If you’ve clicked on this article, then you either know all about the TCL P80 Ultra, or at the very least, are interested in its NxtPaper AMOLED display. It’s interesting, so let’s talk about it. Or, just check out our TikTok on it. Back? Ok. Where were we? Oh, right, unboxing. In the box, you get the phone, a nice braided USB cable, and a solid case with a textured rear and cutouts for the buttons and ports. This isn’t your basic hard plastic or grey rubber case. The P80 Ultra ships in either 8/256GB or 8/512GB guise and costs €550 and €600, respectively. We have to say that’s the…
Design and Build Quality
The TCL P80 Ultra immediately stands out with its premium design and solid build. The phone feels substantial in the hand, thanks to its glass front and back, sandwiched by a sturdy aluminum frame. The back panel has a matte finish that resists fingerprints, which is a nice touch for keeping the device looking clean. The camera module is a rectangular island that houses three sensors and an LED flash. It protrudes slightly, but not enough to cause the phone to wobble when placed on a flat surface.
On the front, you’re greeted by a 6.8-inch NxtPaper AMOLED display with slim bezels and a centered punch-hole camera. The screen-to-body ratio is impressive, making the phone feel more compact than its size suggests. The power button and volume rocker are on the right side, both offering a satisfying click. The bottom houses the USB-C port, speaker grille, and SIM tray. The phone is available in two colors: Moonlight White and Starlight Black. We received the Moonlight White variant, which has a subtle pearlescent sheen that shifts under different lighting conditions.
NxtPaper AMOLED Display
The NxtPaper AMOLED display is the star of the show here. It’s a full-color AMOLED panel that can switch to a monochrome, e-ink-like mode with a single tap. This mode is perfect for reading, as it reduces eye strain and power consumption. The transition is seamless, and you can customize which apps trigger the mode. In full-color mode, the display is vibrant, with deep blacks and excellent contrast. It supports HDR10+ and has a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and gaming. The peak brightness is rated at 1,200 nits, making it readable outdoors even in direct sunlight.
What sets NxtPaper apart is its anti-glare coating, which minimizes reflections and makes the screen look like paper. This is a game-changer for outdoor use. The display also has a dedicated reading mode that adjusts the color temperature and brightness to mimic a physical book. Overall, the NxtPaper AMOLED is a versatile panel that caters to both media consumption and productivity.
Performance and Software
Under the hood, the TCL P80 Ultra is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of internal storage. This combination delivers flagship-level performance. Everyday tasks are handled with ease, and the phone can run demanding games like Genshin Impact at high settings without breaking a sweat. The 120Hz refresh rate makes animations feel fluid, and the touch sampling rate is responsive for gaming.
The phone runs Android 14 with TCL’s custom UI on top. The software is clean and close to stock Android, with a few useful additions like the NxtPaper mode toggle and a suite of TCL apps. TCL promises three years of OS updates and four years of security patches, which is decent for the price. The UI is smooth, and we didn’t notice any lag or stuttering during our hands-on time.
Battery and Charging
The P80 Ultra packs a 5,000mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day of heavy use. With the NxtPaper mode enabled, you can stretch it to two days. The phone supports 66W fast charging, and TCL includes a charger in the box. In our tests, it went from 0 to 50% in about 20 minutes, and a full charge took around 45 minutes. Wireless charging is also supported at 15W, which is a nice bonus.
Camera System
The camera setup on the TCL P80 Ultra is impressive for its price range. The triple rear camera consists of a 108MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro sensor. The main camera captures detailed photos with good dynamic range, even in challenging lighting conditions. The ultra-wide lens is great for landscapes and group shots, though it struggles a bit in low light. The macro sensor is fun for close-ups, but it’s not the most useful.
On the front, there’s a 32MP selfie camera that takes sharp and natural-looking selfies. The camera app is intuitive, with modes like Night, Portrait, and Pro. Video recording maxes out at 4K 30fps on the main camera, and 1080p on the front. The footage is stable thanks to OIS on the main sensor. Overall, the camera system is versatile and reliable for everyday photography.
Audio and Connectivity
The P80 Ultra has stereo speakers that get loud and clear, with a decent amount of bass. There’s no 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a downside for wired audio fans. Connectivity options include 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC. The phone also has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, which is great for peace of mind.
Unboxing Experience
The unboxing experience is straightforward but satisfying. The box is made of recycled materials, reflecting TCL’s commitment to sustainability. Inside, you’ll find the phone, a braided USB-C cable, a 66W charger, a SIM tool, and a clear protective case. The case has a textured back that improves grip and cutouts for the ports and buttons. It’s a thoughtful inclusion that saves you from buying a separate case.
The braided cable is a nice upgrade from the usual rubber cables, and it feels durable. The charger is compact and supports fast charging. There’s also a quick start guide and warranty information. Overall, the package is well-rounded and provides everything you need to get started.
First Impressions
Our first impressions of the TCL P80 Ultra are positive. The NxtPaper AMOLED display is a unique feature that sets it apart from other phones in its price range. The build quality is excellent, and the performance is flagship-level. The camera system is versatile, and the battery life is solid. At €550 for the 8/256GB model and €600 for the 8/512GB model, it offers great value for money. We’ll be putting the phone through its paces in a full review, so stay tuned for that.
Comparison with Competitors
The TCL P80 Ultra competes with the likes of the Google Pixel 8a, Samsung Galaxy A55, and OnePlus Nord 3. The Pixel 8a has a better camera and longer software support, but the P80 Ultra wins on display versatility and performance. The Galaxy A55 has a superior build and display, but the P80 Ultra offers better value with its NxtPaper technology. The Nord 3 is faster but lacks the unique display. Ultimately, the P80 Ultra holds its own against these rivals.
Who Should Buy It?
The TCL P80 Ultra is ideal for users who want a versatile display for reading and media, long battery life, and solid performance without breaking the bank. It’s also a good choice for those who value a clean software experience and timely updates. If you’re a heavy gamer or a professional photographer, you might want to look elsewhere, but for most people, the P80 Ultra is a compelling option.
Conclusion
The TCL P80 Ultra is a strong contender in the mid-range market. Its NxtPaper AMOLED display is a standout feature that offers a unique reading experience. The phone’s performance, battery life, and camera system are all impressive for the price. The unboxing experience is also thoughtful, with a braided cable and a quality case included. If you’re in the market for a new smartphone and want something different, the TCL P80 Ultra is worth considering. We’ll have a full review soon, so keep an eye out.
