TCL 20 5G vs TCL 10L: A Detailed Comparison

Looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The TCL 20 5G and TCL 10L are both contenders, offering solid features at an affordable price. But which one is right for you? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The TCL 20 5G takes the crown thanks to its 5G connectivity and more powerful Snapdragon 690 chipset. While the TCL 10L offers a slightly better display, the 20 5G's future-proofed connectivity and improved performance make it the better overall value.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL 20 5G TCL 10L
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, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/75 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
 HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
Launch
Announced2020, November 30. Released 2020, December 072020, April 06. Released 2020, May 19
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions166.2 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.54 x 3.02 x 0.36 in)162.2 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.39 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight206 g (7.27 oz)180 g (6.35 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 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, HDR10, 450 nits (typ)IPS LCD, HDR
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 560 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 560 Silver)Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6350 Snapdragon 690 5G (8 nm)Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm)
GPUAdreno 619LAdreno 610
OSAndroid 10, TCL UIAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 11, TCL UI
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 2.164GB eMMC 5.1, 128/256GB UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-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
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-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm16 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (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, aptX
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GALILEO
RadioFM radioFM radio
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, QC4-
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 4000 mAh
Misc
ColorsMist Gray, Placid BlueArctic White, Mariana Blue
ModelsT781, T781K, T781HT770H, T770B, 4187U
PriceAbout 300 EURAbout 140 EUR

TCL 20 5G

  • 5G Connectivity
  • More Powerful Processor (Snapdragon 690)
  • Slightly Better Battery Life
  • Quad-Camera System

  • Slightly Less Vibrant Display than 10L
  • Potentially Larger Size

TCL 10L

  • Vibrant Display
  • Compact Design
  • Good Value

  • Older Processor (Snapdragon 665)
  • No 5G
  • Slightly Shorter Battery Life

Display Comparison

Both phones feature LCD displays, but the TCL 10L boasts a slightly higher resolution (1080 x 2400) compared to the TCL 20 5G (1080 x 2400). The TCL 10L's display is generally considered to have slightly better color accuracy and brightness, making it a more enjoyable viewing experience. However, the TCL 20 5G's display is still perfectly adequate.

Camera Comparison

The TCL 20 5G typically features a quad-camera setup (48MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth) while the TCL 10L has a triple-camera setup (48MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro). Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting conditions, but the 20 5G's newer processor may offer slightly better image processing. Low-light performance is adequate on both.

Performance

The TCL 20 5G's Snapdragon 690 chipset is a significant upgrade over the TCL 10L's Snapdragon 665. The 8nm process of the 690 offers better power efficiency and performance. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and better gaming performance on the 20 5G. The 10L is still capable for everyday tasks, but will show its age more quickly.

Battery Life

Both phones offer a large 4000mAh battery. However, the TCL 20 5G's more efficient Snapdragon 690 chipset gives it a slight edge in battery life. Expect a full day of moderate use on both devices, but the 20 5G might stretch a bit further.

Buying Guide

The TCL 20 5G is ideal for users who want 5G connectivity and a smoother overall experience, especially for multitasking and light gaming. The TCL 10L is a good choice for those prioritizing a vibrant display and a slightly more compact design, and who don't need 5G.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the TCL 20 5G worth the extra money over the TCL 10L?
Yes, if 5G connectivity and improved performance are important to you, the TCL 20 5G is worth the upgrade. The Snapdragon 690 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost.
❓ Which phone has the better camera?
The TCL 20 5G generally has a slight edge due to its newer processor and quad-camera setup, although both offer decent image quality.