TCL’s Paperlike OLED Phone Boosts Anticipation for the iPhone Duo

I’ve spent the last couple of weeks using a midrange Android phone that, while not particularly remarkable, features one standout element: a matte OLED display. This screen is undoubtedly the highlight of the TCL P80 Ultra, and it has surprisingly heightened my anticipation for the iPhone Duo and its matte inner display.

The TCL Nxtpaper 40 introduced matte displays to the company’s smartphones in 2023, following their debut on tablets in 2021. Nxtpaper isn’t just about a matte finish; it offers a paper-like texture and low-power monochrome modes that mimic an E Ink screen. However, the matte effect has always been the main attraction for me.

What sets the P80 Ultra apart is that it’s the first to merge Nxtpaper technology with an OLED panel. This combination results in the best-looking Nxtpaper display to date, featuring deeper blacks, improved contrast, and more vibrant colors. Previous models felt visually compromised, but this one does not. It also finally supports an always-on display, a feature that has been standard on Android devices for years, making the absence in TCL’s Nxtpaper phones a significant drawback for many users.

I’ve tried a few Nxtpaper phones over the years, but the trade-offs in specs and display quality often left me wanting. While some of that still holds true for the P80 Ultra, the display feels like a major win. As an OLED, it’s bright and stunning, with enough color and contrast for both scrolling and streaming. The matte finish makes it comfortable to view, even at high brightness or in low-light conditions, reducing flicker and blue light compared to most other screens. The anti-glare properties of Nxtpaper make this phone particularly enjoyable to use in bright settings, as it performed impressively under the harsh lights of a trade show. The viewing angles are excellent, maintaining visibility even when viewed from the side. Plus, the smooth, satiny texture means your finger glides more easily when swiping, which is a nice touch.

Being a Nxtpaper device, the P80 Ultra offers additional features. A dedicated toggle on the side activates one of two significant display modes. Paper Mode can wash out colors or switch to a fully monochrome display, making it easier on the eyes, with the option to exclude specific apps from this mode. Streaming apps and games are exempt by default. Max Ink Mode is even more drastic, providing a strictly monochrome experience that limits access to most apps and OS features, transforming the P80 Ultra into a device that feels like a cross between an e-reader and a basic phone.

While many phones rely on aftermarket matte screen protectors to achieve a similar effect, TCL isn’t the only brand exploring matte displays. Huawei has released several tablets with its PaperMatte panels, and Lenovo and Xiaomi have also introduced similar screens on select models. Matte screens enhance the artistic effect of Samsung’s Frame TVs and similar offerings from competitors. Apple has also utilized a nano-texture glass in its products.

Apple has offered this matte coating as an option on iPad Pro models since 2024, promoting its paper-like qualities for artists using the device for drawing. Now, it’s making its debut on a phone with the iPhone Duo, where Apple leverages the anti-glare effect to minimize the visibility of the foldable panel’s crease.

I haven’t had the chance to test the Duo yet, but using the P80 Ultra has definitely piqued my interest. The combination of a matte effect with the Duo’s large inner screen sounds promising, and it’s one of the few features that no Android foldable currently offers. My only concern is that Apple didn’t make the outer panel matte as well, which seems odd given the emphasis on a seamless transition between the two screens. Additionally, with its book-style design, Apple could miss an opportunity if it doesn’t implement an e-reader-inspired mode for the Duo, although the existing grayscale mode might serve as a decent alternative.

What’s particularly exciting about an iPhone adopting a matte panel is that we can expect Android brands to follow suit within the year, something TCL didn’t manage to inspire. We’ve already seen the Duo’s compact design reflected in devices from Samsung, Xiaomi, and Huawei, with Motorola hinting at its own version. While the Duo’s matte layer hasn’t yet prompted imitators, I suspect it’s only a matter of time, especially if it helps conceal foldable creases. Not every phone needs to be matte, but I would love to see more options available. Here’s hoping Apple’s influence in the industry makes that happen.