The TCL NxtPaper display technology is being scaled into a more compact form factor with the forthcoming TCL Tab 8 NxtPaper 5G, following successes in smartphones and large tablets, 9To5Google reported. The move demonstrates TCL’s ongoing commitment to making screens healthier for users, particularly at a time when screen fatigue is becoming a significant consumer concern.
What’s New: Compact, 5G-Enabled NxtPaper Tablet
Leaked images by trusted tech leaker Evan Blass show a sleek new 8-inch Android tablet coming to Verizon under the tentative name TCL Tab 8 NxtPaper 5G. The design features slimmer side bezels, though the top and bottom edges are slightly wider. Other features the upcoming tablet is expected to come with include stereo speakers, a headphone jack, USB-C, and a dedicated NxtPaper key. The latter will let you switch the TCL NxtPaper display from a paper-like screen to a traditional LCD display depending on the content you are viewing. This dedicated button could be a real differentiator for students and professionals who often switch between reading and media consumption.
8-inch TCL tablet headed to Verizon. pic.twitter.com/4wNOoUu2xi
— Evan Blass (@evleaks) September 8, 2025
The TCL Tab 8 NxtPaper 5G makes a lot of sense as it will let the company fill a notable gap between its existing large-format NxtPaper tablets featuring 10-inch and above displays on the one hand and their NxtPaper smartphone line-up on the other. This will offer users a more portable yet powerful device option who want something that is larger than a smartphone but smaller than a 10-inch or so tablet device.
What Makes TCL NxtPaper Display Technology Special?
TCL’s proprietary NxtPaper display blends LCD clarity with eye-comfort features usually associated with E Ink:
- Zero Flickering & DC Dimming reduce screen-induced strain.
- Anti-glare matte surfaces with nano-etched layers eliminate reflections.
- Blue Light filtration down to ~3.4 percent improves long-duration viewing without yellowish tinting.
- Modes tailored for comfort, such as Circadian adjustments, Eye Comfort Auto-calibration, and even monochrome ‘Ink Paper’ modes via the NxtPaper key.
Android Central praises NxtPaper 4.0’s near-100 % sRGB accuracy and its ability to render comfortable vibrancy for comics and articles, though still lagging behind OLED in brightness and HDR vividness.
These combined elements make NxtPaper one of the few technologies aiming to bridge the gap between traditional LCDs and e-readers.
Why This Matters — Versatility Meets Wellness
- Eye Health at the Core
In a world glued to screens, NxtPaper offers a distinctive choice—combining readability with full-color richness. - Perfect Mid-Size Device
The anticipated 8-inch model is more portable than a large tablet but more immersive than a phone, ideal for reading, note-taking, or extended browsing. - Seamless Mode Switching
With the hardware NxtPaper key, users can toggle reading-friendly modes instantly. This offer a key edge over traditional tablets or laptops.
Industry-wide, TCL continues to push a compelling narrative of well-being through display innovation—from the MWC launch of the 11 Plus tablet with AI-managed visual modes to the eye-care smartphone, NXTPAPER 60 Ultra, showcased at IFA with paperlike visual comfort and Max Ink reading mode.
Specifications To Watch
Feature | Detail |
Device | TCL Tab 8 NxtPaper 5G |
Display | ~8 inch NxtPaper eye-friendly panel |
Connectivity | 5G, USB-C, headphone jack, microSD/SIM combo slot |
Unique Feature | Dedicated NxtPaper key for switching display modes |
Launch | Leaked; no confirmed specs or date yet Notebookcheck9to5Google |
Final Thoughts
TCL’s expansion of the NxtPaper display into a compact 8-inch tablet signals a thoughtful step forward in user-centered design. By merging mobility with paper-like comfort, TCL may well redefine how we expect digital devices to feel. This is especially true for long reading sessions or screen-intensive work. If priced competitively, it could become the go-to option for readers, students, and frequent travelers who want a healthier screen experience without sacrificing features.
Watching for further details, which include launch timing, processor specs, screen resolution, and pricing. All of this will shed more light on how this device will stand out.