TCL has been making waves in the budget smartphone market, and the 10 5G UW and 10 Pro are prime examples. Both offer compelling features at attractive price points, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 10 5G UW wins on raw power and 5G connectivity thanks to the Snapdragon 765G. However, the TCL 10 Pro boasts faster charging and a potentially better camera experience. Ultimately, the 5G UW is for those needing speed, while the Pro is a solid all-rounder.
| 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 - T799B |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 20, 28, 46, 48, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - T799B |
| 5G bands | 2, 5, 66, 260, 261 mmWave | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T799H |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 27. Released 2020, October 29 | 2020, April 06. Released 2020, May 19 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 76.5 x 9.4 mm (6.44 x 3.01 x 0.37 in) | 158.5 x 72.4 x 9.2 mm (6.24 x 2.85 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 210 g (7.41 oz) | 177 g (6.24 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.47 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, HDR10, 450 nits (typ) | AMOLED, HDR10 |
| | - | Always-on-display |
| 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 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 612 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, planned upgrade to Android 11, TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
16 MP, f/2.4, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| 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 | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 24 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | - | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio (market/region dependent) |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC3 | 18W wired, QC3, 50% in 35 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Diamond Gray | Gray, Green |
| Models | - | T799B, T799H |
| Price | About 340 EUR | About 250 EUR |
TCL 10 5G UW
- Significantly faster processor (Snapdragon 765G)
- 5G Connectivity
- More RAM (typically 6GB)
- Future-proofed chipset
- Slower charging (18W)
- Potentially slightly less refined camera
- May consume more battery due to higher performance
TCL 10 Pro
- Faster charging (18W, 50% in 35 min)
- Potentially better camera quality
- Slightly more compact design
- Good value for money
- Less powerful processor (Snapdragon 675)
- No 5G connectivity
- Less RAM (typically 4GB)
- Older chipset
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.47-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. While the specifications are similar, subjective viewing experience can vary slightly based on calibration and panel quality. The TCL 10 Pro might have slightly better color accuracy, but both are excellent for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
The TCL 10 Pro generally receives slightly better reviews for its camera. It features a 64MP main sensor, compared to the 48MP sensor on the 10 5G UW. While megapixels aren't everything, the Pro's image processing often produces more pleasing results, especially in low light. Both phones offer a similar set of secondary lenses (ultrawide, macro, depth).
Performance
The Snapdragon 765G in the TCL 10 5G UW is significantly more powerful than the Snapdragon 675 in the TCL 10 Pro. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the 5G UW. The 765G also supports 5G connectivity, a feature absent in the Pro.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 4500mAh battery. However, the TCL 10 Pro's faster charging (50% in 35 minutes) gives it an edge in convenience. The 10 5G UW's 18W charging is standard, but not as quick.
Buying Guide
The TCL 10 5G UW is ideal for users who prioritize speed, 5G connectivity, and future-proofing. It's a great choice for gamers and those who frequently download large files. The TCL 10 Pro is better suited for users who value a slightly better camera, faster charging, and a more balanced overall experience without needing 5G.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL 10 5G UW worth the extra cost?
If 5G connectivity and a faster processor are important to you, then yes. Otherwise, the TCL 10 Pro offers excellent value for its price.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
While both have the same battery capacity, the TCL 10 Pro's faster charging makes it more convenient. Real-world battery life will likely be similar, but usage patterns heavily influence this.
