7.0/ 10 SCORE TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G Pros
Quality show for the value
E-reader mode extends already-solid battery life
NxtPaper Color Ink mode is ideal for evening owls
Cons
Grainy image high quality on predominant digital camera
Slight delay when multitasking
Gets uncomfortably sizzling when gaming
The TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G is a formidable finances telephone that meets or exceeds the specs of its 50 collection predecessors — and in some ways outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G at the same worth.The shiny bonus options are the eponymous NxtPaper digital ink and e-reader modes and cloud-based TCL AI. You won’t use these options usually — the NxtPaper digital ink was nice for night-time studying however I’d quite write my very own emails than use the AI assistant — however they’re strong worth provides to a $250 telephone.This telephone hits high marks for on a regular basis use. Its display screen is giant, the 120Hz refresh price is buttery easy and the battery lasted me all through the complete day, even with frequent use. If you’re taking quite a lot of selfies, you may get pleasure from a giant 32-megapixel improve to the front-facing digital camera, although the digital camera system is in any other case much like TCL’s 50 collection telephones.Compared to different telephones in the same worth vary, the TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G delivers the place it counts for day-to-day use, and its spectacular bells and whistles sweetened my expertise with the telephone. The TCL 60 XE’s default residence display screen is fairly sufficient — and it is not stuffed up with T-Mobile bloatware. Tyler Graham/CNETTCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G’s design, display screen and batteryThe 60 XE NxtPaper 5G has a 6.78-inch show that is simply as huge because the TCL 50 XL 5G’s display screen and bigger than the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G’s 6.7-inch show. The 60 XE NxtPaper 5G’s 1080p decision panel with a 120Hz refresh price additionally outperformed the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G at the same worth.That giant show makes video games simpler to play. I used to be ready to soak up the gorgeous visuals of the cellular recreation Sky: Children of the Light with out my fats thumbs obscuring my imaginative and prescient, although the telephone obtained uncomfortably heat towards my fingers after a 15-minute play session.When reviewing the TCL 50 XL 5G, CNET author Mike Sorrentino identified how its audio system muddied audio mixing with the amount cranked up. I discovered myself having the same drawback with the 60 XE NxtPaper 5G, which was a giant ache level once I was utilizing the telephone on the practice and could not merely hold upping the amount at my leisure. You might, as I did, cup a hand across the speaker to listen to it higher, nevertheless it’s simpler to make use of the 3.5mm jack — an enviable characteristic lengthy deserted by pricier telephones — and plug in some headphones. The TCL AI is accessible from inside any app, with a easy three-finger swiping movement. Tyler Graham/CNETOne huge shock on this finances telephone was the 8GB of RAM — doubled to an efficient 16GB through the use of a part of the storage for additional reminiscence — which made swapping between apps easy and let me leap from streaming movies to graphically intensive video games with little to no hassle.Crucially, 8GB of reminiscence is the candy spot that roughly allows AI capabilities on a tool, and TCL AI is enabled on the 60 XE. It’s a easy cloud-based LLM that helps with writing duties, so do not count on something like Google’s Circle to Search characteristic. Even so, it could possibly draft fundamental e mail templates in case you battle to seek out the best phrases for a given state of affairs.The 60 XE is working off of a MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus processor, which is similar silicon powering the TCL 50 XL and the TCL 40 X, although evidently TCL managed to optimize the processing energy of the 60 XE to keep away from the 50 XL’s comparatively fast battery drain.At the tip of the day, all these specs are bundled collectively in an aesthetically pleasing bundle. The 60 XE NxtPaper 5G is 0.32 inches (8.2mm) thick and matches easily into any pocket (together with the too-tight denims I made the error of sporting) and the again of the telephone has a reasonably blue rippling design that is nice to have a look at on the uncommon event that it is set face-down. It’s a finances telephone that does not make you seem like a cheapskate, which is at all times price appreciating. I loved the 60 XE’s slim kind and aesthetically pleasing navy patterning. Tyler Graham/CNETGeekbench v.6.0 and 3DMark benchmark take a look at outcomes TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G 732 1,855 378TCL 50 XL 5G 698 1,881 338Samsung Galaxy A15 5G 685 1,768 321
Geekbench 6.0 Single Core
Geekbench 6.0 Multi Core
3DMark Wild Life Extreme
Note: Higher scores are higher.
