TCL has made a name for itself in the budget smartphone market, offering impressive features at competitive prices. The TCL 10L and 10 Plus are two popular contenders, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 10 Plus edges out the 10L thanks to its Quick Charge 3 support and slightly better display contrast. Both offer similar performance, but the 10 Plus's faster charging and improved screen make it the more compelling choice for most users.
| 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, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/75 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 06. Released 2020, May 19 | 2020, July 09. Released 2020, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.39 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 158.9 x 72.9 x 8.9 mm (6.26 x 2.87 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 172 g (6.07 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.47 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~88.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, HDR | AMOLED, HDR |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, TCL UI | Android 10, TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | 64GB eMMC 5.1, 128/256GB UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, 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 | 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 |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Quick Charge 3 |
| 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 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Arctic White, Mariana Blue | Blue, Violet |
| Models | T770H, T770B, 4187U | T782H |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 300 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 10L
- Compact design
- Decent performance
- Good value
- Slower charging
- Lower display contrast
- Less premium feel
TCL 10 Plus
- Quick Charge 3 support
- Better display contrast
- Slightly more premium design
- Generally better camera reviews
- Slightly larger size
- Can be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.67-inch Full HD+ display, but the TCL 10 Plus boasts a contrast ratio of 1031:1 (nominal), suggesting slightly better blacks and overall image quality compared to the 10L. While both are LCD panels, the 10 Plus's contrast gives it a visual edge.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature a quad-camera setup, but specific sensor details are often similar. The TCL 10 Plus generally receives slightly better reviews for its camera performance, likely due to software optimization. Expect versatile photography options with both, including wide-angle, macro, and depth sensors.
Performance
Powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 chipset and Octa-core CPU, performance between the two phones is largely identical. Expect smooth everyday usage, capable multitasking, and decent gaming performance at moderate settings. Neither phone is a powerhouse, but they handle typical tasks well.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 4000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. However, the TCL 10 Plus includes Quick Charge 3 support, allowing for significantly faster charging speeds compared to the 10L's standard charging.
Buying Guide
The TCL 10L is a good option for users prioritizing a slightly more compact design and basic functionality. The TCL 10 Plus is ideal for those who value faster charging, a better display experience, and a slightly more premium feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference in charging speed between the TCL 10L and 10 Plus?
The TCL 10 Plus supports Quick Charge 3, allowing for significantly faster charging compared to the standard charging on the TCL 10L.
❓ Are the cameras on the TCL 10L and 10 Plus the same?
While both have quad-camera setups with similar sensors, the TCL 10 Plus generally receives slightly better camera reviews due to software optimization.
