure, ISO, focus, and white balance, giving users meaningful hands-on control over their shots
  • Stereo speakers and a 3.5 mm headphone jack make it a versatile option for audio consumption without requiring wireless accessories
  • 5G support, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, and dual SIM capability cover a wide range of everyday connectivity needs in a single device
  • External storage can be expanded up to 2 TB, and the internal 128 GB offers a reasonable baseline for apps and media
Cons
  • No water or dust resistance leaves the device vulnerable to everyday moisture exposure
  • The 720 x 1612 pixel resolution results in a modest pixel density of 269 ppi on a 6.56-inch screen, which limits sharpness for detailed content
  • Optical image stabilization is absent from the main camera, which can affect photo and video clarity in low-light or motion scenarios
  • Wireless charging is not supported, limiting charging flexibility
  • Only 4 GB of RAM may constrain multitasking performance when running several demanding applications simultaneously
  • None of the advanced Bluetooth audio codecs such as aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, or aptX Adaptive are supported, limiting wireless audio quality
Who is this for?

This device is well suited to everyday users who prioritize extended reading and eye-comfort, thanks to its e-paper display capability and extra dim mode that reduce visual fatigue over long sessions. The large 5010 mAh battery with 18W fast charging, dual SIM support, and broad 5G connectivity make it a practical choice for users who need reliable all-day communication and connectivity without frequent recharging. It also fits casual photographers who appreciate a versatile triple rear camera with hands-on manual shooting controls, as well as users who value media consumption through stereo speakers and a 3.5 mm jack, or those who regularly expand storage with a microSD card for offline content.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who demand a sharp, vivid display experience will find the 720p resolution and 269 ppi pixel density limiting, particularly for detailed visuals, HDR content, or high-quality video playback, as HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision are all absent. The device is also a poor fit for those who work in wet or dusty environments, since it carries no water or dust resistance rating whatsoever. Power users who rely on heavy multitasking or resource-intensive applications will likely feel constrained by 4 GB of RAM, and mobile photographers seeking consistent stabilized footage will be hindered by the lack of optical image stabilization on the main camera.

Design:

water resistance None
weight 185 g
thickness 8.3 mm
width 75 mm
height 164.1 mm
volume 102.15225 cm³
has a rugged build
can be folded

The TCL 50 XE NxtPaper 5G has a footprint of 164.1 x 75 x 8.3 mm and weighs 185 g, giving it a relatively slim and lightweight profile for everyday handling. Its total volume comes in at approximately 102.15 cm³. The device does not feature a rugged build or a folding form factor, and it carries no water resistance rating, meaning it offers no certified protection against moisture or dust exposure.

Display:

Display type LCD, IPS
screen size 6.56"
pixel density 269 ppi
resolution 720 x 1612 px
refresh rate 90Hz
has branded damage-resistant glass
supports HDR10
supports HDR10+
Always-On Display
supports Dolby Vision
Has a secondary screen
has a touch screen

The TCL 50 XE NxtPaper 5G features a 6.56-inch LCD IPS touchscreen with a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels and a pixel density of 269 ppi. The panel runs at a 90Hz refresh rate, which contributes to smoother scrolling and on-screen motion. The display does not include branded damage-resistant glass, and it does not support HDR10, HDR10+, or Dolby Vision content formats. An Always-On Display mode is absent, and there is no secondary screen.

Performance:

internal storage 128GB
RAM 4GB
AnTuTu benchmark score 442599
Chipset (SoC) name MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus
GPU name Mali G57 MC2
CPU speed 2 x 2.2 & 6 x 2 GHz
GPU clock speed 950 MHz
Has integrated LTE
RAM speed 2133 MHz
semiconductor size 6 nm
Supports 64-bit
DirectX version DirectX 12
Has integrated graphics
Uses big.LITTLE technology
CPU threads 8 threads
maximum amount of external memory supported 2000GB
Uses HMP
maximum memory amount 12GB
uses multithreading
DDR memory version 4

The TCL 50 XE NxtPaper 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus, a 6 nm chipset with an 8-thread CPU configuration running at 2 x 2.2 GHz and 6 x 2 GHz using big.LITTLE architecture with HMP support. Graphics are handled by the integrated Mali G57 MC2 GPU clocked at 950 MHz, with DirectX 12 support. The device comes with 4 GB of LPDDR4 RAM at 2133 MHz and 128 GB of internal storage, while the maximum supported memory can reach up to 12 GB and external storage is expandable up to 2 TB. The chipset includes integrated LTE, supports 64-bit processing and multithreading, and the system achieves an AnTuTu benchmark score of 442,599.

Cameras:

megapixels (main camera) 50 & 5 & 2 MP
Has a dual-lens (or multi-lens) main camera
megapixels (front camera) 8MP
has built-in optical image stabilization
video recording (main camera) 1080 x 30 fps
Has a dual-tone LED flash
number of flash LEDs 1
has a BSI sensor
has a CMOS sensor
has continuous autofocus when recording movies
Has phase-detection autofocus for photos
supports slow-motion video recording
has a built-in HDR mode
has manual exposure
has a flash
optical zoom 0x
has manual ISO
has a serial shot mode
has manual focus
has a front camera
Has laser autofocus
Shoots 360° panorama
has manual white balance
shoots raw
has touch autofocus
has manual shutter speed
can create panoramas in-camera
Has a front-facing LED flash
has a dual-lens (or multi-lens) front camera
supports HDR10 recording
supports Dolby Vision recording
has a front-facing camera under the display
Has a RGB LED flash
has 3D photo/video recording capabilities

The TCL 50 XE NxtPaper 5G features a triple rear camera system with 50 MP, 5 MP, and 2 MP sensors, all built on a CMOS architecture without a back-illuminated sensor. The main camera records video at 1080p 30 fps and supports slow-motion recording, continuous autofocus during video, and phase-detection autofocus for stills, though optical image stabilization is not included and there is no optical zoom. A single LED flash is present, with no dual-tone or RGB flash option. Manual controls extend to exposure, ISO, focus, and white balance, while burst mode, touch autofocus, HDR mode, and in-camera panorama are also available; manual shutter speed and RAW shooting are not supported. HDR10 and Dolby Vision recording are absent, as are 3D and 360-degree capture modes. On the front, an 8 MP single-lens camera handles selfies without a dedicated flash or under-display placement.

