The 5G landscape is crowded, and finding the right budget-friendly option can be tricky. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the TCL 10 5G UW and the Sharp Aquos sense5G. Both offer 5G connectivity, but which one delivers the best overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 10 5G UW generally edges out the Sharp Aquos sense5G thanks to its significantly more powerful Snapdragon 765G chipset. While the Aquos boasts faster charging, the TCL's performance advantage makes it the better choice for most users seeking a smooth 5G experience.
| 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 20, 28, 46, 48, 66 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41 |
| 5G bands | 2, 5, 66, 260, 261 mmWave | 1, 3, 28, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 27. Released 2020, October 29 | 2020, September 25. Released 2021, June 10 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 76.5 x 9.4 mm (6.44 x 3.01 x 0.37 in) | 148 x 71 x 8.9 mm (5.83 x 2.80 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 210 g (7.41 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| | - | IPX5/IP6X/IPX8 water/dust resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
MIL-STD-810H compliant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~435 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.8 inches, 84.0 cm2 (~79.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, HDR10, 450 nits (typ) | IGZO IPS LCD, HDR10 |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 560 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 560 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM6350 Snapdragon 690 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 619L |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 48 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 | 12 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
8 MP, f/2.4, (telephoto), AF
12 MP, f/2.4, 121˚ (ultrawide) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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 | - | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC3 | 27W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Ion 4570 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Diamond Gray | Satin Gold, Titanium Black |
| Models | - | SHG03 |
| Price | About 340 EUR | About 250 EUR |
TCL 10 5G UW
- More powerful processor (Snapdragon 765G)
- Versatile quad-camera system
- Larger display (typically)
- 5G UW support
- Slower charging (18W)
- Potentially less refined software experience
Sharp Aquos sense5G
- Faster charging (27W)
- Compact design
- Potentially more streamlined software (region dependent)
- Less powerful processor (Snapdragon 690)
- Dual-camera system less versatile
- Smaller display (typically)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature LCD displays, but the TCL 10 5G UW typically has a slightly larger screen size (around 6.47 inches) compared to the Aquos (around 6.1 inches). Color accuracy and brightness are generally comparable, though the TCL might offer slightly better viewing angles. Resolution is typically FHD+ on both.
Camera Comparison
The TCL 10 5G UW typically features a quad-camera setup (48MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth sensor), while the Sharp Aquos sense5G often has a dual-camera setup (12MP main, 8MP ultrawide). Image quality is generally good on both, but the TCL's more versatile camera system offers more creative options. Low-light performance is likely better on the TCL.
Performance
This is where the TCL 10 5G UW shines. The Snapdragon 765G is a considerably more powerful chipset than the Snapdragon 690. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the TCL. The Aquos will handle everyday tasks adequately, but may struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Sharp Aquos sense5G has a clear advantage here with its 27W wired charging, allowing for quicker top-ups. The TCL 10 5G UW supports 18W charging. Battery capacity is generally similar (around 4000-4500 mAh) on both devices, so real-world battery life will depend on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
The TCL 10 5G UW is ideal for users who prioritize performance and 5G speeds, especially those on UW networks. The Sharp Aquos sense5G is a good option for those seeking a more compact device with faster charging and a potentially more refined software experience (depending on region).
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The TCL 10 5G UW is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 765G chipset.
❓ Does the Sharp Aquos sense5G have a headphone jack?
Typically, yes, the Sharp Aquos sense5G includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. However, this can vary by region, so it's best to confirm the specific model you're considering.
