Newsletter
TCL took the opportunity provided by MWC 2021 to not only announce two new phones from the ALCATEL brand. The company also announced two new wearables, some carrier equipment, and a new multi-screen collaboration. As well as to hint at an upcoming, budget-specific 5G handsets from its own TCL brand.
Those details came complete with not only expected arrival dates but also some fairly detailed specs and images. Put simply, there’s a lot to explore here. So let’s dive right in.
TCL NXTWEAR G is a next-level wearable for your eyes at MWC 2021
First up, is TCL NXTWEAR G Wearable Display Glasses. As its branding betrays, NXTWEAR G is a device that’s made to sate the needs of movie lovers, gamers, and portable external display users. Particularly as it comes to productivity and privacy in that latter case. Summarily, this is a display from TCL that users wear over their eyes, much like VR but as an extension of a display.
Where TCLNXTWEAR G differs from most available gadgets in its still-brand-new category is chiefly on purpose and design. TCL started with a foldable, frameless design in order to offer a more comfortable fit for more users. So, in terms of design, these look more like a slightly bulky pair of sunglasses rather than a VR headset. Complete with a high-shine black coloration with silvery ear arms.
The new wearable doesn’t require any charging, works in a plug-and-play fashion via USB-C with over 100 smartphones, hybrid two-in-one devices, and laptops from “all major manufacturers,” and brings relatively great display specs to the table. Not least of all, the displays on the interior of the sunglass-like wearable are Sony FHD Micro LED panels.
Those are only set at a refresh rate of 60Hz, of course, but they are set at a 1080p resolution with an ’emulated’ display size of around 140-inches. At an aspect ratio of 16:9, too. And that should equate to a great experience, given TCL’s prior prowess with display technology leading to placement in our top-ten value phones list.
Of course, that also means they should be well suited to just about any task users could want to use them for.
TCL NXTWEAR G Specs
For those looking for a full run-down of specs for TCL NXTWEAR G Wearable Display Glasses, those can be found here, as provided by the company.
| Display Type | Micro OLED |
| Resolution | Dual 1080P, 16:9 aspect ratio |
| FOV/PPD | 47°, 47 pixels per degree |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz |
| Viewing Size | 140″ @4M |
| Display Features | 1080p@2D, 1080px2@3D |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyro, Compass, P sensor |
| Audio | Dual Speaker |
| Ports | USB Type-C |
| Connectivity | USB Type C with Display Port |
| Accessories | Lens Frame for vision correction lenses /- 3 nose pads/- Glasses cleaning cloth |
| Dimensions | 187.35 x 159.3 x 42.8 mm (unfolded) 181 x 53 x 46 mm (folded) |
| Weight | 100~130g (with cable) |
…but TCL NXTWEAR G didn’t arrive at the event all on its own either
The second big announcement at the TCL MWC 2021 event was the announcement of its MOVETIME Family Watch 2. Aimed at child smartwatch wearers, the new wearable comes with all of the great features found in the original. Complete with 4G voice and video call support, text messaging, and more via a Nano-SIM slot. Geofencing is part of that package too, helping alert parents if the wearer leaves the designated safe zone.
But this variant, available in a Blue/Green or Red/Pink coloration, also takes several steps forward. Well beyond the ruggedization, one-touch SOS, and camera features. The SOS feature, conversely, gives kids one-touch access to trusted adults and contacts in the event of an emergency.
Not least of all, TCL says this wearable has a larger screen at 1.54-inches, with new personalization features for young users — compared to the original. It also has a battery that’s 40-percent more capacious. So it should last a lot longer between chargers. Finally, TCL says that location tracking is improved in this variant too. So it should be easier than ever for parents to get peace of mind about where their kids are at.
TCL MOVETIME Family Watch 2 Specs
Of course, there are at least a few specifications that TCL has opted not to divulge at this time for MOVETIME Family Watch 2. But, for those looking to see exactly what has been divulged, that’s included below. As provided by TCL.
