By Jessica Williams
The Appleton Times
At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, TCL unveiled its latest advancements in display technology, bringing back the innovative Max Ink Mode on the new NXTPaper 70 Pro smartphone and introducing the specialized Note A1 tablet designed for note-taking enthusiasts. The announcements highlight TCL's push into midrange devices with e-ink-like screens that aim to reduce eye strain and mimic the feel of paper, appealing to users tired of glossy smartphone displays.
The NXTPaper 70 Pro features a 6.9-inch NXTPaper 4.0 screen with a textured, matte finish that provides a paperlike experience, according to details shared at the event. This technology, which TCL has been developing since its debut in earlier models, now includes full dust and water resistance with an IP68 rating, making it more durable for everyday use. The device is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset and comes with 8GB of RAM, positioning it as a solid midrange option.
One of the standout returns is Max Ink Mode, described by TCL representatives as "part focus mode, part minimalist launcher, and all the way to the max." This feature transforms the screen into a distraction-free interface, ideal for reading or productivity tasks, building on the success of previous NXTPaper phones. The 70 Pro also includes a 50-megapixel main camera equipped with optical image stabilization, an upgrade from the more basic setup on its predecessor.
For comparison, the TCL 60 XE, the only NXTPaper smartphone released in the U.S. in 2025, featured entry-level specs like a MediaTek 6000-series chip and retailed for $249. The 70 Pro, priced at €339 in Europe—approximately $400—suggests it will command a higher price point in the American market, though TCL has not yet announced a U.S. price or release date. Industry observers note that this pricing could position the 70 Pro as a competitive alternative to devices from brands like Samsung or Google in the sub-$500 segment.
TCL's NXTPaper technology originated as a way to combat blue light exposure and screen fatigue, with earlier iterations appearing on tablets and phones since 2022. The 4.0 version in the 70 Pro enhances color accuracy and brightness while maintaining the anti-glare properties that users have praised for extended reading sessions. At CES, demonstrations showed the screen's ability to switch seamlessly between standard mode and the ink-like Max Ink Mode, drawing interest from tech reviewers.
Shifting focus to tablets, TCL introduced the Note A1 NXTPaper, a device tailored as a competitor to the ReMarkable series, emphasizing handwriting over full multimedia capabilities. According to product specifications, it sports an 11.5-inch display with the same paperlike NXTPaper technology, running a simplified version of Android customized by TCL to limit apps and prioritize note-taking functions.
The Note A1 includes only a select few applications, such as Microsoft Edge and Outlook, with no access to the Google Play Store, as reported in hands-on previews from the show floor. Users will primarily interact with the dedicated note interface, which features a "circle to save" shortcut that captures content and adds it to an area called the Inspiration Space. This design choice aims to streamline workflows for writers, students, and professionals who prefer digital ink over traditional paper.
Connectivity on the Note A1 is limited to Wi-Fi, with no cellular option, keeping the device lightweight and focused. It comes bundled with the T-Pen Pro stylus, which provides haptic feedback simulating different writing tools—for instance, a "pencil" mode delivers a scratchy sensation. However, the stylus lacks pressure sensitivity, a feature found in some rival devices, which previewers noted as a potential drawback to the overall illusion of real writing.
Additional software perks include AI-powered writing and handwriting assistants that can convert notes to text or suggest improvements, according to TCL's demo materials. A notable hardware inclusion is a physical home button, a rarity in modern tablets, which adds tactile navigation. The device is set to launch at the end of February, with a standard price of $549, though early adopters can preorder via Kickstarter for a discounted $419.
CES 2026, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 7 to 10, has been a hub for display innovations, with companies like TCL showcasing how e-ink-inspired tech is evolving beyond e-readers. TCL's broader lineup at the event also touched on sustainable manufacturing, with executives emphasizing reduced plastic use in packaging for the NXTPaper series. This aligns with growing consumer demand for eco-friendly gadgets amid global pushes for greener tech.
While the NXTPaper 70 Pro builds on the 60 XE's U.S. availability, the Note A1 marks TCL's first foray into specialized tablets for the American market. Previous NXTPaper tablets were more limited in scope, often confined to international releases. Analysts suggest that the $549 price for the Note A1 could challenge incumbents like the ReMarkable 2, which retails around $279 but lacks color support or app integration.
Hands-on reports from CES highlight the Note A1's battery life, projected at up to two weeks for light use, thanks to the low-power NXTPaper display. Photography credits from The Verge's coverage, by Allison Johnson, captured the stylus in action, showing smooth gliding over the textured surface. TCL officials did not provide exact battery figures for the 70 Pro, but past models in the series have exceeded 10 hours of screen time.
The resurgence of Max Ink Mode comes at a time when digital wellness features are increasingly sought after, with apps and modes designed to limit notifications gaining popularity post-pandemic. TCL's approach integrates this directly into the hardware, potentially setting it apart from software-only solutions on iOS or Android devices. European pricing for the 70 Pro at €339 includes VAT, which could translate to a U.S. MSRP closer to $450 after import adjustments.
Looking ahead, TCL plans to expand NXTPaper across more products, including potential laptops, as hinted in side sessions at CES. The Note A1's Kickstarter campaign, already live, has garnered interest from creative professionals, with backers receiving units by late February. For the 70 Pro, U.S. availability might follow a spring rollout, similar to the 60 XE's timeline.
These launches underscore TCL's strategy to differentiate in a crowded smartphone and tablet market through unique display tech, potentially capturing niche audiences focused on productivity and eye health. As CES wraps up, the buzz around NXTPaper suggests TCL could gain ground against larger competitors, provided pricing and availability align with consumer expectations.