TCL 20 5G vs TCL 10 5G UW: A Head-to-Head Comparison

TCL has made a name for itself offering impressive features at affordable prices. The TCL 20 5G and TCL 10 5G UW are two of their 5G offerings, but which one is the better choice for your budget? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The TCL 10 5G UW generally edges out the TCL 20 5G thanks to its superior Snapdragon 765G chipset, offering noticeably better performance and a more responsive experience. However, the 20 5G might be a better value if you prioritize a slightly newer design and are on a tighter budget.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL 20 5G TCL 10 5G UW
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 412, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 20, 28, 46, 48, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA2, 5, 66, 260, 261 mmWave
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 -
Launch
Announced2020, November 30. Released 2020, December 072020, October 27. Released 2020, October 29
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Build-Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame
Dimensions166.2 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.54 x 3.02 x 0.36 in)163.6 x 76.5 x 9.4 mm (6.44 x 3.01 x 0.37 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight206 g (7.27 oz)210 g (7.41 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, HDR10, 450 nits (typ)IPS LCD, HDR10, 450 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 560 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 560 Silver)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6350 Snapdragon 690 5G (8 nm)Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 619LAdreno 620
OSAndroid 10, TCL UIAndroid 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED 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)48 MP, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 5 MP (macro), AF
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm16 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYes-
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioFM radioNo
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, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired, QC418W wired, QC3
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsMist Gray, Placid BlueDiamond Gray
ModelsT781, T781K, T781H-
PriceAbout 300 EURAbout 340 EUR

TCL 20 5G

  • More modern design
  • Slightly higher resolution display
  • Generally more affordable
  • Decent 5G connectivity

  • Less powerful processor
  • Lower performance
  • Image quality not as good as 10 5G UW
  • May feel slightly less premium

TCL 10 5G UW

  • More powerful Snapdragon 765G processor
  • Better performance and responsiveness
  • Slightly better camera quality
  • More premium feel

  • Older design
  • Slightly higher price
  • LCD display not as vibrant as OLED

Display Comparison

Both phones feature LCD displays, but the TCL 10 5G UW generally has slightly better color accuracy and brightness. The TCL 20 5G has a slightly higher resolution, but the difference is minimal in everyday use. Both offer decent viewing experiences for their price range.

Camera Comparison

The TCL 10 5G UW typically offers slightly better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions, due to its more advanced image processing capabilities. Both phones have multiple rear cameras, including ultrawide and macro lenses, but the 10 5G UW's main sensor generally performs better. Both offer decent front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Performance

The Snapdragon 765G in the TCL 10 5G UW is significantly more powerful than the Snapdragon 690 5G in the TCL 20 5G. Expect faster app loading times, smoother gaming, and overall better responsiveness on the 10 5G UW. The 20 5G is adequate for basic tasks but may struggle with demanding applications.

Battery Life

Battery life is comparable between the two devices, both offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging speeds are similar, both supporting 18W fast charging.

Buying Guide

The TCL 20 5G is ideal for users seeking a basic 5G experience with a modern design and a focus on affordability. The TCL 10 5G UW is a better choice for those who prioritize performance, smoother multitasking, and a slightly more premium feel, even if it means spending a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What does 'UW' mean in the TCL 10 5G UW?
UW stands for Ultra Wideband, indicating support for the C-Band 5G spectrum, which provides faster speeds and wider coverage in certain areas.
❓ Is the TCL 20 5G worth buying if I only need basic smartphone functions?
Yes, the TCL 20 5G is a solid choice for basic users who want 5G connectivity and a modern design without breaking the bank.