The HTC A102 and TCL 10 SE represent distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The A102, powered by the Mediatek Helio G85, aims for a balance of performance and affordability, while the TCL 10 SE utilizes the older Helio P22, prioritizing cost-effectiveness. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and occasional gaming, the HTC A102 is the superior choice. Its Helio G85 chipset delivers noticeably better CPU and GPU performance compared to the TCL 10 SE’s Helio P22. While the TCL 10 SE is cheaper, the performance trade-off is significant.
| 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, 20, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, July 13 | 2020, July 09. Released 2020, July 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, August | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 257.9 x 162.5 x 7.9 mm (10.15 x 6.40 x 0.31 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 | 533 g (1.18 lb) | 166 g (5.86 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~212 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 344.4 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 10, TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.2, AF | - |
| Triple | - | 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 | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2 | 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 | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 8000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Black, Violet |
| Models | - | T766H_EEA, T766U, T766H, T766A, T766J |
| Price | About 170 EUR | - |
HTC A102
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- More responsive user experience
- Faster charging at 18W
- Potentially higher price point
- May consume slightly more power under heavy load
TCL 10 SE
- Lower price point
- Good for basic smartphone tasks
- Potentially longer battery life during light use
- Significantly slower processor
- Struggles with multitasking and gaming
- Slower 15W charging
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the A102’s more modern chipset, it’s reasonable to assume it may feature a slightly higher quality panel. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting a similar focus on power efficiency, which could translate to comparable battery life despite the chipset differences. Without knowing resolution, brightness, or panel type, it’s difficult to definitively state a display advantage.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the A102’s more powerful chipset suggests a greater capacity for image processing, potentially leading to better photo quality, especially in low-light conditions. It’s likely both phones feature similar budget-oriented camera setups, but the A102’s processing power could give it an edge in dynamic range and noise reduction. The absence of information regarding sensor size and aperture makes a definitive statement impossible.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The HTC A102’s Mediatek Helio G85 features an octa-core configuration with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This architecture, particularly the inclusion of the Cortex-A75, provides a significant performance boost over the TCL 10 SE’s Helio P22, which uses 8x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The A75 cores are substantially more powerful, resulting in faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. The G85 also benefits from a more modern GPU, making it better suited for gaming. The P22, while capable of handling basic tasks, will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The HTC A102 supports 18W wired charging, while the TCL 10 SE is limited to 15W. This 3W difference, while not massive, translates to slightly faster charging times for the A102. Given both phones utilize 12nm chipsets, power efficiency is likely comparable. The A102’s more powerful processor *could* consume slightly more power under heavy load, but the faster charging mitigates this potential drawback. Without knowing battery capacity, it’s difficult to assess overall battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC A102 if you need a smartphone capable of handling multitasking, moderate gaming, and smoother app transitions. This phone is ideal for users who want a responsive experience without breaking the bank. Buy the TCL 10 SE if you prioritize absolute affordability and primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing. It’s a functional device for those on a very tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the HTC A102 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio G85 in the HTC A102 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The Helio P22 in the TCL 10 SE will struggle with these titles, offering a significantly less enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 15W and 18W noticeable in real-world use?
While a 3W difference isn't dramatic, the HTC A102's 18W charging will noticeably reduce charging times compared to the TCL 10 SE's 15W charging. Expect a roughly 15-20% faster charge from 0-100% with the A102.
❓ If I primarily use my phone for WhatsApp, calls, and Facebook, is the extra cost of the HTC A102 justified?
For basic usage like WhatsApp, calls, and Facebook, the TCL 10 SE is perfectly adequate and represents better value. The HTC A102’s extra performance won’t be fully utilized in these scenarios, making the TCL 10 SE the more sensible choice.
