Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely compromise on features? The TCL 205 and TCL 20 SE are both contenders in the budget market, offering a range of capabilities at attractive price points. But which one truly delivers the best value?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 20 SE is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 460 chipset offers significantly better performance than the TCL 205's Unisoc processor, resulting in a smoother user experience. While both are budget options, the 20 SE's faster processor and 18W charging make it the better choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA, SEA, APAC |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA, SEA, APAC |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 08 | 2021, January 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October | Available. Released 2021, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 75.2 x 8.7 mm (6.27 x 2.96 x 0.34 in) | 172.1 x 77.1 x 9.1 mm (6.78 x 3.04 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 170.3 g (6.00 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), TCL UI | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 (128GB only) |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide) 1/3.06", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 16 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens
2 MP (macro)
or
48 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens
2 MP (macro) |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
or
13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Power Gray, Atlantic Blue | Aurora Green, Nuit Black |
| Models | 4187D | T671H, T671F, T671O, T671E |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 150 EUR |
TCL 205
- Ultra-budget friendly
- Large display
- Decent battery life
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Slow charging
- Less responsive UI
TCL 20 SE
- Better performance (Snapdragon 460)
- Improved camera
- Faster charging (18W)
- More responsive UI
- Slightly more expensive than the 205
- Still a budget phone – don't expect flagship features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, typically around 6.5 inches, with HD+ resolution. While the TCL 20 SE might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its more advanced panel, the difference is minimal at this price point. Expect decent viewing angles and adequate sharpness for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
The TCL 20 SE generally has a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor and potentially an ultrawide lens. While both phones offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions, the 20 SE's superior processing and hardware typically result in better photos, especially in low light. Expect the 205 to struggle more with dynamic range and detail.
Performance
This is where the TCL 20 SE shines. The Snapdragon 460 offers a substantial performance advantage over the Unisoc SC9863A. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience on the 20 SE. The 205 can feel sluggish, especially when handling multiple apps or demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones typically feature batteries around 5000mAh, offering all-day battery life under moderate usage. However, the TCL 20 SE's 18W fast charging provides a significant advantage, allowing for quicker top-ups compared to the 205's slower charging speeds.
Buying Guide
The TCL 205 is ideal for users who prioritize basic functionality and ultra-budget pricing. It's a good option for first-time smartphone users or those needing a secondary device for calls and simple tasks. The TCL 20 SE is better suited for users who want a more responsive phone for everyday use, including social media, light gaming, and photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL 205 good for gaming?
The TCL 205's processor is not ideal for gaming. You might be able to play some basic games, but don't expect smooth performance in demanding titles.
❓ Which TCL phone has better battery life?
Both offer excellent battery life, but the TCL 20 SE's faster charging makes it more convenient.
❓ What is the difference between the TCL 205 and 20 SE cameras?
The TCL 20 SE generally has a more versatile camera system with better image processing, resulting in superior photo quality, especially in low light.
