TCL P80 Ultra Features Matte OLED Screen with Improved Display

A midrange Android phone has caught my attention due to its exceptional display feature - a matte OLED screen that is unmatched in its class.

The TCL P80 Ultra's display stands out from other features of this otherwise unremarkable phone, and surprisingly, it has left me more eager than ever for the iPhone Duo with its own matte inner display.

TCL first introduced the Nxtpaper technology on tablets back in 2021, which was then brought to their phones with the 2023 TCL Nxtpaper 40 model. This innovation goes beyond just giving screens a matte finish; it also includes features like a paperlike feel and low-power monochrome modes that mimic an E Ink display.

The P80 Ultra's OLED panel is the first to combine Nxtpaper tech, making its matte effect the most impressive yet - with deeper blacks, better contrast, and richer colors. This model finally allows for an always-on display, a feature that has been standard on Android for years but was previously unavailable on TCL's Nxtpaper phones due to this exact limitation.

The display on the P80 Ultra has undergone a significant transformation, boasting an OLED panel that shines bright and beautiful. With sufficient color and contrast, it's well-suited for both scrolling through content and streaming videos. The matte finish is also noteworthy, as it keeps the screen comfortable to look at even when cranked up to high brightness or in dimly lit environments.

The Nxtpaper technology has managed to reduce flicker and blue light emission, making this display a standout among its peers. This anti-glare effect proves particularly beneficial in brighter environments, where other displays might struggle to maintain visibility. The P80 Ultra's screen looked impressive under the bright lights of TCL's IFA tradeshow booth, a testament to its capabilities.

Viewing angles on the P80 Ultra are also excellent, allowing for good visibility even when the phone is held at an angle or nearly side-on. This makes it easy to share content with others without sacrificing image quality. Overall, the display has become one of the most appealing aspects of the P80 Ultra, a significant improvement over its predecessors.

The display's upgrade is particularly notable given that TCL was previously unable to implement always-on displays on their Nxtpaper phones due to technical limitations. This model finally allows for this feature, which has been standard on Android devices for years but was previously unavailable on these specific phones.

The Nxtpaper phone takes its paper-like OLED display to the next level with two additional modes that cater to different user preferences. One of these modes is Paper Mode, which reduces the color intensity and can be set to monochromatic for optimal eye comfort. Users have the option to exclude specific apps from this mode, allowing them to continue running normally while still benefiting from reduced visual strain.

The default setting for Paper Mode excludes streaming services and games to minimize distractions during these activities. However, users can choose to include or exclude individual apps as needed. This flexibility ensures that users can customize their experience according to their needs and preferences.

Another mode available on the Nxtpaper phone is Max Ink Mode, which takes a more drastic approach by removing most color and rendering the display in strict monochrome. This mode also restricts access to most apps and OS features, creating an environment with minimal distractions that's similar to an e-reader or a basic phone.

TCL isn't alone in offering hardware with matte displays; other manufacturers like Huawei, Lenovo, and Xiaomi have also developed such screens for their tablets and select models, suggesting a growing interest in this type of display technology.

The trend of matte displays has been gaining momentum in the tech industry, with several manufacturers experimenting with this type of screen technology. Samsung's Frame TVs are a notable example of how a matte finish can enhance the viewing experience by minimizing glare and reflections.

Apple has also explored the concept of matte screens, offering nano-texture glass as an optional feature on iPad Pro models since 2024. This coating is designed to mimic the look and feel of paper, making it ideal for artists and creatives who use their devices as drawing tools.

The iPhone Duo's OLED inner screen features a matte coating, which Apple claims will minimize the visibility of the foldable panel's crease. The company relies on the anti-glare effect to create a seamless experience when switching between the two screens.

However, some might find it puzzling that Apple did not extend this matte finish to the outer panel, given its emphasis on creating a seamless transition between the inner and outer displays. This decision may lead to a jarring experience when navigating between the two screens.

The book-style form factor of the iPhone Duo has sparked an idea for Apple: creating an e-reader-inspired mode that mimics TCL's innovative feature. This could be a crucial move in differentiating the phone from other devices and offering users a unique experience.

As it stands, Android brands are already starting to take cues from the Duo's design, with Samsung, Xiaomi, and Huawei incorporating similar features into their own handsets. Motorola has even hinted at its own version of the squat form factor, indicating that the industry is taking notice.

The matte layer on the Duo remains a standout feature that hasn't yet been widely imitated, but it's likely only a matter of time before other manufacturers try to replicate its success in hiding foldable creases.