The TCL 10 Plus and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G represent compelling options in the crowded mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving that goal. The TCL 10 Plus, with its Snapdragon 665, focuses on a balanced experience, while the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G leverages the newer Snapdragon 750G and 5G connectivity for a performance-oriented package.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing future-proofing and performance, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 750G chipset offers a substantial upgrade over the TCL 10 Plus’s Snapdragon 665, coupled with significantly faster 33W charging. While the TCL 10 Plus offers a respectable experience, it’s outmatched in key areas.
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 2100 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 09. Released 2020, August | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 158.9 x 72.9 x 8.9 mm (6.26 x 2.87 x 0.35 in) | 165.4 x 76.8 x 9 mm (6.51 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.47 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~88.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, HDR | IPS LCD, HDR10, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10, TCL UI | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone 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 | 108 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| 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, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Quick Charge 3 | 33W wired, 100% in 58 min |
| 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 4820 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Violet | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | T782H | M2007J17C |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 370 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
- Potentially more refined software experience (depending on TCL's UI)
- Lower price point (likely)
- Decent contrast ratio (1031:1)
- Significantly slower processor (Snapdragon 665)
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Slower charging (Quick Charge 3)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- Faster processor (Snapdragon 750G)
- 5G connectivity
- Much faster charging (33W, 58 minutes)
- Xiaomi's MIUI can be resource intensive
- Potentially higher price point
- Display specifications unknown
Display Comparison
The TCL 10 Plus boasts a contrast ratio of 1031:1, suggesting decent, though not exceptional, image quality. However, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s display specifications are not provided, making a direct comparison difficult. Given Xiaomi’s typical approach in this segment, it likely features a higher refresh rate (90Hz or 120Hz) which the TCL 10 Plus lacks, resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. Without knowing the Redmi’s panel type or peak brightness, it’s reasonable to assume it offers a more modern visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature photo/video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking for both. However, given the market positioning, it’s likely the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G incorporates a more advanced camera system. Xiaomi often prioritizes camera hardware in its Redmi Note series. Without specific details, it’s difficult to assess image quality, but the Redmi’s chipset likely offers superior image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, leading to better low-light performance and dynamic range. The TCL 10 Plus’s camera is likely adequate for casual use, but will struggle to compete with the Redmi in challenging conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The TCL 10 Plus utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 (11nm), while the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G features the Snapdragon 750G (8nm). The 750G, built on a smaller 8nm process, is inherently more efficient and delivers significantly improved performance. Its Kryo 570 cores (2x2.2 GHz & 6x1.8 GHz) outperform the Kryo 260 cores (4x2.0 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz) in the 665, especially in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. The 8nm process also translates to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling under sustained load. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G also benefits from 5G connectivity, a feature absent in the TCL 10 Plus.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but the charging capabilities are vastly different. The TCL 10 Plus supports Quick Charge 3, a relatively slow standard compared to the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W wired charging, which can fully charge the device in just 58 minutes. This difference is substantial; users who frequently top up their phones will greatly appreciate the Redmi’s faster charging. While a larger battery capacity on the TCL 10 Plus could partially offset this, the Redmi’s charging speed provides a more tangible benefit in daily use.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 10 Plus if you prioritize a slightly more refined software experience and are on a very tight budget, accepting compromises in performance and charging speed. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you value 5G connectivity, faster processing for gaming and multitasking, and significantly quicker charging times – making it ideal for users who demand more from their smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 750G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 750G is a capable chipset for gaming. It offers a significant performance uplift over the Snapdragon 665, allowing for smoother frame rates and better graphics settings in PUBG Mobile and other popular titles. While it's not a flagship-level gaming experience, it provides a very enjoyable experience for the price.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G compared to Quick Charge 3 on the TCL 10 Plus in real-world usage?
The difference is substantial. Quick Charge 3 typically takes several hours to fully charge a phone, while the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G can reach 100% in approximately 58 minutes. This means you can quickly top up your phone during short breaks, making it much more convenient for users who are always on the go.
❓ Is the lack of 5G on the TCL 10 Plus a significant drawback in 2024?
It depends on your location and carrier. 5G coverage is expanding rapidly, and having a 5G-enabled phone like the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G future-proofs your device for faster data speeds and lower latency. If 5G is available in your area, the TCL 10 Plus will be limited to 4G, which is noticeably slower.
