TCL 10 5G UW vs TCL 10L: A Head-to-Head Comparison

TCL has carved a niche for itself in the budget smartphone market, offering impressive features at competitive prices. The TCL 10 5G UW and TCL 10L are two popular contenders, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The TCL 10 5G UW is the clear winner for those needing 5G connectivity and superior performance thanks to its Snapdragon 765G. However, the TCL 10L remains a compelling option for budget-conscious users prioritizing longer battery life and a slightly more compact design.

PHONES
Phone Names	TCL 10 5G UW	TCL 10L

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	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
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

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	-
Dimensions	163.6 x 76.5 x 9.4 mm (6.44 x 3.01 x 0.37 in)	162.2 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.39 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	210 g (7.41 oz)	180 g (6.35 oz)

Display
Resolution	1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)	1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size	6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio)	6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, HDR10, 450 nits (typ)	IPS LCD, HDR

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)	Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)	Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm)
GPU	Adreno 620	Adreno 610
OS	Android 10	Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, TCL UI

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal	128GB 6GB RAM	64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM
	UFS 2.1	64GB eMMC 5.1, 128/256GB UFS 2.1

Main Camera
Features	Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama	Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad	-	48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.25", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 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@30/120fps

Selfie camera
Single	16 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm	16 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
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
NFC	-	Yes
Positioning	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO	GPS, GALILEO
Radio	No	FM radio
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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	18W wired, QC3	-
Type	Li-Po 4500 mAh	Li-Po 4000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Diamond Gray	Arctic White, Mariana Blue
Models	-	T770H, T770B, 4187U
Price	About 340 EUR	About 140 EUR

TCL 10 5G UW

5G Connectivity
Superior Performance (Snapdragon 765G)
Potentially Better Camera Processing
Sleek Design

Slightly Shorter Battery Life
Potentially Higher Price

TCL 10L

Longer Battery Life
More Affordable
Compact Design
Good Value for Money

Lower Performance (Snapdragon 665)
No 5G Support
Potentially Less Refined Camera

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.43-inch Full HD+ display, offering vibrant colors and decent viewing angles. However, the TCL 10 5G UW might have slightly better brightness and color accuracy due to potentially more advanced panel technology, though this is difficult to confirm definitively without testing.

Camera Comparison

The TCL 10 5G UW typically features a quad-camera setup with a 48MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. The TCL 10L also has a quad-camera, often with a 48MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting, but the 765G's image signal processor (ISP) in the 10 5G UW may offer slightly better processing and low-light performance.

Performance

The TCL 10 5G UW boasts a significant performance advantage with its Snapdragon 765G chipset. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience compared to the TCL 10L's Snapdragon 665. The 765G's 7nm process also contributes to better power efficiency despite the higher performance.

Battery Life

The TCL 10L often has a slightly larger battery capacity (around 4000mAh) compared to the TCL 10 5G UW (around 3850mAh). Coupled with the less power-hungry Snapdragon 665, the TCL 10L typically delivers longer battery life on a single charge.

Buying Guide

The TCL 10 5G UW is ideal for users who want 5G speeds, enjoy gaming, or frequently use demanding apps. The TCL 10L is a great choice for those on a tight budget who prioritize battery life and a simpler user experience, and don't need 5G.