TCL replaces LCD with AMOLED in the Nxtpaper smartphone series, achieving flagship brightness without reflections

TCL presents an updated Nxtpaper technology at MWC 2026

At the international Mobile World Congress 2026, Chinese manufacturer TCL announced a new version of its “Nxtpaper” lineup. Unlike previous models that used LCD panels to mimic paper-like appearance and reduce glare, the new prototype is based on AMOLED panels. This solution combines a matte coating with the benefits of self‑illuminating pixels typical of flagship smartphones.

What changed?
Parameter Previous (LCD) Now (AMOLED)
Contrast and color Loss of depth due to glare More saturated shades, accurate color reproduction
Brightness Maximum at 50 % brightness Peak brightness up to 3200 cd/m² (comparable to top phones)
Matte coating Texture “paper” for reducing reflections Retained but improved: dust resistance

Demo on the booth
During a comparative test, two screens – the old LCD prototype and the new AMOLED variant – displayed the same image. The AMOLED device produced brighter brown tones, and the brightness slider barely reached 50 %. Meanwhile, the LCD model was already operating at maximum.

Technical specifications
* Polarization – efficiency increased by 43 % compared to previous Nxtpaper generations. This means less light is scattered.
* Blue spectrum – level of harmful blue radiation reduced to 2.9 %. It matches or even exceeds special eye‑protection modes in premium devices.

Other features
* The glass retains the characteristic matte texture reminiscent of paper and effectively combats glare.
* The prototype demonstrated dust resistance: after daytime testing by journalists, the surface remained virtually clean.
* The demonstration device did not have “Nxtpaper Key” control, but TCL assures a soon release of serial models.

Prospects
Experts believe that if TCL can bring this technology into mass production, it could change attitudes toward matte displays. Over recent years they were considered niche, but now they may become part of the core smartphone lineup.