TCL 10 5G vs OnePlus Nord 5: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord 5 is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 provides a substantial performance leap over the TCL 10 5G’s Snapdragon 765G, coupled with incredibly fast 80W charging and a brighter display. While the TCL 10 5G remains a viable budget option, the Nord 5 justifies its price premium with a more future-proof and responsive experience.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL 10 5G | OnePlus Nord 5 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - T790Y | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41 - T790Y | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 8, 28, 77, 78 SA/NSA - T790Y | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat16 1000/150 Mbps, 5G 2.3 Gbps DL | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| 1, 3, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 41, 42 - T790H | - | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 06. Released 2020, July 27 | 2025, July 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2025, July 08 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 7i), glass back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 76.6 x 9 mm (6.44 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 163.4 x 77 x 8.1 mm (6.43 x 3.03 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 210 g (7.41 oz) | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, Mohs level 6 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1272 x 2800 pixels (~450 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.83 inches, 113.3 cm2 (~90.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, HDR10, 450 nits (typ) | Swift AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 3840Hz PWM, HDR10+, 800 nits (typ), 1400 nits (HBM), 1800 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A520) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8635 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 735 |
| OS | Android 10, TCL UI | Android 15, up to 4 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 15 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| UFS 2.1 | - | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 15mm, 116˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, Ultra HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 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 | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 50 MP, f/2.0, 21mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LHDC 5 |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC3 | 80W wired, 33W PPS, 18W PD, 100% in just 54 min 5W reverse wired Bypass charging |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Market-dependent versions:· 5200 mAh (Europe)· 6800 mAh (Global) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Chrome Blue, Mercury Gray | Phantom Grey, Dry Ice, Marble Sands |
| Models | T790Y, T790H | CPH2709 |
| Price | About 400 EUR | £ 339.00 / € 294.97 / ₹ 31,998 |
| SAR | - | 1.18 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| EU LABEL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery | - | 49:12h endurance, 1200 cycles |
| Energy | - | Class B |
| Free fall | - | Class C (90 falls) |
| Repairability | - | Class B |
TCL 10 5G
- More affordable price point
- Supports 5G connectivity
- Decent performance for basic tasks
- Older chipset with limited performance
- Slower charging speed
- Likely lower display brightness and quality
OnePlus Nord 5
- Significantly faster Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor
- Ultra-fast 80W charging
- Brighter and more vibrant display (1330 nits)
- Longer battery life and endurance
- Higher price tag
- May be overkill for basic users
- Potentially larger physical size
Display Comparison
The OnePlus Nord 5 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1330 nits, compared to the TCL 10 5G’s unspecified brightness. This higher peak brightness translates to improved visibility in direct sunlight. While the TCL 10 5G’s display specs are not provided, the Nord 5’s brightness advantage is substantial. The Nord 5’s panel likely benefits from advancements in display technology, offering a more vibrant and readable experience. We can assume the TCL 10 5G uses an older generation panel, lacking the same level of efficiency and brightness.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for the TCL 10 5G, a direct comparison is limited. However, the OnePlus Nord 5 likely benefits from a more advanced image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. This ISP enables faster image processing, improved dynamic range, and better low-light performance. While the TCL 10 5G may offer acceptable image quality in good lighting conditions, the Nord 5 is expected to deliver consistently better results across a wider range of scenarios. The absence of information regarding OIS or sensor size on the TCL 10 5G suggests it may lack the advanced features found in more modern mid-range devices.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the TCL 10 5G utilizes the Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G (7nm), while the OnePlus Nord 5 features the newer SM8635 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm). The 4nm process node of the 8s Gen 3 offers significantly improved power efficiency and thermal performance compared to the 7nm 765G. The Nord 5’s CPU configuration – a Cortex-X4 prime core at 3.0 GHz, four Cortex-A720 performance cores at 2.8 GHz, and three Cortex-A520 efficiency cores at 2.0 GHz – is a generation ahead of the 765G’s Kryo cores. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The Nord 5 will handle graphically intensive games with higher frame rates and fewer instances of throttling.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Nord 5’s battery endurance is a standout feature, achieving 49:12 hours of total usage and 13:47 hours of active use. This is coupled with incredibly fast 80W wired charging, capable of reaching 100% charge in just 54 minutes. The TCL 10 5G’s battery capacity and charging speed (18W with QC3) are significantly lower. While the TCL 10 5G may suffice for a day of moderate use, the Nord 5 offers significantly longer battery life and the convenience of extremely rapid recharging. The Nord 5 also supports 33W PPS and 18W PD, and even 5W reverse wired charging, adding to its versatility.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 10 5G if you prioritize affordability and basic 5G connectivity without demanding peak performance. It’s ideal for users who primarily browse, stream, and use social media. Buy the OnePlus Nord 5 if you value a smooth, responsive experience for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications, and if rapid charging is a must-have feature. It caters to power users and those seeking a longer-lasting device.