TCL has launched the TCL 503 smartphone in South Africa, targeting users who need reliable performance and essential features at an entry-level price.

TCL 503 Smartphone Specifications

The TCL 503 comes with a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display offering a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels and a pixel density of 267 ppi. The screen includes a notch housing the front-facing camera. TCL has integrated its NXTVISION technology into the display, which enhances color balance and overall clarity to improve everyday viewing quality.

Under the hood, the device runs on the Unisoc SC9863A chipset, paired with an octa-core CPU (4x 1.6GHz + 4x 1.2GHz Cortex-A55). It comes with 3GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card up to 512GB. The phone also supports up to 6GB of usable memory through an additional 3GB of virtual RAM. It runs Android 14 (Go edition), designed for smoother operation on budget hardware.

For photography, the TCL 503 is equipped with an 8MP main rear camera and a 0.08MP secondary sensor, with software interpolation raising the effective output to 13MP. Features include autofocus, LED flash, HDR, and panorama support, with video recording at 1080p@30fps. A 5MP front camera handles selfies and video calls.

Powering the device is a 5000mAh non-removable battery, supporting extended use across communication, media, and browsing. It charges over USB-C and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio.

The phone supports dual Nano SIM cards and connects to GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks. It lacks 5G but offers standard connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, FM radio, and OTG. Security is handled through a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner and face unlock.

In terms of design, the TCL 503 has a glass front, plastic back, and plastic frame. It weighs 185.5g and measures 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm. It comes in four color options: Black, White, Blue, and Grey. Other features include an accelerometer and virtual proximity sensing.

The TCL 503 was announced in February 2024 and became globally available in October 2024. It is priced at $120 (approximately ZAR 2,200 in South Africa).

In related news, TCL has launched the NXTPAPER 11 Plus in the US, featuring a paper-like display and priced at $249. Meanwhile, TCL CSOT has confirmed an exclusive display partnership with Xiaomi for its upcoming MIX Flip 2 smartphone and YU7 vehicle, strengthening its role in the flexible OLED panel market.

TCL is bringing its NXTPAPER tech back into the spotlight with the launch of the NXTPAPER 11 Plus in the US. Priced at $249 and available exclusively through Walmart, the new tablet blends a unique paper-like viewing experience with modern hardware and Android 15 out of the box, positioning it as a budget-friendly alternative to eye-fatiguing LCD slates.

TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus Specifications

The NXTPAPER 11 Plus comes with TCL’s fourth-generation NXTPAPER display technology. Unlike traditional LCDs, this 11.5-inch 2.2K screen uses nano-etched layers to create a matte, anti-glare surface that mimics the visual comfort of real paper. TCL claims the panel filters 61% more blue light than standard displays, reduces fingerprints and smudges, and maintains vivid color accuracy across use cases. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate and touch sampling for fluid scrolling, making it just as suitable for fast-paced multitasking as for reading or creative sketching.

Under the hood, the tablet is powered by a MediaTek Helio G100 processor clocked at up to 2.2GHz, paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. While there’s no SD card slot, the onboard memory should be ample for casual users. TCL is positioning this tablet for streaming and productivity, aided by a large 8000mAh battery with 33W fast charging support. Battery life is further optimized via TCL’s Smart Manager and battery saver modes, which the company says should deliver a full day of typical usage.

On the software front, the NXTPAPER 11 Plus ships with Android 15, bringing features like split-screen multitasking, adaptive brightness, and AI-assisted gestures. TCL has added a dedicated NXTPAPER key that lets users toggle between various display modes for reading, browsing, or streaming.

Camera performance isn’t a focal point, but the tablet still equips an 8MP autofocus rear shooter and an 8MP fixed-focus front camera, both capable of 1080p video. Video calls are backed by a dual-mic setup with noise cancellation and a quad-speaker system enhanced by DTS 3D Boom Sound for immersive audio.

Physically, the tablet measures 6.55mm in thickness and weighs 490 grams. It features a clean matte finish in Onyx Black, a USB-C port for charging and audio, and support for OTG accessories (cable sold separately). Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, and hotspot support for up to 10 devices.

For users looking for a larger canvas, TCL’s NXTPAPER 14 is also available via Amazon, offering a similar display experience on a bigger screen.

TCL CSOT has confirmed that it is the exclusive panel supplier for both the Xiaomi MIX Flip 2 foldable phone and the new Xiaomi YU7 vehicle. Both products were unveiled during Xiaomi’s “Human–Car–Home” ecosystem event held yesterday in China.

For the MIX Flip 2, TCL CSOT is supplying both the inner and outer foldable displays. The panels feature TCL’s latest-generation M9 luminescent material and share matching specifications, including a 1.5K resolution, 460 PPI pixel density, peak brightness of 3200 nits, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The outer screen supports full-range DC dimming, while the inner screen uses 2160Hz PWM dimming combined with DC dimming. Both displays have received TÜV Rheinland triple eye protection certification.

In the automotive segment, TCL CSOT is supplying all the display components for the Xiaomi YU7. The in-car setup includes a 16.1-inch central control display developed with Desay SV, and three 11.98-inch curved horizon projection screens developed in partnership with Foryou Corporation. TCL CSOT is the sole supplier of these custom panels, which are designed to provide a panoramic in-car visual experience.

TCL CSOT is also providing displays alongside Tianma for the upcoming Redmi K80 Ultra smartphone. The phone’s display is built using the same M9 luminescent material as the MIX Flip 2 and supports a peak brightness of 3200 nits.

This partnership is not new. TCL CSOT previously supplied displays for the Xiaomi 15 series and says it will continue to deepen its collaboration with Xiaomi. The two companies are expected to focus on advancements in flexible displays, power efficiency, and high-resolution panels in future projects.

Looking ahead, both the Xiaomi 16 Pro and Redmi K90 Pro, expected to launch later in 2025, are rumored to feature TCL CSOT’s next-generation Real RGB OLED displays. These panels aim to deliver more accurate color reproduction and improved light efficiency by moving away from the traditional RGBW subpixel layout.

In related news, TCL has launched its SF560K Series QLED Fire TVs in the UK, featuring HDR10, Dolby Audio, and Freely integration. The company has also introduced a 57-inch 32:9 Dual 4K curved ultrawide monitor, aimed at gamers and multitaskers seeking immersive visuals and expanded productivity.