Operating system:

Android version Android 14
has clipboard warnings
has location privacy options
has camera/microphone privacy options
has Mail Privacy Protection
has theme customization
can block app tracking
blocks cross-site tracking
has on-device machine learning
has notification permissions
has media picker
Can play games while they download
has dark mode
has Wi-Fi password sharing
has battery health check
has an extra dim mode
has focus modes
has dynamic theming
can offload apps
Has customizable notifications
has Live Text
has full-page screenshots
supports split screen
gets direct OS updates
has PiP
Can be used as a PC
Has sharing intents
has a child lock
Supports widgets
Is free and open source
Has offline voice recognition
has voice commands
Tracks the current position of a mobile device
is a multi-user system
has Quick Start

The TCL 50 XE NxtPaper 5G runs on Android 14 and ships with a broad set of privacy and usability features. On the privacy side, it offers clipboard warnings, location privacy options, camera and microphone access controls, and the ability to block app tracking, though Mail Privacy Protection and cross-site tracking blocking are not included. The interface supports theme customization, dynamic theming, dark mode, and an extra dim mode, while focus modes and app offloading are not available. Multitasking is covered through split-screen support and Picture-in-Picture, and users can interact with widgets, customizable notifications, a media picker, sharing intents, and full-page screenshots. The device also supports on-device machine learning, offline voice recognition, voice commands, live text selection from images, a child lock, multi-user accounts, phone tracking, and battery health monitoring. Games can be played while downloading, and Wi-Fi password sharing, Quick Start, and PC mode are not supported. Direct OS updates from the vendor are not available, and the platform is noted as free and open source.

Battery:

battery power 5010 mAh
has wireless charging
Supports fast charging
charging speed 18W
comes with a charger
has a removable battery
has a battery level indicator
has a rechargeable battery

The TCL 50 XE NxtPaper 5G is equipped with a 5010 mAh rechargeable battery that supports 18W fast charging, with a charger included in the box. A battery level indicator is present for at-a-glance monitoring. The battery is not removable, and wireless charging is not supported.

Audio:

has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack
has stereo speakers
has aptX
has LDAC
has aptX HD
has aptX Adaptive
has aptX Lossless
Has a radio

The TCL 50 XE NxtPaper 5G includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack and stereo speakers, along with a built-in radio. None of the advanced Bluetooth audio codecs — aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, or LDAC — are supported.

Connectivity & Features:

has 5G support
Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
SIM cards 2 SIM
Bluetooth version 5.3
has an external memory slot
Has USB Type-C
has NFC
download speed 3300 MBits/s
Has a fingerprint scanner
has emergency SOS via satellite
has crash detection
is DLNA-certified
has a gyroscope
supports ANT+
Has a heart rate monitor
has GPS
has a compass
supports Wi-Fi
Has an infrared sensor
has an accelerometer
has a cellular module
Has a barometer
has an HDMI output
Uses 3D facial recognition
Has an iris scanner
Stylus included
supports Galileo
Has motion tracking
Has optical tracking
Has a built-in projector

The TCL 50 XE NxtPaper 5G supports 5G connectivity alongside Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) and Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC, with a maximum download speed of 3300 Mbit/s. It accommodates two SIM cards, includes a USB Type-C port, and has an external memory slot for storage expansion. Navigation is covered by GPS with Galileo support, and onboard sensors include a gyroscope, accelerometer, compass, and barometer. Security options include a fingerprint scanner, while 3D facial recognition and an iris scanner are absent. Features such as HDMI output, an infrared sensor, ANT+, a heart rate monitor, satellite SOS, crash detection, DLNA certification, a built-in projector, motion tracking, optical tracking, and a stylus are not present.

Miscellaneous:

has a video light
Has sapphire glass display
Has a curved display
Has an e-paper display

The TCL 50 XE NxtPaper 5G includes a video light and features an e-paper display capability, which is a notable aspect of its NxtPaper design. The display is flat rather than curved, and sapphire glass is not used for screen protection.

Final Verdict

The TCL 50 XE NxtPaper 5G occupies a clear niche as a daily-use smartphone built around its defining e-paper display technology, which, combined with a long-lasting 5010 mAh battery and broad 5G connectivity, makes it a genuinely practical device for users who prioritize comfortable reading and all-day communication. Its MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus chipset, versatile triple camera system with meaningful manual controls, stereo speakers, and expandable storage round out a feature set that covers the essentials well. That said, its HD-only display resolution, absence of water resistance, and 4 GB of RAM signal that this is a device designed for focused, everyday use rather than demanding workloads or media-intensive tasks. For users whose needs align with what it delivers, the TCL 50 XE NxtPaper 5G is a coherent and purposeful choice; those seeking higher display fidelity or more robust performance headroom should temper their expectations accordingly.

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