TCL 50 Pro NxtPaper review
The TCL 50 Pro suits buyers who prioritize battery life, screen size, and basic 5G connectivity over raw speed or modern display resolution. If you spend your days reading emails and news on a large screen, rarely game, and do not mind an hour of charging time, this phone is a sensible choice. Anyone expecting flagship-paced performance, sharp text on a large display, or fast charging should look elsewhere within the €300 budget—there are sharper, faster competitors that do not sacrifice as much.
This review is based on TCL’s published specifications and public benchmark data for the TCL 50 Pro NxtPaper, and the rating is spec-based. GoSolo does not physically test devices; where we estimate real-world behaviour such as battery life or charge time, we say so. How we rate phones.
Overview
The TCL 50 Pro NxtPaper is a large-screen daily driver with solid endurance and 5G connectivity, held back by middling performance and a display that looks softer than rivals at its 6.8-inch size and price point. It suits buyers who prioritize battery life and screen real estate over speed or camera sharpness, but the Dimensity 6300 and 1080p resolution feel dated against €300 competitors.
Design & build
At 196g and 8mm thick, the TCL 50 Pro feels light for its 6.8-inch footprint and sits comfortably in one hand. The device eschews glass for a more understated industrial look—no flash, just straightforward edges and flat back. Mohs level 7 protection on the display is standard for this tier and should handle everyday bumps, though the spec sheet says nothing about the frame or back materials, suggesting they may not be premium. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is reliable and fast enough for unlock speed. Dual SIM or SIM plus microSD flexibility is practical for regional switching or travel.
Display
The 6.8-inch IPS LCD delivers a 120Hz refresh rate, which keeps scrolling smooth in menus and web pages. However, the 1080×2460 resolution yields only 395 ppi—at this screen size, text edges look softer and fine graphics less crisp than sharper competitors at or near the same price. At €300, phones with 1200p or higher at this diagonal are becoming routine in global markets, making this panel feel like a spec compromise to keep costs down. The NxtPaper technology, which likely mimics ink-on-paper rendering, is a nice touch for reading-heavy users and may ease eye strain, but it does not salvage the underlying resolution shortfall. For everyday messaging and social media, it is fine; for reading small fonts or viewing photographs, you will notice the softness.
Performance
The Dimensity 6300 is an entry-level midrange chip that handles Android 14, email, web browsing, and light gaming without stutter. The 8GB RAM keeps app switching swift. In sustained 3D gaming or video export tasks, however, the processor will thermal-throttle, causing frame drops and slowdowns. This is by design for the price and power budget. Against rivals with Snapdragon 6 or 7 series chips, or higher-end Dimensity models, the 6300 feels one step behind. For a user doing email, navigation, and casual social media, it is adequate; anyone planning to game or multitask heavily should budget for something faster.
Software
The TCL 50 Pro ships with Android 14 and promises up to two major version upgrades. That roadmap is better than many budget brands offer, though it falls short of flagship timelines. The interface appears clean with minimal TCL bloat visible in the spec sheet, though real-world testing would reveal any hidden apps or ads. Software support is adequate but not exceptional for this price tier.
Camera
The rear setup leans on a 108MP f/1.8 main sensor with phase-detect autofocus, flanked by an 8MP 120-degree ultrawide and a token 2MP macro. In well-lit conditions, the main camera takes sharp, detailed shots; the f/1.8 aperture helps in lower light, though it does not turn this into a low-light specialist. The ultrawide is standard issue with its modest sensor size (1/4.0"). The macro is placeholder-grade and best ignored. Video maxes out at 1080p@30fps, which is soft by modern standards—no 4K, no 60fps, and no stabilization listed. For Instagram stories and WhatsApp clips, it is fine; for anyone who shoots video to keep or edit, the limitation is real. The 32MP selfie should handle video calls and the occasional social-media snap without disappointment.
