The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for your money. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the TCL 10 Plus and the Motorola Moto G42. Both promise a lot, but which one delivers the best overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Motorola Moto G42 edges out the TCL 10 Plus thanks to its more efficient chipset, improved battery life, and modern design. While the TCL 10 Plus boasts a higher contrast ratio display, the G42's overall package provides a more compelling and contemporary user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 26, 28, 40, 41, 66 - LATAM, Brazil |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 2100 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 09. Released 2020, August | 2022, June 09 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 158.9 x 72.9 x 8.9 mm (6.26 x 2.87 x 0.35 in) | 160.4 x 73.5 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent design |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.47 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~88.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, HDR | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10, TCL UI | Android 12, planned upgrade to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8 (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Quick Charge 3 | 18W wired |
| Stand-by | Up to 330 h (2G) / Up to 330 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 4 h 20 min (2G) / Up to 5 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Violet | Atlantic Green, Metallic Rose |
| Models | T782H | XT2233-2 |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| SAR | 0.32 W/kg (head) 0.73 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -85.5dB / Crosstalk -83.3dB | - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1031:1 (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 66dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 75dB | - |
TCL 10 Plus
- High contrast ratio display
- Quick Charge 3 support
- Decent camera system
- Larger screen size
- Older chipset
- Less efficient power consumption
- Potentially slower performance
- Design feels dated
Motorola Moto G42
- More efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset
- AMOLED display
- Improved battery life
- Modern design
- Slower charging (18W)
- Camera performance can be inconsistent
- May lack some premium features
Display Comparison
The TCL 10 Plus features a 6.47-inch Full HD+ display with a reported contrast ratio of 1031:1, suggesting vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Moto G42 has a 6.4-inch AMOLED display, which generally offers better color accuracy, deeper blacks, and improved viewing angles. While the TCL's contrast ratio is impressive on paper, the AMOLED technology of the Moto G42 provides a superior visual experience in practice.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer decent camera setups for their price range. The TCL 10 Plus typically features a quad-camera system, while the Moto G42 usually has a triple-camera setup. Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting conditions, but the Moto G42's newer image processing algorithms often result in slightly better dynamic range and detail. Low-light performance is a weak point for both devices.
Performance
The Motorola Moto G42's Snapdragon 680 (6nm) chipset is significantly more efficient than the TCL 10 Plus's Snapdragon 665 (11nm). This translates to smoother performance in everyday tasks, better multitasking, and improved power efficiency. The TCL 10 Plus's CPU and chipset are adequate for basic use, but may struggle with more demanding applications or games.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto G42 generally offers better battery life due to its more efficient chipset. While the TCL 10 Plus supports Quick Charge 3, the Moto G42's optimized power consumption allows it to last longer on a single charge. Both phones should comfortably last a full day with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
The TCL 10 Plus is a good choice for users prioritizing a high-contrast display and quick charging. The Motorola Moto G42 is ideal for those seeking a smoother, more modern experience with better battery life and a more efficient processor, even if it means slightly slower charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better performance?
The Motorola Moto G42 has better performance thanks to its newer and more efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset.
❓ Is the TCL 10 Plus display really that good?
The TCL 10 Plus has a high contrast ratio, but the Moto G42's AMOLED display generally provides a superior viewing experience with better colors and deeper blacks.
