NXTPaper 70 Pro Brings Back Max Ink Mode at CES 2026

NXTPaper 70 Pro is TCL’s latest attempt to answer a common question among smartphone buyers: can a modern phone reduce eye strain and distractions without sacrificing core features? Announced at CES 2026, the device revives TCL’s popular Max Ink Mode, delivering an E Ink–like experience on a full-color smartphone display. The phone pairs a matte, paper-textured screen with upgraded hardware and durability. TCL is also introducing a new NXTPaper tablet aimed squarely at focused work and note-taking. Together, the launches signal TCL’s growing commitment to low-distraction, productivity-first devices. Buyers curious about pricing, specs, and how this differs from past NXTPaper phones will find meaningful upgrades here. The focus is clear: clarity, comfort, and control.

Max Ink Mode Turns NXTPaper 70 Pro Into a Focus Tool

Max Ink Mode returns as the signature feature of the NXTPaper 70 Pro, acting as both a focus mode and a minimalist launcher. When enabled, the display switches to a monochrome, E Ink–style interface designed to reduce visual noise and notifications. Apps are simplified, colors disappear, and the phone becomes more task-oriented. TCL positions this as an alternative to grayscale modes found on standard Android phones. The difference lies in how deeply integrated the mode feels with the hardware. Reading, writing, and scrolling feel closer to paper than glass. For users overwhelmed by constant alerts, Max Ink Mode offers intentional digital downtime without fully disconnecting.

NXTPaper 4.0 Display Aims to Reduce Eye Strain

The NXTPaper 70 Pro features a 6.9-inch NXTPaper 4.0 display with a textured, matte finish. Unlike traditional glossy OLED or LCD panels, this screen diffuses light to cut down glare and reflections. TCL says the goal is to mimic the feel of reading on paper rather than a screen. Full color is still available when needed, making it more versatile than true E Ink panels. This hybrid approach appeals to users who read, write, or browse for long periods. Eye comfort is becoming a bigger selling point in smartphones, and TCL is leaning into that trend. The result is a display that feels intentionally different from mainstream flagships.

Midrange Specs Meet Premium Durability

Under the hood, the NXTPaper 70 Pro lands firmly in the midrange category with meaningful upgrades over its predecessor. It runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM. The phone includes a 50-megapixel main camera with optical image stabilization, targeting everyday photography rather than flagship-level imaging. A standout addition is the IP68 rating, offering full dust and water resistance. That level of durability is still uncommon in midrange phones. Compared to the US-released NXTPaper 60 XE, this is a noticeable step up in performance and protection. TCL is clearly aiming higher with this generation.

Pricing Signals a Shift in TCL’s NXTPaper Strategy

TCL has not confirmed US pricing for the NXTPaper 70 Pro, but its €339 European price offers a strong hint. Converted roughly to $400, it would sit well above the $249 NXTPaper 60 XE sold in the US last year. This suggests TCL may be repositioning NXTPaper devices as premium midrange products rather than budget alternatives. The added durability, improved chipset, and refined display help justify the increase. Still, US availability and carrier partnerships will matter. For buyers prioritizing eye comfort and focus features, the value proposition could remain strong. Pricing will ultimately determine how niche or mainstream this phone becomes.

Note A1 NXTPaper Targets Distraction-Free Tablet Users

Alongside the phone, TCL is launching the Note A1 NXTPaper tablet, designed for focused productivity rather than entertainment. The device features an 11.5-inch paper-like display and positions itself as a competitor to reMarkable-style note-taking tablets. It runs a simplified, customized version of Android with a limited app selection. Users get tools like Microsoft Edge and Outlook, but there is no Google Play Store. This restriction is intentional, aiming to reduce distractions and keep users on task. The Note A1 is not a general-purpose tablet. Instead, it serves writers, students, and professionals who want a digital notebook with fewer temptations.

TCL Doubles Down on Purpose-Built Screens

With the NXTPaper 70 Pro and Note A1, TCL is making a clear statement about its product direction. Rather than chasing raw performance or flashy specs, the company is emphasizing comfort, focus, and intentional use. Max Ink Mode, matte displays, and simplified software all point to a growing audience tired of always-on, always-distracting devices. These products won’t appeal to everyone, especially power users or mobile gamers. However, they fill a gap that mainstream brands largely ignore. As digital fatigue becomes more common, TCL’s NXTPaper lineup may feel increasingly relevant. CES 2026 shows the company is committed to refining this niche, not abandoning it.