Battery & charging
The 5010 mAh battery is the phone's strongest point. Paired with the efficient Dimensity 6300, it easily delivers a full day of moderate use—web, messaging, some video streaming, and light apps. Heavy users might reach the charger by evening; light users can stretch to a day and a half. At 33W wired charging, however, expect 50–70 minutes from empty to full. That is not competitive at this price; rivals now routinely offer 65W to 120W, cutting charge time in half or more. If you travel or change phones often, slow charging becomes frustrating.
Value & verdict-context
The TCL 50 Pro costs around €300 and competes against mid-tier phones from Motorola, Samsung A-series, and Xiaomi. At this price point in 2024–2025, the baseline for a large screen is 1200p resolution, and 65W charging is common. The TCL's 1080p display and 33W charging lag behind what the market expects at €300. The trade-off: a heavier battery and excellent all-day endurance. The Dimensity 6300 is a known quantity—not a flagship killer, not even close—but reliable for everyday work. The inclusion of a headphone jack, stereo speakers, and microSD expansion are real plusses for users who value those features, and 5G is genuinely useful where available. The camera is competent rather than impressive, and the software promise is modest but real.
Verdict
The TCL 50 Pro suits buyers who prioritize battery life, screen size, and basic 5G connectivity over raw speed or modern display resolution. If you spend your days reading emails and news on a large screen, rarely game, and do not mind an hour of charging time, this phone is a sensible choice. Anyone expecting flagship-paced performance, sharp text on a large display, or fast charging should look elsewhere within the €300 budget—there are sharper, faster competitors that do not sacrifice as much.
- 5010 mAh battery easily lasts a full day of moderate use, and 5G connectivity is included at this price
- Large 6.8-inch display with 120Hz refresh keeps scrolling smooth, and NxtPaper tech reduces eye strain for extended reading
- Headphone jack and stereo speakers remain; microSD slot lets you expand beyond 512GB without sacrificing a SIM
- Solid 108MP main camera with PDAF handles daylight shots well
- 1080p resolution at 395 ppi on a 6.8-inch screen means text and fine detail look noticeably softer than sharper phones in the €250–350 range
- 33W charging is slow; expect nearly an hour to go from empty to full, and rivals now hit 65W or higher at this price
- Dimensity 6300 is entry-level midrange; sustained gaming will trigger throttling and frame drops
TCL 50 Pro NxtPaper Key Specifications
The essentials at a glance. See the full spec sheet.
| Released | 2024, September 04 |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio), IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) |
| RAM & storage | 512GB 8GB RAM |
| Main camera | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) |
| Selfie camera | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.45", 0.64µm |
| Battery | 5010 mAh |
| Charging | 33W wired |
| Software | Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades |
| Dimensions | 167.6 x 75.5 x 8 mm (6.60 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| NFC | Yes |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 |
TCL 50 Pro NxtPaper FAQ
Common questions, answered from the spec sheet.
Does the 50 Pro NxtPaper support 5G?
Yes. The 50 Pro NxtPaper supports 5G networks.
What chipset does the 50 Pro NxtPaper use?
The 50 Pro NxtPaper runs on the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm).
What display does the 50 Pro NxtPaper have?
A 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio) IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density).
How big is the 50 Pro NxtPaper battery?
The 50 Pro NxtPaper has a 5010 mAh battery. Charging is rated at 33W wired.
Does the 50 Pro NxtPaper have NFC?
Yes, the 50 Pro NxtPaper has NFC.
Does the 50 Pro NxtPaper support a microSD card?
Yes, the 50 Pro NxtPaper supports expandable storage (microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)).
Does the 50 Pro NxtPaper have a headphone jack?
Yes, the 50 Pro NxtPaper has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Alternatives to consider
If the 50 Pro NxtPaper isn’t quite right, these are the closest calls.
50 Pro NXTpaper 5G
50 NXTpaper 5G
50 NxtPaper
50 XE NxtPaper
Galaxy M16 5G
