Looking for a budget-friendly 5G smartphone? TCL offers compelling options with the 10 5G UW and the 20 5G. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 10 5G UW generally edges out the 20 5G thanks to its significantly more powerful Snapdragon 765G chipset. However, the 20 5G offers a slightly more modern design and potentially better software support. It depends on your priorities: performance or a newer 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, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 2, 5, 66, 260, 261 mmWave | 1, 3, 5, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 27. Released 2020, October 29 | 2020, November 30. Released 2020, December 07 |
| 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) | 166.2 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.54 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 210 g (7.41 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, HDR10, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, HDR10, 450 nits (typ) |
| 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 10, 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 | 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 | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | - | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC3 | 18W wired, QC4 |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Diamond Gray | Mist Gray, Placid Blue |
| Models | - | T781, T781K, T781H |
| Price | About 340 EUR | About 300 EUR |
TCL 10 5G UW
- More powerful processor (Snapdragon 765G)
- 5G UW support (where available)
- Generally better performance for gaming
- Potentially better image processing
- Older design
- Potentially shorter software update support
TCL 20 5G
- More modern design
- Potentially longer software update support
- Slightly more efficient processor
- Good value for money
- Less powerful processor (Snapdragon 690)
- Lacks 5G UW support
- Slower performance for demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.47-inch FHD+ display, offering a decent viewing experience. The TCL 10 5G UW might have slightly better color accuracy due to its higher-end chipset, but the difference is likely minimal. Both utilize IPS LCD technology, so don't expect OLED-level contrast.
Camera Comparison
The TCL 10 5G UW typically features a quad-camera setup with a 48MP main sensor, while the TCL 20 5G also has a quad-camera setup, often with a 48MP main sensor. Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting conditions, but the 10 5G UW's more powerful processor may allow for slightly better image processing. Low-light performance is likely similar on both.
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 10 5G UW. The 20 5G is adequate for everyday tasks but will struggle with demanding games.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 4000mAh battery. The TCL 20 5G's more efficient Snapdragon 690 chipset *might* offer slightly better battery life in real-world usage, but the difference is unlikely to be substantial. Both should comfortably last a full day with moderate use.
Buying Guide
The TCL 10 5G UW is ideal for users who prioritize performance and 5G connectivity, especially those in areas with UW (Ultra Wideband) 5G support. The TCL 20 5G is a better choice for those seeking a more contemporary design, potentially longer software updates, and a slightly more efficient processor, even if it means sacrificing some raw power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the TCL 10 5G UW support mmWave 5G?
Yes, the TCL 10 5G UW specifically supports Ultra Wideband (mmWave) 5G, offering significantly faster speeds where available. The TCL 20 5G does not.
❓ Which phone will receive more software updates?
Generally, the TCL 20 5G is likely to receive more software updates due to its newer release date. However, TCL's update track record is not always consistent.
