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.
🏆 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.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 20, 28, 46, 48, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 2, 5, 66, 260, 261 mmWave |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 30. Released 2020, December 07 | 2020, October 27. Released 2020, October 29 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 166.2 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-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 206 g (7.27 oz) | 210 g (7.41 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, HDR10, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, HDR10, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-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) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6350 Snapdragon 690 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619L | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 10, TCL UI | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 48 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 |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | - |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC4 | 18W wired, QC3 |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mist Gray, Placid Blue | Diamond Gray |
| Models | T781, T781K, T781H | - |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 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.