TCL 10 5G UW vs Google Pixel 4a 5G: A Head-to-Head Showdown

The mid-range 5G smartphone market is heating up, and two contenders vying for your attention are the TCL 10 5G UW and the Google Pixel 4a 5G. Both offer 5G connectivity at a relatively affordable price, but which one delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Pixel 4a 5G edges out the TCL 10 5G UW thanks to Google's superior software optimization, consistently excellent camera performance, and cleaner Android experience. While the TCL offers a larger screen and potentially better value depending on pricing, the Pixel's overall polish makes it the winner.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL 10 5G UW Google Pixel 4a 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 20, 28, 46, 48, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71
5G bands2, 5, 66, 260, 261 mmWave1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 Sub6, mmWave (market dependant)
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2020, October 27. Released 2020, October 292020, September 30
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2020, November 05
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions163.6 x 76.5 x 9.4 mm (6.44 x 3.01 x 0.37 in)153.9 x 74 x 8.2 mm (Sub-6) or 8.5 mm (Sub-6 and mmWave)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight210 g (7.41 oz)168 g (5G Sub-6); 171 g ( 5G Sub-6 and mmWave) (5.93 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~413 ppi density)
Size6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.2 inches, 95.7 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, HDR10, 450 nits (typ)OLED, HDR
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 620Adreno 620
OSAndroid 10Android 11, upgradable to Android 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
Dual-12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 107˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Triple48 MP, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 5 MP (macro), AF-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single16 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFC-Yes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging18W wired, QC318W wired, PD2.0
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 3885 mAh
Misc
ColorsDiamond GrayJust Black, Clearly White
Models-GD1YQ, G025I, G025E, G025H, G6QU3
PriceAbout 340 EURAbout 140 EUR

TCL 10 5G UW

  • Larger Display
  • Potentially Lower Price
  • Quad-Camera System

  • Less Polished Software
  • Camera Not as Good as Pixel
  • Bulkier Design

Google Pixel 4a 5G

  • Excellent Camera
  • Clean Android Experience
  • Fast Performance
  • Timely Updates

  • Smaller Display
  • Slower Charging
  • Less Customizable UI

Display Comparison

The TCL 10 5G UW boasts a larger 6.47-inch display compared to the Pixel 4a 5G's 6.14-inch screen. Both utilize FHD+ resolution, but the TCL's larger size makes it better for watching videos and browsing. The Pixel 4a 5G's display is generally considered more color-accurate and vibrant.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 4a 5G's camera is a standout feature. Google's computational photography consistently delivers excellent image quality, even in challenging lighting conditions. The TCL 10 5G UW has a quad-camera system, but its image quality is generally not as impressive as the Pixel's.

Performance

Both phones share the same Snapdragon 765G chipset, so raw performance is largely comparable. However, Google's software optimization on the Pixel 4a 5G results in a smoother and more responsive user experience. The TCL's software can feel slightly less polished.

Battery Life

Battery life is fairly similar on both devices, typically lasting a full day with moderate use. The Pixel 4a 5G might have a slight edge due to more efficient software.

Buying Guide

The TCL 10 5G UW is a good choice for users prioritizing a larger display and potentially a lower price point. It's ideal for media consumption and those comfortable with a more customized Android experience. The Google Pixel 4a 5G is best suited for users who value a clean, fast Android experience, exceptional camera quality, and timely software updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone has better 5G connectivity?
Both phones utilize the Snapdragon 765G, offering solid 5G performance. The UW designation on the TCL 10 5G UW indicates support for wider 5G bands, potentially offering better coverage in some areas.
❓ Is the TCL 10 5G UW worth it if I want a big screen?
Yes, the TCL 10 5G UW's larger display makes it a good option for media consumption. However, consider if the trade-offs in software and camera quality are acceptable.