TCL 10 5G vs. Google Pixel 4a 5G: A Deep Dive into the Snapdragon 765G Experience

The TCL 10 5G and Google Pixel 4a 5G represent compelling options in the mid-range 5G smartphone space. Both leverage the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, but their approaches to software, charging, and overall user experience differ significantly. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which device offers the best balance of features and performance.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing software experience and camera quality, the Google Pixel 4a 5G is the superior choice. While the TCL 10 5G offers a comparable chipset, the Pixel’s optimized software and superior image processing provide a more refined and enjoyable daily experience.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL 10 5G Google Pixel 4a 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - T790YHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41 - T790Y1, 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 bands1, 3, 8, 28, 77, 78 SA/NSA - T790Y1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 Sub6, mmWave (market dependant)
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat16 1000/150 Mbps, 5G 2.3 Gbps DLHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 1, 3, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 41, 42 - T790H-
Launch
Announced2020, April 06. Released 2020, July 272020, September 30
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2020, November 05
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions163.7 x 76.6 x 9 mm (6.44 x 3.02 x 0.35 in)153.9 x 74 x 8.2 mm (Sub-6) or 8.5 mm (Sub-6 and mmWave)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-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 (~83.5% 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 10, TCL UIAndroid 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
Quad64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
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
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS
RadioFM radioNo
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
ColorsChrome Blue, Mercury GrayJust Black, Clearly White
ModelsT790Y, T790HGD1YQ, G025I, G025E, G025H, G6QU3
PriceAbout 400 EURAbout 140 EUR

TCL 10 5G

  • Wider charger compatibility with QC3.
  • Potentially larger display size.
  • Likely more affordable price point.

  • Less refined software experience.
  • Inferior camera image processing.
  • Slower software updates.

Google Pixel 4a 5G

  • Superior camera performance and image processing.
  • Clean and optimized Android experience.
  • Guaranteed software updates from Google.

  • Potentially smaller display.
  • PD2.0 charging requires compatible chargers.
  • Generally higher price.

Display Comparison

Both devices lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given the TCL 10 5G’s brand positioning, it likely features a larger display, potentially with a higher refresh rate than the Pixel 4a 5G. The Pixel 4a 5G, consistent with Google’s focus on color accuracy, likely prioritizes accurate color reproduction over sheer size. The absence of LTPO or OLED details suggests both utilize standard LCD panels, impacting contrast ratios and power efficiency compared to more advanced technologies.

Camera Comparison

The provided data doesn’t detail camera specifications beyond the chipsets’ ISP capabilities. However, Google’s Pixel line is renowned for its computational photography prowess. The Pixel 4a 5G likely employs sophisticated algorithms to enhance image quality, particularly in low-light conditions, exceeding the TCL 10 5G’s capabilities. While TCL has improved its camera offerings, it doesn’t match Google’s software-driven image processing. The absence of OIS details suggests both may rely heavily on software stabilization.

Performance

Both the TCL 10 5G and Google Pixel 4a 5G are powered by the Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with identical clock speeds (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime, 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold, and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver). This means raw processing power will be nearly identical. Performance differences will stem from software optimization and thermal management. Google’s streamlined Android experience typically results in smoother multitasking and faster app launches. While both devices likely utilize LPDDR4X RAM, the Pixel’s software optimizations will likely yield a more responsive user experience.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn’t specified, but the charging technology is a key differentiator. The TCL 10 5G supports 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 3.0 (QC3), offering broad compatibility with existing chargers. The Google Pixel 4a 5G utilizes 18W wired charging with Power Delivery 2.0 (PD2.0). While both are 18W, PD2.0 is a more modern standard offering potentially more efficient charging and better compatibility with newer chargers. The actual 0-100% charge time will depend on the battery capacity of each device, but the PD2.0 standard on the Pixel may offer a slight edge in efficiency.

Buying Guide

Buy the TCL 10 5G if you need a larger display and prioritize quick charging compatibility with a wider range of chargers. Buy the Google Pixel 4a 5G if you prefer a cleaner Android experience, exceptional camera performance, and guaranteed software updates directly from Google.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 765G in the TCL 10 5G experience throttling during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 765G is a capable chipset, but its thermal performance can vary. Without specific thermal design details for the TCL 10 5G, it's difficult to say definitively. However, the Pixel 4a 5G’s software optimizations may contribute to better thermal management, potentially reducing throttling during prolonged gaming.
❓ How does the software update policy differ between the TCL 10 5G and the Google Pixel 4a 5G?
Google guarantees at least 3 years of Android OS updates and security patches for the Pixel 4a 5G, ensuring long-term software support. TCL’s update policy is less consistent, and the 10 5G is unlikely to receive the same level of ongoing support, potentially leaving it vulnerable to security risks over time.
❓ Is the Quick Charge 3.0 support on the TCL 10 5G a significant advantage over the Pixel 4a 5G's Power Delivery 2.0?
While QC3 offers broader compatibility with older chargers, PD2.0 is a more modern and efficient standard. If you already have a PD2.0 charger, the Pixel 4a 5G will likely charge more efficiently. The TCL 10 5G’s QC3 support is beneficial if you rely on older charging bricks.