A writer who spent several weeks testing the TCL P80 Ultra, a midrange Android phone equipped with a matte OLED display, reported that the screen quickly became the standout feature of the device. The display blends TCL’s proprietary Nxtpaper technology with a traditional OLED panel, which together deliver deeper blacks, stronger contrast, and more saturated colors than most competitors in the same price bracket.
The Nxtpaper system, first introduced in 2023, adds a paper-like texture to the surface and provides low-power, monochrome modes that approximate the look of an e-ink reader. The matte finish has consistently been the most praised aspect of the technology, and the P80 Ultra’s panel is currently regarded as the most refined implementation of Nxtpaper to date.
Matte Displays
One practical benefit of the P80 Ultra’s screen is its support for an always-on display, a capability that has been common on Android devices for several years. Earlier Nxtpaper-based phones lacked this function, which turned away many potential buyers. The current screen remains comfortable to view even when the brightness is set high or when the surrounding lighting is dim, thanks to reduced flicker and lower blue-light emission compared to typical OLED panels.
The device includes a dedicated side-mounted toggle that activates two distinct display states: Paper Mode and Max Ink Mode. Paper Mode desaturates the colors, creating a softer visual experience that eases eye strain during prolonged reading sessions. Max Ink Mode goes further by switching the panel to a strict monochrome output and limiting access to most apps and operating-system features, thereby extending battery life while keeping distractions to a minimum.
While TCL leads the charge with its Nxtpaper approach, several other manufacturers have introduced matte-styled screens on select models. Huawei, Lenovo, and Xiaomi each ship devices that feature similar low-glare surfaces, and Samsung’s Frame television line incorporates a matte effect for its displays. Apple also offers a comparable texture through its nano-texture glass option on iPad Pro models.
iPhone Duo
The iPhone Duo’s inner OLED panel carries a matte coating, marking the first time such a finish has appeared on a foldable phone. Using the P80 Ultra has made the reviewer more enthusiastic about trying the Duo, as pairing a matte surface with the device’s large inner screen promises an appealing combination.
Their only hesitation concerns the outer panel, which remains glossy rather than matte. Given the Duo’s book-like form factor, Apple might eventually add its own e-reader-inspired mode to bring the outer surface in line with the inner matte experience.
Performance-wise, the P80 Ultra feels sluggish at times, and the triple rear camera, while boasting respectable specifications, delivers image quality that is decidedly average. Nonetheless, the display stands out as an unequivocal advantage, offering a smooth, satiny texture that feels comfortable during extended use. The viewing angles are exceptionally wide, maintaining clear visibility even when the device is turned almost completely sideways.
