TCL 50 Pro NXTPaper 5G: The smartphone that turns into a dumbphone at the flick of a switch

It’s 7am, and I’ve just picked up my phone. For the last few months, I’ve been using TCL’s 50 Pro NXTPaper 5G, a mid-range Android smartphone that would be unremarkable if it weren’t for the switchable e-reader mode that allows it to double as a dumbphone – cutting you off from social media apps and digital notifications. “Our results provide evidence that blocking mobile internet from smartphones for two weeks can produce significant improvements for subjective well-being, mental health, and the objectively measured ability to sustain attention.” open image in gallery The switch on the side of the TCL 50 NXTPaper 5 G, which transforms the screen into a paper-like e-reader, while also blocking social media apps and notifications Both Apple and Google have both attempted to address the issue with built-in controls for iOS and Android, though no smartphone maker has ever come up with a physical switch. YouTube tech reviewer Marques Brownlee described it as “the ultimate anti-reflective matte display”, in a video titled ‘Why don’t more smartphones have this?’ He ultimately concludes that it’s a niche feature that isn’t enough to draw people away from the more familiar brands with standard features, but author Michael Rosen, who serves as a brand ambassador for TCL, says he hopes it will encourage more people to read. “With one switch you can create a focused environment and enjoy immersive reading anytime, anywhere.” open image in gallery The TCL 50 Pro NXTPaper 5G serves as a decent mid-range smartphone when not in Max Ink Mode I’ve never enjoyed reading books on a screen, and the TCL phone hasn’t changed that.