TCL's P80 Ultra blends e-ink-style reading with a flagship OLED screen
TCL's P80 Ultra is the company's first Nxtpaper phone to feature an OLED display, allowing users to switch between a low-power monochrome e-reader mode and a full-color, high-performance panel. The 6.83-inch screen offers 1.5K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, 3,200 nits peak brightness, and an anti-glare coating. The device runs standard Android software most of the time, with the paper-like mode available for reading or minimizing distractions.
The P80 Ultra marks the first commercial application of TCL's OLED Nxtpaper technology, which was initially previewed at Mobile World Congress in March. The handset's defining feature is its dedicated Nxtpaper Key, which toggles between standard Android operation and Max Ink Mode—a stripped-down, monochrome interface designed to mimic e-reader behavior while reducing notifications and app access. In this mode, the 5,800mAh battery stretches to roughly seven days of active use or 26 days on standby.
TCL also introduced two companion devices alongside the Ultra. The P80 Pro retains the OLED Nxtpaper panel but drops the telephoto camera, while the base P80 omits Nxtpaper features entirely and carries a smaller battery. All three ship with Android 16, though the Ultra and Pro receive four years of OS updates and seven years of security patches, one more Android version than the entry model.
This hybrid approach could appeal to readers who currently carry both a smartphone and a dedicated e-reader, potentially consolidating two devices into one. The monochrome mode's extended battery life may also benefit travelers or users seeking digital detox periods without abandoning their primary phone. However, the midrange chipset and camera system suggest TCL is positioning this as a niche alternative rather than a true flagship competitor, so its broader impact may depend on whether the paper-like display experience justifies the compromise for everyday users.