At the start of the month, Channel News reported on the leaks concerning an upcoming TCL 7.2-inch NxtPaper phone.

TCL is also reportedly preparing to roll out its paper-like NxtPaper display technology in an 8-inch 5G tablet.

Images of the upcoming TCL Tab 8 NxtPaper 5G, shared by reliable tipster Evan Blass, show a slim, minimalist design with slim bezels on the sides and slightly larger ones framing the top and bottom.

Dual speaker grilles sit at either end, and TCL has even kept a 3.5mm headphone jack, an increasingly rare inclusion on tablets.

The leak also shows both SIM and microSD support, making it carrier-friendly, with US availability through Verizon expected.

At the heart of the tablet is TCL’s NxtPaper display, designed to cut glare and eye strain while offering low blue-light output and zero flicker.

The generation of the panel hasn’t been confirmed in the leak.

Like larger NxtPaper models, it can switch between vibrant full-colour and a monochrome E Ink-style mode at the tap of a dedicated “NxtPaper Key.”

Stylus support is mentioned in the leak, aiming to replicate a pen-on-paper experience for note-takers, students, and creatives, though this has not yet been confirmed by TCL.

Specs remain under wraps, with TCL yet to confirm processor, RAM, resolution, pricing, or, of course, a release date.

The device likely follows the TCL Tab 8 4G released in 2022.

The combination of portability, 5G connectivity, and eye-friendly display could carve out a niche among students, commuters, and professionals looking for a small, comfortable reading and work device.

If priced competitively, the TCL Tab 8 NxtPaper 5G could emerge as one of the more practical compact tablets in a market where iPads dominate and Android alternatives often struggle for visibility.

The emphasis on eye health and versatility may give TCL an edge as screen time continues to soar globally.