CNET has a number of checks to assist benchmark a telephone’s battery life. In our YouTube streaming take a look at, by which we stream movies at 100% brightness for 3 hours, the TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G’s battery life drained to 90% on the one-hour mark, 80% on the two-hour mark and completed the take a look at at 71% battery.The TCL 50 XL drained from full to 62% in the identical take a look at. The 60 XE NxtPaper shares show specs with the 50 collection telephone, however TCL appears to have optimized energy use on the newer gadget. We’re nonetheless within the strategy of reviewing the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G, so for this comparability, we used our outcomes for the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G. The A15 5G beat each telephones, draining from 100% battery to 83% battery throughout the YouTube streaming take a look at.In our 45-minute battery endurance take a look at, I put the 60 XE NxtPaper via its paces. I watched YouTube movies, ran a Google Meet name and performed Sky for 10 minutes every, then browsed Bluesky for 15 minutes. In that point, the telephone’s battery dropped from 100% to 91%.I additionally timed how lengthy it takes to cost the telephone utilizing the included 18W wired USB-C charger. The 60 XE NxtPaper went from 15% to 100% in 2 hours and 16 minutes, although the Samsung Galaxy A15 costs sooner with its 25W charger.When it involves software program, the 60 XE has TCL’s 50 collection — and even the Samsung Galaxy A15 (for now) — beat. It runs Android 15 with a customized TCL UI and comes with TCL’s customary promise of 1 main software program improve, to Android 16, plus two years of system safety updates. This is not nice, particularly in comparison with Samsung’s promise of 4 years of software program updates and 5 years of safety updates for finances telephones. Even in case you fall in love with the 60 XE NxtPaper 5G, you may need to commerce it in after a few years as soon as TCL abandons its system safety.Fortunately, the 60 XE NxtPaper avoids the carrier-locked bloatware that TCL 50 XL customers needed to take care of. You’ll get solely the same old Google suite of preinstalled apps, and you will not have to fret in regards to the obtrusive T-Mobile Play feed being an eyesore. Without NxtPaper Ink mode turned on, the TCL 60 XE nonetheless displayed vibrant hues on this Webtoon comedian. Tyler Graham/CNETNxtPaper display screen for simpler studying and higher battery lifeThe huge promoting level of the TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G is its display-altering NxtPaper expertise. While not brand-new — TCL introduced its NxtPaper telephones to the US at CES in 2024 and has used it for years in its tablets — it is a particular characteristic that provides additional worth to a finances telephone.The NxtPaper digital ink show modes are supposed to replicate the expertise of studying on paper. The 60 XE has a devoted aspect swap that toggles amongst its three modes. I examined them at evening whereas my associate slept soundly beside me. My vibrant telephone display screen usually blasts my eyes throughout late-night doomscrolling, so something that softens that glare is a welcome reprieve.The Max Ink mode was the instrument I used the least, as a result of it restricted the utilization of my favourite apps, like Webtoon. Max Ink totally converts the 60 XE into an e-reader, closing most apps and turning the display screen totally black and white. Battery life on this mode is intensive — at 52% cost, the telephone predicted almost 66 hours of use.You can nonetheless test messages, browse the net, scroll social media and extra, so there is a versatile vary of apps you possibly can reopen. Personally, the stark black-and-white colour scheme nonetheless felt like a flashbang in mattress, so I solely used it a few times — nevertheless it’s a wonderful battery saver in a pinch.The Ink Paper mode’s black-and-white show was gentler on the eyes, mixing NxtPaper’s e-reader capabilities with TCL’s signature blue-light-dimming characteristic. It was admittedly simpler on the eyes than Max Ink, however I nonetheless would not select to brighten my telephone primarily with a (greyed-out) gentle mode. The Color Paper mode eliminated a number of the richer orange hues from Webtoon, nevertheless it nonetheless captures the “golden hour” depicted within the artwork. Tyler Graham/CNETThe saving grace for the NxtPaper modes is Color Paper, the third blue-light-dimming possibility within the suite. It retains the display screen’s colours intact whereas switching to a paper-like show that is simpler on the eyes. The finish result’s barely washed out hues, however that did not get in the best way of having fun with my apps. I learn half of a manga in a single evening with the Color Paper mode on, and whereas I undoubtedly observed the shortage of vibrancy, it truly made every little thing look a bit like a watercolor portray. The digital camera disc is a raised bump on the again of the 60 XE. Tyler Graham/CNETTCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G camerasThe 60 XE NxtPaper’s giant digital camera disc comes geared up with a triple-camera system: a 50-megapixel wide-angle lens, a 5-megapixel ultrawide and a 2-megapixel depth sensor for calculating depth-of-field results in portraits or close-up pictures. The front-facing digital camera is 32 megapixels, which is a giant step up from TCL’s 50 XL telephone.The predominant digital camera captures useful photographs with a variety of colour. In this shot of a inexperienced nook in my girlfriend’s neighborhood, the sunshine put up within the foreground is satisfactorily separated from the background particulars, although it is clear how a lot the weather within the rear mix collectively. The giant tree within the background on the best aspect of the photograph is an ideal instance of how related hues blur and mix along with the 60 XE’s predominant digital camera. Tyler Graham/CNETI additionally used the primary digital camera to snap a photograph of a sauce mix at a Korean sizzling pot restaurant. Once once more, the 60 XE’s digital camera separates distinct colours however blends related hues, leading to a flatter picture. Even slight zooming reveals that fantastic particulars simply aren’t captured. Tyler Graham/CNETI additionally put the ultrawide digital camera to work throughout sizzling pot, snapping a shot of our desk as soon as the plates arrived. The foreground is rendered in nice element — you possibly can even see the moisture on the meat — however the background element would not maintain up as compared. Even although the background will get grainy and blurry, the TCL 60 XE’s predominant digital camera captures a formidable quantity of element on the meat within the foreground. Tyler Graham/CNETThe depth sensor provides a shallow depth of subject to photographs, making for properly detailed pictures. I used it to seize these flowers from my girlfriend’s backyard, and the colourful hues actually stand out. The wealthy pink bulbs and delicate pink petals pop towards the background, making the 60 XE really feel prefer it’s punching above its weight for nature pictures. Tyler Graham/CNETCompared with the photographs CNET senior editor Mike Sorrentino took on the TCL 50 XL 5G, the TCL 60 XE’s selfie digital camera is unquestionably sharper. Here’s a shot of me at a pit cease throughout a multi-day journey — it captures the unshaved fuzz on my face in nearly uncomfortable element, however fully washes out the sky and blends the reds of the gasoline station behind me. The 60 XE’s selfie digital camera does job at capturing the primary topic, however washes out every little thing within the background. Tyler Graham/CNETThe digital camera system is a standard corner-cutting level for these finances telephones. You will not be taking any award-winning photographs with the 60 XE, however on the finish of the day, I would not have any reservations about posting these photos on Instagram both.The backside line: What we consider the TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5GTCL has put collectively one other spectacular finances gadget, combining some options you’d count on from pricier telephones with additional bells and whistles that really feel particular in a $250 product. The 60 XE’s show is very similar to the 50 XL’s, however its standout digital camera improve is the front-facing selfie lens. And