The TCL 10L and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The TCL 10L, leveraging the Snapdragon 665, aims for affordability, while the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G, with its Snapdragon 750G, prioritizes 5G connectivity and a performance boost. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing future-proofing and smoother performance, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 750G offers a significant upgrade over the TCL 10L’s Snapdragon 665, coupled with faster 33W charging. While the TCL 10L remains a viable option for basic tasks, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G delivers a more compelling overall experience.
| 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, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 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 |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 06. Released 2020, May 19 | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.39 x 2.98 x 0.33 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 | 180 g (6.35 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 (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 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, upgradable to Android 11, 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 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | 64GB eMMC 5.1, 128/256GB UFS 2.1 | 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), 1/2.25", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 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 |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/3.06", 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, GALILEO | 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 33W wired, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4820 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Arctic White, Mariana Blue | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | T770H, T770B, 4187U | M2007J17C |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 370 EUR |
TCL 10L
- Potentially lower price point.
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks.
- May offer a more compact form factor (speculation).
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G.
- Lacks 5G connectivity.
- Slower charging speeds (likely).
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- Faster and more efficient Snapdragon 750G processor.
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds.
- 33W fast charging for quicker top-ups.
- Potentially higher price.
- May have a larger footprint.
- Software bloatware (common with Xiaomi).
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Xiaomi provide display specs in the context data. However, given the market positioning, we can infer the TCL 10L likely features an LCD panel, while the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G may utilize an IPS LCD. The absence of high refresh rate information suggests both devices target 60Hz. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G, being a newer device, likely benefits from improved color calibration and potentially higher peak brightness, offering a more vibrant viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G, being a 'Pro' model, likely features a more sophisticated camera system. The Snapdragon 750G’s image signal processor (ISP) is more advanced than the 665’s, enabling better image processing, noise reduction, and dynamic range. While both phones likely include standard features like HDR, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is expected to deliver superior image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. We can assume the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G will have a higher resolution main sensor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Snapdragon 750G (8nm) is a substantial upgrade over the TCL 10L’s Snapdragon 665 (11nm). The 8nm process node inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to improved thermal management and potentially longer battery life under load. The CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570 on the Redmi versus 4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver on the TCL – demonstrates a clear performance advantage for the Redmi, particularly in multi-threaded tasks and gaming. The 750G also includes an integrated 5G modem, a feature absent in the 665.
Battery Life
The TCL 10L’s battery capacity is unknown, but the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W wired charging, capable of reaching 100% in 58 minutes, is a significant advantage. Faster charging reduces downtime and provides greater convenience. While a larger battery capacity on the TCL 10L could offset the slower charging, the Snapdragon 750G’s improved power efficiency in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G likely results in comparable, if not better, real-world battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 10L if you need a very budget-friendly device for essential tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and 5G connectivity isn't a priority. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you want a phone capable of handling more demanding apps, enjoy faster download speeds with 5G, and appreciate quicker charging times. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is the better choice for gamers and multimedia consumers.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 750G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 750G is capable of running PUBG Mobile at high settings with stable frame rates. Its Adreno 619 GPU provides a significant performance boost over the Snapdragon 665’s Adreno 610, resulting in a smoother gaming experience. While not a flagship-level gaming chip, it’s more than adequate for most mobile games.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G actually useful, or is it just a marketing gimmick?
The usefulness of 5G depends on your location and carrier coverage. However, if you live in an area with 5G availability, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G will offer significantly faster download and upload speeds compared to 4G LTE. This is particularly beneficial for streaming high-resolution video, downloading large files, and online gaming.
❓ Does the TCL 10L have enough processing power for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
The TCL 10L’s Snapdragon 665 is sufficient for basic tasks like web browsing, social media, and email. However, you may experience slowdowns when multitasking or running more demanding applications. It’s best suited for users who prioritize affordability over performance.
