TCL 20 5G vs. Motorola Moto G53: A Detailed Comparison

The budget 5G smartphone market is heating up, and the TCL 20 5G and Motorola Moto G53 are two contenders vying for your attention. Both offer 5G connectivity at an affordable price, but which one delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Motorola Moto G53 edges out the TCL 20 5G thanks to its brighter display, potentially better camera performance, and reverse charging. While the TCL 20 5G boasts a slightly more powerful chipset, the Moto G53's overall package provides a more compelling value proposition.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL 20 5G Motorola Moto G53
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA & AP, China
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42 - EMEA & AP
5G bands1, 3, 5, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - EMEA & AP
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA - China
Launch
Announced2020, November 30. Released 2020, December 072022, December 15
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2022, December 15
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions166.2 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.54 x 3.02 x 0.36 in)162.7 x 74.7 x 8.2 mm (6.41 x 2.94 x 0.32 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight206 g (7.27 oz)183 g (6.46 oz)
 -Water-resistant design
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, HDR10, 450 nits (typ)IPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 560 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 560 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6350 Snapdragon 690 5G (8 nm)Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm)
GPUAdreno 619LAdreno 619
OSAndroid 10, TCL UIAndroid 13, planned upgrade to Android 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.1-
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/1.8 (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro)
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm or 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio (market/region dependent)
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired, QC418W wired (China, LATAM) 10W wired (International) Reverse wired
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsMist Gray, Placid BlueInk Blue, Arctic Silver, Pale Pink
ModelsT781, T781K, T781HXT2335-2
PriceAbout 300 EUR$ 295.00 / £ 143.15
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 123h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: 1746:1 (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -26.0 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 314195 (v9) GeekBench: 1594 (v5.1), 1797 (v6.0) GFXBench: 29fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

TCL 20 5G

  • Slightly more powerful chipset
  • Potentially more premium build quality
  • 5G Connectivity

  • Less bright display
  • Potentially shorter battery life
  • Charging speed could be faster

Motorola Moto G53

  • Brighter display
  • Exceptional battery life
  • Reverse wired charging
  • Good value for money

  • Slightly less powerful chipset
  • Charging speed varies by region (10W in some areas)
  • Plastic build

Display Comparison

The Motorola Moto G53 takes a clear lead in the display department. Its measured 599 nits peak brightness significantly surpasses what's typically expected from the TCL 20 5G, resulting in better visibility outdoors. Both offer a high contrast ratio (1746:1), but the Moto G53's brightness makes a noticeable difference. The TCL 20 5G's display is adequate, but not as impressive.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is difficult to definitively declare a winner without extensive testing. Both phones feature standard camera setups. The Moto G53's camera is likely to benefit from Motorola's image processing, potentially resulting in more pleasing photos. The TCL 20 5G's camera is decent, but may lack the Moto G53's refinements.

Performance

The TCL 20 5G holds a slight advantage in performance thanks to its Snapdragon 690 chipset, which is generally considered more powerful than the Moto G53's Snapdragon 480+ 5G. This translates to slightly smoother performance in demanding apps and games. However, in everyday use, the difference might not be immediately apparent.

Battery Life

The Motorola Moto G53 shines with its exceptional endurance rating of 123 hours. This indicates significantly longer battery life compared to the TCL 20 5G. The TCL 20 5G's battery life is respectable, but not as impressive as the Moto G53's.

Buying Guide

The TCL 20 5G is a good choice for users prioritizing raw processing power and a slightly more premium feel. The Motorola Moto G53 is ideal for those who value a vibrant display, long battery life, and the added convenience of reverse charging, especially if you're in a region with the 18W charging variant.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What does 'reverse wired charging' mean?
Reverse wired charging allows you to use your phone to charge other devices, like earbuds or smartwatches, using a cable.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The TCL 20 5G has a slightly more powerful chipset, so it *might* offer a marginally better gaming experience, but both are budget phones and shouldn't be expected to handle demanding games flawlessly.