Landing the latest affordable range TCL smartphone devices in our office for review was rather thrilling and at the same time curious, to what the large Chinese conglomerate which specialises in televisions has in store this time.
Priced competitively at RM 899 for the TCL 40 NXTPAPER and RM 999 for the TCL 40 NXTPAPER 5G, these smartphones are a steal for any budget-conscious consumer despite their unconventional naming.
Upon touching the device, the surface feels like it’s molded for my grip – no slip and slide even without the casing which is a plus due to my clumsy hands (I’ve dropped many phones and suffered both emotionally and financially before). The ergonomic design not only added a layer of comfort but also instilled a sense of confidence, knowing that the phone wouldn’t easily slip from my grasp, whether I was navigating crowded streets or capturing breathtaking vistas during my outdoor escapades.
Jumping into the nitty gritty of the device, let’s talk about the real game-changer here – the NXTPAPER display that we all know why TCL is globally so popular. The screen is amazingly reader friendly just like reading err… umm… paper! None of that eye strain nonsense, especially with that TÜV certification. My late-night TikTok-scrolling sessions just got a whole lot comfier.
Performance Machine
Performance-wise, despite being quite affordable for the price of Rm899, this phone’s performance is quite good. Thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset, it’s like a multitasking ninja, smoothly flipping between my apps without breaking a sweat. Additionally, the TCL UI 4.0, based on the user-friendly Android™ 12, felt like an intuitive guide, leading me seamlessly through my daily digital adventures with unparalleled ease and grace.
Its battery performance is quite impressive too. With a 5010mAh battery on board, this phone kept up with all my shenanigans, from capturing scenic views to filming my impromptu jam sessions. It never leaves me hanging. I’ve been bringing my powerbank here and there, adding weight to my handbag, but I think maybe it’ll be unnecessary from now on.
While the TCL 40 NXTPAPER series offers a versatile camera setup, the image quality, especially in low-light conditions, didn’t quite meet my high expectations. Despite the 50MP main camera’s attempt to capture intricate details, the results sometimes lacked the sharpness and vibrancy I was hoping for. Similarly, the 1080P video recording, while decent, didn’t quite deliver the lifelike quality I’ve seen in some other smartphones in this price range. As for the 8MP front camera, it managed to capture my smiles, but the overall sharpness and detail left something to be desired. So, if you’re not overly concerned about top-notch photo quality and prioritize other features, this could still be a solid choice for your smartphone needs.
When it comes to connectivity, the TCL 40 NXTPAPER series left no room for compromise. This phone supports GPS, A-GPS, BeiDou, Galileo, and GLONASS, hence I always stayed connected, even when I was exploring new places.
The face unlock and side fingerprint sensor kept my phone secure, which was a relief during my adventures.
In the fast-paced world of ever-evolving technology, the TCL 40 NXTPAPER series shines as a beacon of durability and longevity. Its promise of timely software updates and high-quality hardware ensures that this smartphone is not just a fleeting fancy but a reliable companion that will withstand the test of time, accompanying me through every twist and turn of my journey, both in the physical world and the digital realm.
Ratings: 4/5 Star
