TCL 60 SE NxtPaper review
This phone suits people in 5G markets who prioritise long battery life and screen size for reading over raw performance or camera quality. Anyone who games, shoots video, or needs responsive app switching should look at a rival with a better chipset and faster display, even if battery life dips a notch.
This review is written with AI assistance from TCL’s published specifications and public benchmark data for the TCL 60 SE 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 60 SE NxtPaper is a budget 5G phone built around a low-power display and long battery life rather than speed or camera prowess. It's a sensible pick for light daily use in regions with 5G coverage, but the weak chipset and soft cameras mean you're paying for size and battery, not capability.
Design & build
The TCL 60 SE is a straightforward phone: 190 grams, thin at 8.2 mm, and squared edges that feel modern without affectation. The plastic or composite body is typical for this price and won't turn heads, but IP54 protection against dust and water splashes adds practical durability for a device under €200. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is fast and doesn't miss, though it picks up sweat and oils more than an in-display alternative would. The dual nano-SIM setup is useful for regional switching, and the microSD slot (sharing the slot, mind) means you can avoid the 256GB constraint if needed. Mohs level 5 glass scratches easily, so expect the display to show wear after a few months of pocket carry without a screen protector.
Display
The 6.7-inch IPS LCD is the best-argued reason to buy this phone. At 550 nits typical brightness, outdoor readability is solid even in sunlight, and the 120Hz refresh makes scrolling through feeds smoother than the 60Hz you'd find on older budget rivals. The pitch is that NxtPaper technology reduces blue light and eye strain during long reading sessions—useful if you're spending hours on text and social media. The catch is the 720x1600 resolution: 262 ppi on a 6.7-inch screen means text and small UI elements lack the crispness of 1080p displays at the same size, visible if you hold it close. Colours are dull compared to AMOLED, and blacks are washed-out greys, which matters for video consumption but less so if you're mostly reading. For a budget large-screen phone aimed at reading, the trade-off is deliberate.
Performance
The Dimensity 6300 is a mainstream entry-level chip from 2024, built on 6 nm process but paired with Mali-G57 GPU, which is several generations old. In practical terms: everyday apps, messaging, and light social browsing feel fine. Gaming is restricted to titles like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact at medium settings, where you'll see 30–40 fps, and sudden frame drops during intense scenes. Any AAA or demanding modern game will choke or won't run at acceptable framerates. The 8GB RAM is adequate for app switching without constant reloads, and 256GB storage is enough, though the microSD slot shares the SIM tray, forcing a choice if you use both cards. Performance here is functional for light work, not a selling point.
Software
Android 15 ships fresh out of the box, which is standard for a March 2025 announcement. TCL's skin is typically light on bloat compared to heavier overlays, though regional variants may ship with carrier apps. Software updates are a question mark—TCL's commitment to patches is inconsistent, and budget phones often drop security support within a year or two. For a phone at this price, don't assume quarterly patches or two-year OS upgrades.
Camera
The 50 MP main camera with f/1.8 aperture and 0.7 µm pixels captures decent detail in bright daylight and handles low-light rooms reasonably well thanks to the wide aperture. At 1080p video and no optical zoom, you won't be cropping into distant subjects without degradation. The 5 MP ultrawide is more about fitting people into group shots than serious expansion of field of view; the crop is noticeable. The 8 MP selfie is adequate for video calls but unspectacular for high-resolution self-portraits. There's no telephoto, macro, or meaningful night mode, which is standard for this price but still a limitation if you're comparing to phones €50 higher. Photos look flat and slightly desaturated compared to rivals with better processing pipelines.
Battery & charging
The 5200 mAh battery is this phone's crown jewel. On typical mixed use (messaging, some social media, occasional video), expect a full day and then some—often into the evening of day two before you need to plug in. Heavy gaming or video streaming cuts that to a single full day. The 18W wired charging takes about 90 to 120 minutes from dead to full, and a quick 30-minute top-up lands you around 40 percent. This is slow by 2025 standards; competitors now routinely offer 33W or faster, cutting total charging time nearly in half. If you charge overnight, it's not a daily pain, but it does feel outdated.
Value & verdict-context
At €192 (roughly $210 USD equivalent), the TCL 60 SE NxtPaper targets buyers in price-sensitive markets, particularly those with 5G coverage. The strength is simplicity: a large, eye-friendly screen and battery life that doesn't demand daily charging. The weakness is performance—if you do anything demanding, the chip falters—and the camera, which is ordinary without any standout lens. The 720p display is a sacrifice to hit the price and battery target, and 18W charging is laggy. For someone who reads, messages, and browses light content, this makes sense. For someone juggling apps or wanting to shoot quality video, or who values snappy responsiveness, there are better options at the same price with faster chips and better displays, even if battery life suffers. The NxtPaper screen is genuinely useful for reading, but it's not a universal draw.
Verdict
This phone suits people in 5G markets who prioritise long battery life and screen size for reading over raw performance or camera quality. Anyone who games, shoots video, or needs responsive app switching should look at a rival with a better chipset and faster display, even if battery life dips a notch.
- 5200 mAh battery easily lasts a day and a half on typical use, with charging overhead manageable at 18W
- 6.7-inch 120Hz IPS LCD with NxtPaper blue-light filtering and 550 nits brightness suits extended reading and outdoor visibility without glare
- 5G connectivity SA/NSA where available, dual SIM, and microSD expansion (though it shares the SIM slot)
- IP54 dust and splash protection with side-mounted fingerprint sensor keeps the design simple and responsive
- Dimensity 6300 and Mali-G57 GPU struggle with anything beyond light apps and low-settings gaming; don't expect sustained performance in demanding titles
- 720p LCD on a 6.7-inch screen yields 262 ppi, soft text compared to 1080p rivals at this price, and no AMOLED means blacks won't pop
- 18W charging is slow by 2025 standards; rivals in this tier now hit 33W or faster, cutting your wait time in half
TCL 60 SE NxtPaper Key Specifications
The essentials at a glance. See the full spec sheet.
| Released | 2025, March 03 |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio), IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ) |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) |
| RAM & storage | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.5", 0.7µm, PDAF 5 MP, (ultrawide) |
| Selfie camera | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Battery | 5200 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired |
| Software | Android 15 |
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 76.2 x 8.2 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Durability | IP54 dust protected and water resistant (water splashes) |
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| NFC | Yes |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 |
TCL 60 SE NxtPaper FAQ
Common questions, answered from the spec sheet.
Does the 60 SE NxtPaper support 5G?
Yes. The 60 SE NxtPaper supports 5G networks.
What chipset does the 60 SE NxtPaper use?
The 60 SE NxtPaper runs on the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm).
What display does the 60 SE NxtPaper have?
A 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ), 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density).
How big is the 60 SE NxtPaper battery?
The 60 SE NxtPaper has a 5200 mAh battery. Charging is rated at 18W wired.
Does the 60 SE NxtPaper have NFC?
Yes, the 60 SE NxtPaper has NFC.
Is the 60 SE NxtPaper water resistant?
The 60 SE NxtPaper carries a IP54 dust protected and water resistant (water splashes) rating.
Does the 60 SE NxtPaper support a microSD card?
Yes, the 60 SE NxtPaper supports expandable storage (microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)).
Does the 60 SE NxtPaper have a headphone jack?
Yes, the 60 SE NxtPaper has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Alternatives to consider
If the 60 SE NxtPaper isn’t quite right, these are the closest calls.
60 SE NXTpaper 5G
60 XE NXTpaper 5G
60 XE NxtPaper
60 NxtPaper 4G
Galaxy M17e
