The Paper 7 RLCD Tablet uses reflective LCD (RLCD) technology to form images from ambient light instead of relying on backlight. It stays readable even in direct sunlight, consumes ultra-low power, and reduces glare and blue light exposure.
What is an RLCD Tablet?
An RLCD Tablet (Reflective Liquid Crystal Display Tablet) works differently from a common transmissive LCD. Instead of emitting light from a backlight, it reflects ambient light to the user’s eyes. The brighter the environment, the more readable the display. “Transflective LCDs” combine both transmissive and reflective modes for more versatile usage.
How RLCD Works in Tablets
A reflective layer sits behind the liquid crystal layer. Incoming ambient light passes through the liquid crystals and bounces back to the eyes, forming an image.
In dim lighting, a front light can be added to illuminate the display evenly. Some RLCD Tablets adopt Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) technology, where each pixel holds its state, allowing the controller to sleep while static images remain, reducing power consumption to the microamp level.
Core Benefits of RLCD Tablets
• Readable in Direct Sunlight – Perfect for reading, navigation, and outdoor tasks.
• Ultra-Low Power – Devices last longer on a single charge thanks to MIP and no backlight.
• Low Heat – Stable operation even in wide temperature ranges (-20°C to +70°C).
• Eye-Friendly Comfort – Diffuse reflection reduces glare; front light delivers a paper-like reading experience.
• Paper-Like Comfort – Smooth, natural viewing experience.
• Fast Refresh – Ideal for scrolling and light video playback compared to ePaper.
| Feature | RLCD (Reflective) | Transmissive LCD |
|---|---|---|
| Light Source | Ambient (optional front light) | Backlight |
| Outdoor Readability | Excellent | Washed out / glare |
| Power Consumption | Low (especially static) | High (backlight-driven) |
| Color / Video | Moderate (supports color) | High |
| Typical Uses | Outdoor reading, meters, education devices, wearables | Phones, monitors, TVs |
Industry and Real-World Cases
• JDI / Sharp / AUO: Reflective MIP panels for wearables, IoT, and education devices; MIP cuts static power to the microamp level.
• BOE: RLCD and front-light solutions in tablets, enhancing paper-like reading.
• Azumo (front light): Ultra-thin front light sheets can improve readability in dark conditions and significantly enhance the color gamut.
• Product Example: Hisense Q5 (monochrome RLCD tablet), designed for eye comfort and battery life, fully reliant on ambient light.
• Similar but Different: TCL NXTPAPER is a "paper-like LCD" with anti-glare and blue light filtering, not a true RLCD.
Why It Matters for Our Products
• Clearer Outdoors: Paper-like readability in bright sunlight.
• Lasts Longer: Lower power consumption means extended battery life and cooler operation.
• Gentle Night Reading: Optional front light gives soft, uniform illumination.
Discover how the Paper 7 Color 7.8" RLCD Tablet combines sunlight readability, low blue light, and faster response for your daily reading and note-taking.
FAQ
Q1: Does RLCD emit blue light?
No. RLCD itself does not emit light — it reflects ambient light. If a front light is added, its blue light level can be reduced through design and warm color temperatures.
Q2: Can I use RLCD in the dark?
Yes. A front light can be turned on for night use, providing smooth, glare-free illumination.
Q3: How is RLCD different from E Ink?
E Ink consumes almost zero power when static, but refreshes slowly. RLCD refreshes faster, supports scrolling and video, but requires a front light in dark environments and has lower contrast than paper.
Q4: Is there a color RLCD?
Yes, color RLCD panels exist, but with lower saturation than OLED/LCD. Adding a front light can boost perceived color performance.
Q5: How durable is RLCD?
Some reflective LCDs operate from -20°C to +70°C, with less heat buildup since there’s no backlight. This makes them suitable for outdoor or industrial environments.