The BLU G90 and TCL 10 SE represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they achieve this with different hardware choices. This comparison dissects the key differences, focusing on chipset performance and charging capabilities to determine which phone offers the best experience for the money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing slightly faster charging and a marginally more responsive experience, the TCL 10 SE is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22, clocked at 2.0 GHz, provides a small but noticeable performance edge over the BLU G90’s Helio A25. However, the G90 remains a viable option for basic tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June 24. Released 2020, June 24 | 2020, July 09. Released 2020, July 21 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm (6.48 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 164.9 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm (6.49 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 166 g (5.86 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
or
13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Magenta, Blue | Black, Violet |
| Models | - | T766H_EEA, T766U, T766H, T766A, T766J |
| Price | About 120 EUR | - |
BLU G90
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Acceptable battery life (estimated)
- Slower processor (Helio A25)
- Slower charging (10W)
- Likely less responsive user experience
TCL 10 SE
- Faster processor (Helio P22)
- Faster charging (15W)
- Slightly smoother user experience
- May be slightly more expensive
- Similar camera performance to G90 (estimated)
- Still limited for demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize panels with resolutions likely around 720p+ given their price bracket, and detailed display specs (brightness, color gamut) are unavailable. The focus here is on the internal hardware, as display quality is likely similar and adequate for basic use. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both models, typical for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are lacking for both devices. It’s safe to assume both feature a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor or macro lens. Given the price point, image quality will likely be average, with limited dynamic range and detail, especially in low-light conditions. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device means relying heavily on software processing for stabilization, which may introduce artifacts. Focusing on megapixel counts alone would be misleading; image processing and sensor size are more critical, and those details are unavailable.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The TCL 10 SE’s Mediatek Helio P22 (MT6762) features an octa-core CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz, utilizing Cortex-A53 cores. The BLU G90, however, uses the Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25, also with an octa-core configuration, but with a split clock speed: 4x1.8 GHz and 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This lower peak clock speed on the A25 suggests slightly slower single-core performance, impacting app launch times and general responsiveness. While both are 12nm chips, the P22’s higher clock speed translates to a tangible, albeit modest, performance advantage. Neither chipset is designed for demanding gaming; expect to limit yourself to less intensive titles.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range, typical for this price segment. The TCL 10 SE has a clear advantage in charging speed, supporting 15W wired charging compared to the BLU G90’s 10W. This translates to a faster 0-100% charge time, reducing downtime. While a larger battery capacity on the G90 *could* offset the slower charging, the difference in charging wattage is significant enough to favor the TCL 10 SE for users who value quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU G90 if you need a functional smartphone for extremely basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing, and are on a very tight budget. Buy the TCL 10 SE if you prefer a slightly smoother user experience, faster app loading times, and quicker charging, even if it means spending a little more. The TCL 10 SE is better suited for users who occasionally play casual games or multitask between a few apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the BLU G90 struggle with popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram?
While the BLU G90 can run these apps, the Helio A25 chipset’s lower clock speed may result in slower loading times and occasional lag, especially when multitasking. The experience won’t be as fluid as on a more powerful device.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the TCL 10 SE from 0%?
With 15W charging, the TCL 10 SE should fully charge in approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on battery capacity (estimated 3000-4000mAh) and usage during charging. This is noticeably faster than the BLU G90’s 10W charging.
❓ Can either of these phones handle playing PUBG Mobile?
Both phones will struggle to run PUBG Mobile smoothly, even on the lowest graphics settings. The Helio A25 and P22 are not designed for demanding games like PUBG. Expect significant frame rate drops and lag.
❓ Is the TCL 10 SE a good option for someone upgrading from a very old smartphone?
Yes, the TCL 10 SE represents a significant upgrade over older smartphones, offering a more modern user experience, faster performance, and improved features, even if it's not a flagship-level device.