what actually units it aside from different finances telephones are the NxtPaper and TCL AI options.Unfortunately, the 60 XE’s battery life cannot match the Samsung Galaxy A15’s. It additionally will get uncomfortably sizzling throughout cellular gaming. But its greatest disadvantage remains to be TCL’s meager promise of only one software program improve and two years of safety updates. Both Motorola and Samsung have stronger commitments to assist their finances telephones, providing three years and 5 years of safety updates, respectively.If you may have delicate eyes otherwise you steadily use AI writing instruments, the TCL 60 XE NxtPaper is a lower above most different telephones you will get for $250. If the extras right here do not matter a lot to you, you are in all probability higher off with a Samsung or Motorola telephone.TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G specs vs. TCL 50 XL 5G, Samsung Galaxy A15 5G specs TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5GTCL 50 XL 5GSamsung Galaxy A15 5GDisplay dimension, tech, decision, refresh price 6.78-inch FHD Plus, 2,460 x 1,080 pixels, 120 Hz refresh rate6.78-inch, 2,460 x 1,080 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate6.5-inch FHD Plus Super AMOLED; 2,340 x 1,080 pixels; 90Hz refresh ratePixel density 396 ppi396 ppi420 ppiDimensions (inches) 6.6 x 2.97 x 0.32 in.6.6 x 2.9 x 0.32 in.6.3 x 3.02 x 0.33 in.Dimensions (millimeters) 167.6 x 75.5 x 8.22mm167.6 x 73.6 x 8.1mm160 x 76.7 x 8.4 mmWeight (grams, ounces) 199.5g (6.9 oz)195g (6.9 oz)201g (7.09 oz.)Mobile software program Android 15Android 14Android 14Digicam 50-megapixel (predominant + macro digital camera), 5-megapixel (ultrawide), 2-megapixel (depth)50-megapixel (vast), 5-megapixel (ultrawide), 2-megapixel (depth)50-megapixel (vast), 5-megapixel (ultrawide), 2-megapixel (macro)Front-facing digital camera 32-megapixel8-megapixel13-megapixelVideo seize 1,080p at 30 fps1,080p1,080p at 30 fpsProcessor MediaTek Dimensity 6100 PlusMediaTek Dimensity 6100 PlusMediatek Dimensity 6100 PlusRAM/storage 8GB RAM + 128GB6GB RAM + 128GB4GB RAM + 128GBExpandable storage YesYesYesBattery 5,010 mAh5,010 mAh5,000 mAhFingerprint sensor SideSideSideConnector USB-CUSB-CUSB-CHeadphone jack YesYesYesSpecial options 5G connectivity, TCL NXTPAPER e-reader mode, TCL AI performance, 18W wired chargingNFC, 5G connectivity, TCL NxtVision, 18W wired charging25W wired charging, 800-nit brightnessUS worth begins at $250 (128GB)$160 (128GB)$200 (128GB)UK worth begins at £200 (128GB)£128 (128GB)£169 (128GB)Australia worth begins at AU$378 (128GB)AU$242 (128GB)AU$329 (128GB) How we take a look at phonesEvery telephone examined by CNET’s opinions group is definitely utilized in the actual world. We take a look at a telephone’s options, play video games and take photographs. We study the show to see if it is vibrant, sharp and vibrant. We analyze the design and construct to see how it’s to carry and whether or not it has an IP-rating for water resistance. We push the processor to its limits utilizing standardized benchmarks like GeekBench and 3DMark, together with our personal observations whereas navigating the interface, recording high-resolution movies and taking part in graphics-heavy video games at excessive refresh charges.All the cameras are examined in quite a lot of situations, from vibrant daylight to dim indoor scenes. We check out particular options, resembling evening mode and portrait mode, and examine our findings towards equally priced competing telephones. We additionally take a look at battery life via every day use and a collection of battery drain checks.We contemplate further options, resembling 5G assist, satellite tv for pc connectivity, fingerprint and face sensors, stylus compatibility, charging speeds and foldable shows, amongst different helpful instruments, too. And we steadiness all this towards the value to provide the verdict on whether or not that telephone, no matter worth it’s, truly represents good worth. Though these checks could not at all times be mirrored in CNET’s preliminary assessment, we conduct follow-up and long-term testing in most circumstances.Update, Aug. 14: The TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G prices $250.