| Size | 48.5×42×14.8mm Display size – 1.54-inches |
| Fits Wrist | 135mm~200mm |
| Strap Width | 20mm |
| Estimated Weight | Target: <55g (Rubber wristband) |
| Form Factor | rectangle |
| Glass | 2D Glass |
| Watch Body | Plastic |
| Side Keys | Power key |
| Removable Wristband? | Yes |
| Camera | 2MP |
| VoLTE | Compatible with VOLTE, depending on customers and platform |
| Networking | EU/MEA – GSM 900/1800, UMTS B1/8, FDD B1/3/7/8/20 SEAPAC – GSM 850/900/1800, UMTS B1/5/8, FDD B1/3/5/7/8/28full LATAM & BDSC – GSM 850/1900, UMTS B1/2/4/5, FDD B2/4/5/7/28full/66 |
| OS | Proprietary OS (Based on Android 4.4) |
| Chipset | SL8521E, dual-core A53 @1.3GHz |
| GPU | Mali T820 MP1 @ 384MHz |
| GPS/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | Internal integration, GPS/AGPS/Beidou or Glonass, Wi-Fi Wi-Fi connecting: Yes Wi-Fi location: Yes Bluetooth: BT4.2 |
| Battery | ~850mAh, Polymer; 4.35V, Charging Time: Around 2 hours via USB 2.0 Working Time: Up to 2 days (Based on 4G) Standby Time: Up to 7 days Talking time: 12mins |
| Ports | Card slot: Nano SIM SIM Card Number: 1 Audio Jack: No Charging Port: Micro USB Multimedia Output: No |
| Sensors | Accelerometer (G sensor) |
| Accessories | Standard: Quick Guide, PSI, TCL hotline, Micro USB Cable, Colorful Screen sticker, SIM tool Optional: Charger/One additional wristband |
| Services | Video call: Yes Sticker camera: Yes Google map: Yes |
TCL has also unveiled a brand new experience for multi-screen collaboration
Jumping beyond device announcements momentarily, TCL also unveiled a new “Multi-Screen Collaboration” for this year’s MWC. That, as might be surmised from the branding used, is a collaborative effort with Windows 10 devices. And it effectively follows in Samsung’s footsteps.
Summarily, the Multi-Screen experience lets users wirelessly edit, share, and control phone content between a Windows 10 gadget and a compatible TCL smartphone. For instance, TCL 20 Pro 5G users will be able to access their phone’s files, apps, and photos, as well as the clipboard, directly from their computer.
This also works across other gadgets. For instance, switching from a laptop to TCL’s 10 TABMAX tablet also works. With users continuing to receive smartphone notifications. And it also works with select TVs. So users can wirelessly sync up the same data from the TCL 20 Pro 5G on the TV, from phone-captured footage to shows from an app. And continuing over through music casting and more.
TCL revealed something for operators at MWC 2021 too
TCL had some news for mobile operators at this year’s event too. Namely, new 5G and 4G CPEs.
On the former front, the TCL LINKHUB 5G outdoor CPE is a device meant for areas with a low number of 5G base stations. In effect, this is for last-mile 5G service, extending the reach for operators via weatherproof, IP67-rated wall- or pole-mounted hardware. And that includes weather protection against lightning and an operating temperature range from -40°C to +55°C. That’s -40°F to around 131°F.
In short, it uses high-gain antennas to first capture and then send out signals across every 5G band. All that’s needed, according to the announcement, is a 5G SIM card inserted in the unit. And that’ll work for both standalone and non-standalone networks, with either 4G or 5G core systems.
The TCL LINKHUB 5G outdoor CPE offers speeds of up to 4.67Gbps over sub-6GHz transmission.
In the future, the company also plans to unveil an indoor solution it’s presently referring to as the “ultra-fast indoor CPE.” As the branding implies, that will work a bit differently. And TCL hasn’t provided too many details as of this writing. But it will be aimed at bolstering mobile networking for smart homes and offices.
Last but not least, TCL has a secondary solution dubbed the LINKHUB LTE Cat12 outdoor CPE. And, as that branding implies, that’s a similar last-mile hub meant for the outdoors. But this one operates using Cat12 4G to provide operators’ customers up to 600Mbps on the download side. Specifically, where 4G LTE isn’t readily available or densely spread. And, like the previously discussed LINKHUB 5G outdoor CPE, that’s offered with installation flexibility and an IP67 weatherproof rating.
But wait, there’s one more thing from TCL at MWC 2021
The final reveal of the TCL MWC 2021 announcement came in the form of something hinted at but not necessarily “announced.”
Namely, TCL indicates that it plans to unveil the most affordable 5G smartphone with TCL branding later on in the year. Now, TCL already offers 5G at an affordable price. Between the 5G variant of the TCL 20 announced at CES 2021 at around $363 and the TCL 10 5G UW, currently on sale online for under $300, these are already a great value.
So any phone that’s aiming to be the most affordable TCL 5G phone yet has a lot to contend with. The company also didn’t divulge exactly when it plans to launch the gadget, however. For now, all we know is that it’s coming.
Pricing and availability
Now, as noted above, all of these announcements are in addition to the launch of the TCL-built Alcatel 1 and 1L Pro today. So TCL appears to be jumping into MWC 2021 ready to take the show in several categories. However, there are some missing details regarding the launch of each of these products.
For starters, details have not been provided with regard to arrival dates for several experiences and products. Including the new TCL multi-screen collaboration features and the operator-ready 4G and 5G solutions. For the former, the company also hasn’t detailed just yet how that will work, exactly.
There’s no price available for the NXTWEAR G Wearable Display Glasses, as of this writing, either. Although TCL did say at MWC 2021 that it would become available in Australia “beginning next month” with wider availability to follow.
The only product to receive full details at this event, as it turns out, is MOVETIME Family Watch 2. That will become available “across Europe” in mid-August. TCL is pricing that to move at just €149 in either a “blue-green” or “red-pink” color configuration.