TCL 10L vs. Google Pixel 4a 5G: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Performance
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 4a 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 765G offers a significant performance uplift over the TCL 10L’s Snapdragon 665, translating to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. The inclusion of 18W fast charging is also a key advantage.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL 10L | Google Pixel 4a 5G |
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 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 bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 Sub6, mmWave (market dependant) |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | - | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 06. Released 2020, May 19 | 2020, September 30 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, November 05 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.39 x 2.98 x 0.33 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-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 168 g (5G Sub-6); 171 g ( 5G Sub-6 and mmWave) (5.93 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~413 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.7 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, HDR | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, TCL UI | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| 64GB eMMC 5.1, 128/256GB UFS 2.1 | UFS 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 |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.25", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| 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, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, PD2.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 3885 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Arctic White, Mariana Blue | Just Black, Clearly White |
| Models | T770H, T770B, 4187U | GD1YQ, G025I, G025E, G025H, G6QU3 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 140 EUR |
TCL 10L
- More affordable price point
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful chipset
- May offer expandable storage (depending on variant)
- Significantly slower performance
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Inferior camera capabilities
Google Pixel 4a 5G
- Faster and more responsive performance
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Superior camera quality with Google’s image processing
- Higher price tag
- Potentially shorter battery life compared to TCL 10L (though mitigated by efficiency)
- No expandable storage
Display Comparison
While specific display specs for the TCL 10L are not provided, it's likely an LCD panel typical of its price range. The Pixel 4a 5G, similarly, utilizes an LCD. However, the core difference lies in the processing power driving them. The Snapdragon 765G in the Pixel 4a 5G allows for faster image processing, potentially resulting in slightly more vibrant colors and smoother animations. Both devices likely feature similar resolutions, but the 765G’s superior GPU will contribute to a more fluid visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs for the TCL 10L, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Pixel 4a 5G benefits from Google’s renowned computational photography. While sensor size and aperture are crucial, the Snapdragon 765G’s image signal processor (ISP) plays a vital role in processing images quickly and efficiently, resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. The Pixel’s software algorithms are likely to produce more consistently pleasing results, even with a potentially similar main sensor to the TCL 10L.
Performance
The heart of the difference between these two phones is the chipset. The TCL 10L’s Snapdragon 665, built on an 11nm process, features an octa-core CPU with a split core configuration (2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver). In contrast, the Pixel 4a 5G boasts the Snapdragon 765G, fabricated on a more efficient 7nm process. This smaller node allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency. The 765G’s CPU configuration (2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime, 2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold, and 1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) also offers a performance advantage, particularly in single-core tasks. The 765G’s Adreno 620 GPU significantly outperforms the 665’s Adreno 610, making the Pixel 4a 5G the clear winner for gaming and graphically intensive applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for the TCL 10L, but given its price point, it's likely in the 4000mAh range. The Pixel 4a 5G’s battery capacity is also around 3885mAh. However, the Pixel 4a 5G’s 18W wired charging with PD2.0 support provides a significant advantage. The Snapdragon 765G’s improved power efficiency also contributes to better battery life, meaning the Pixel 4a 5G is likely to last longer on a single charge, and recharge faster when needed.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 10L if you prioritize absolute affordability and are willing to compromise on performance and 5G connectivity. It’s a suitable option for basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Google Pixel 4a 5G if you value a responsive user experience, 5G capabilities, and a more capable camera system, even if it means spending a bit more.