The Nokia G20 and TCL 20B represent the lower end of the Android smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability. However, even within this segment, key differences emerge, particularly in processing power and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia G20 emerges as the better choice. While both phones share a similar price point, the G20’s Helio G35 chipset, with its higher clocked Cortex-A53 cores, delivers noticeably improved performance for everyday tasks and light gaming, offsetting the slower 10W charging.
| 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 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 30 | 2021, April 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 30 | Available. Released 2021, May 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 74.7 x 8 mm (6.48 x 2.94 x 0.31 in) | 164.9 x 76 x 9.2 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| | - | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, TCL UI | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Violet | Glacier, Night |
| Models | 6159K | TA-1336, TA-1343, TA-1347, TA-1372, TA-1365 |
| Price | About 320 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.01 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.49 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) |
TCL 20B
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Potentially quicker top-ups
- Similar price point to the Nokia G20
- Slower processor (Helio P22)
- Less responsive user experience
- May struggle with multitasking
Nokia G20
- More powerful processor (Helio G35)
- Smoother performance for everyday tasks
- Better suited for light gaming
- Potentially better image processing
- Slower 10W wired charging
- Longer charging times
- May not offer significantly better battery life
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Nokia provide display specifications beyond resolution in their marketing materials. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The lack of detailed specs makes a direct comparison difficult, but the focus here is on performance, not visual fidelity. Expect similar viewing experiences with adequate, but not exceptional, brightness and color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar camera setups focused on basic image capture. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to assess image quality. However, the processing capabilities of the Helio G35 in the Nokia G20 *may* offer slightly better image processing, but this is speculative. The inclusion of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices is largely marketing fluff and shouldn’t heavily influence purchasing decisions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia G20’s Mediatek Helio G35 features an octa-core configuration with four cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz, all Cortex-A53. The TCL 20B utilizes the Helio P22, also octa-core Cortex-A53, but uniformly clocked at 1.8 GHz. This 500 MHz clock speed advantage on four cores of the G35 translates to a tangible performance boost in app loading times and multitasking. While both are entry-level chips, the G35 offers a more fluid experience. Neither chipset is suited for demanding games, but the G35 will handle less intensive titles with fewer stutters.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, the TCL 20B’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage on paper. In practice, the difference in charging speed will be noticeable, allowing for quicker top-ups. The Nokia G20’s 10W charging is considerably slower. However, the more efficient Helio G35 chipset *could* partially offset this difference by consuming less power during typical usage, potentially leading to comparable real-world battery life despite the slower charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 20B if your primary concern is faster charging and you primarily use your phone for very basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Nokia G20 if you prioritize a smoother user experience, occasional gaming, and are willing to accept slower charging speeds for a more responsive device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia G20 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the Helio G35 isn't a powerhouse, it's sufficient for running apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly. You might experience slight delays when loading these apps initially, but everyday usage should be acceptable. The TCL 20B's Helio P22 will likely exhibit more noticeable lag.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the TCL 20B with the 18W charger?
While 18W charging is faster than 10W, the actual 0-100% charge time will depend on the battery capacity (which isn't specified). Expect a full charge to take between 2-3 hours, assuming a compatible charger is used. The Nokia G20 will likely take 4+ hours with its 10W charger.
❓ Can the Nokia G20 handle any mobile games?
The Nokia G20 can handle less demanding mobile games like Candy Crush or simple puzzle games. However, graphically intensive titles like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty will likely be unplayable or require extremely low settings with significant frame rate drops. The Helio G35 offers a slight advantage over the P22, but neither chip is designed for gaming.
