The TCL 20B and Xiaomi Redmi 10C represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price point, they diverge significantly in their core hardware. This comparison dissects the key differences, focusing on the impact of their respective chipsets – the MediaTek Helio P22 in the TCL 20B and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 in the Redmi 10C – on real-world performance and user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Xiaomi Redmi 10C is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 680, built on a more efficient 6nm process, offers a substantial performance advantage over the TCL 20B’s Helio P22, translating to smoother multitasking and a better gaming experience.
| 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, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 30 | 2022, March 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 30 | Available. Released 2022, March 23 |
| 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) | 169.6 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, TCL UI | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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, GALILEO |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Violet | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green |
| Models | 6159K | 220333QAG, 220333QBI, 220333QNY, 220333QL |
| Price | About 320 EUR | £ 99.00 / € 109.86 |
| SAR | - | 0.96 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
TCL 20B
- Lower upfront cost
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Adequate for basic communication
- Significantly slower performance
- Less efficient chipset
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Xiaomi Redmi 10C
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 680
- More power-efficient chipset
- Better multitasking and gaming experience
- Slightly higher price point
- May still struggle with very demanding games
- Basic camera system
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Xiaomi provide display specifics beyond resolution. However, the chipset difference indirectly impacts the display experience. The Redmi 10C’s Snapdragon 680 has a more capable GPU, allowing for smoother rendering of UI elements and potentially higher frame rates in games displayed on the screen. While both likely utilize LCD panels, the more powerful processor in the Redmi 10C can better compensate for any panel limitations.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor information, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Snapdragon 680’s integrated Image Signal Processor (ISP) is more advanced than the Helio P22’s. This translates to better image processing capabilities, including improved noise reduction, dynamic range, and color accuracy. While both phones likely feature a primary camera and several auxiliary lenses, the Redmi 10C will likely produce superior image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The TCL 20B will likely rely more heavily on software processing to compensate for its less capable ISP.
Performance
The core differentiator lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 10C’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) boasts a significant architectural advantage over the TCL 20B’s MediaTek Helio P22 (12nm). The Snapdragon 680’s Kryo 265 Gold cores, clocked at 2.4 GHz, deliver substantially higher peak performance than the Helio P22’s 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. Furthermore, the 6nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon 680 results in improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling, meaning sustained performance is higher. The Helio P22, while adequate for basic tasks, will struggle with demanding applications and multitasking.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds. However, the Snapdragon 680’s superior power efficiency in the Redmi 10C means it will likely achieve longer battery life on a single charge, despite potentially having a similar battery capacity. The 6nm process allows the Redmi 10C to accomplish more per watt, extending usage time between charges. While 18W charging isn’t particularly fast, it’s sufficient for topping up the battery overnight.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 20B if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize a minimal upfront cost. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10C if you want a phone that can handle more demanding tasks like moderate gaming, video streaming, and running multiple apps simultaneously without significant slowdowns, and you value long-term usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 10C handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Redmi 10C’s Snapdragon 680 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but likely at medium graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a smooth experience. Expect some frame drops during intense action. The TCL 20B’s Helio P22 will struggle significantly with these titles, even at the lowest settings.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Redmi 10C will feel snappier and more responsive when switching between apps, loading web pages, and scrolling through social media feeds. The Helio P22 in the TCL 20B may exhibit occasional lag or stuttering, especially with multiple apps open.
❓ Does the Redmi 10C support fast charging beyond the 18W specification?
While the Redmi 10C supports 18W charging, it does not support faster charging protocols like Quick Charge or Power Delivery. Using a higher wattage charger will not result in significantly faster charging speeds.
❓ How does the 6nm process of the Snapdragon 680 benefit the Redmi 10C?
The 6nm process allows Qualcomm to pack more transistors into a smaller space, resulting in increased performance and improved power efficiency. This means the Snapdragon 680 consumes less power for the same level of performance compared to the 12nm Helio P22, leading to longer battery life and reduced heat generation.
