Looking for an affordable smartphone without breaking the bank? The T-Mobile REVVL 4 and TCL Ion X are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL Ion X edges out the REVVL 4 thanks to its octa-core processor and slightly better overall performance. While both are budget devices, the Ion X's improved chipset provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. Both offer decent value for their price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 | 2, 4, 5, 12, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 27. Released 2020, September 04 | 2023, January 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, January 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159 x 76 x 8.1 mm (6.26 x 2.99 x 0.32 in) | 156.5 x 75.2 x 8.9 mm (6.16 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 158.5 (5.61 oz) | 177.4 g (6.24 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~79.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~78.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android, TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, PDAF | 13 MP, (wide) 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3500 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite | Black |
| Models | 5007Z, 5007W, TMRVL4G | - |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 100 EUR |
T-Mobile REVVL 4
- Affordable price
- Compact size (likely)
- T-Mobile network compatibility
- Lower performance
- Slower charging
- Basic camera capabilities
TCL Ion X
- Better performance (octa-core processor)
- Slightly faster charging
- Potentially brighter display
- May have slightly less RAM (speculation)
- Design may be less premium
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) and resolution (likely HD+). Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for the price, but don't anticipate flagship-level vibrancy. Screen sizes are likely comparable, around 6.2-6.5 inches. The Ion X *might* have a slightly brighter display, but this is difficult to confirm without specific testing data.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, with both phones probably featuring a primary rear camera around 13MP-16MP, accompanied by depth and macro sensors. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The Ion X *might* have slightly better image processing due to its more powerful chipset, but don't expect a dramatic difference.
Performance
This is where the TCL Ion X takes a clear lead. The Helio G25's octa-core configuration offers significantly more processing power than the REVVL 4's quad-core Helio A22. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the Ion X. The REVVL 4 will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. Battery life should be comparable, offering a full day of moderate use. The TCL Ion X's 10W wired charging is a slight advantage over the REVVL 4, which likely has slower charging speeds.
Buying Guide
The T-Mobile REVVL 4 is a good option for users primarily needing basic calling, texting, and light app usage. The TCL Ion X is better suited for those who want a slightly more responsive experience, occasional gaming, and a bit more processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What operating system do these phones use?
Both the REVVL 4 and Ion X typically run Android, likely a slightly older version (Android 11 or 12). Updates may be limited.
❓ Are these phones 5G compatible?
No, neither the REVVL 4 nor the TCL Ion X support 5G connectivity. They are 4G LTE devices.
