The TCL 20E and Oppo A54s represent the fiercely competitive sub-$200 smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they differ significantly in their internal hardware. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which phone offers the best performance and value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Oppo A54s emerges as the better choice. Its Helio G35 chipset, with its higher clocked Cortex-A53 cores, provides a noticeable performance boost over the TCL 20E’s Helio P22, making it more responsive for everyday tasks and light gaming. While both offer similar battery capacity, the A54s’s slightly improved processing power translates to a smoother user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 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, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 12 | 2021, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 12 | Available. Released 2021, November 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 75.6 x 8.8 mm (6.52 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 163.8 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| 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 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 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, ColorOS 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | Unspecified |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP or 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 720p@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, aptX |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green | Pearl Blue, Space Silver, Crystal Black |
| Models | 6125F, 6125D, 6125H | CPH2273 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 170 EUR |
TCL 20E
- Lower price point (potentially)
- Functional for basic tasks
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Slower Helio P22 processor
- Less responsive user experience
- Limited gaming capabilities
Oppo A54s
- Faster Helio G35 processor
- Smoother user interface
- Better for light gaming
- Potentially improved camera software
- Slightly higher price (potentially)
- 10W charging is slow
- Similar battery life to TCL 20E
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Oppo provide detailed display specifications beyond the basic panel type. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. However, the focus here is on processing power, which impacts UI smoothness. Display quality is likely similar, with both offering adequate viewing angles and color reproduction for casual use. Expect 720p+ resolution on both devices, sufficient for their screen sizes.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a primary camera sensor around 13MP, but detailed specifications are unavailable. The image processing capabilities will heavily influence the final image quality. Given Oppo’s history, the A54s likely benefits from more refined software algorithms for noise reduction and dynamic range. The presence of potentially useless 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices shouldn’t factor heavily into the decision, as their image quality is generally subpar. The real-world difference will likely be minimal, but Oppo’s software optimization gives it a slight edge.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo A54s features the Mediatek Helio G35, utilizing an octa-core configuration with four cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz, all Cortex-A53. The TCL 20E, conversely, employs the Helio P22 with eight Cortex-A53 cores running at a consistent 2.0 GHz. This 300 MHz clock speed difference, coupled with the G35’s optimized architecture, translates to a tangible performance advantage for the A54s in tasks like app loading and multitasking. While both are entry-level chips, the G35 is demonstrably more capable for light gaming and smoother UI navigation.
Battery Life
Both devices are expected to house around a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the Oppo A54s’s more efficient Helio G35 chipset may contribute to slightly longer screen-on time. Both phones support 10W wired charging, which is relatively slow by today’s standards. Expect a full charge to take over 2.5 hours in both cases. Battery life will largely depend on individual usage patterns, but the A54s has a slight advantage due to its more efficient processor.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 20E if you prioritize absolute affordability and only need a phone for basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a functional device for those on a very tight budget. Buy the Oppo A54s if you want a more responsive experience, enjoy occasional mobile gaming, or simply prefer a phone that feels less sluggish during daily use. The A54s offers a better balance of performance and price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oppo A54s handle games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
While the Helio G35 isn't a gaming powerhouse, the Oppo A54s can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at low to medium settings with acceptable frame rates. Expect some occasional stuttering, but it's playable for casual gaming sessions. The TCL 20E will struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ How much faster is the Oppo A54s in everyday tasks compared to the TCL 20E?
The Oppo A54s will feel noticeably snappier when opening apps, switching between them, and browsing the web. The higher clocked CPU cores and optimized architecture of the Helio G35 contribute to a more fluid and responsive user experience. The TCL 20E will exhibit more lag and delays in these scenarios.
❓ Is the 10W charging on either phone a significant drawback?
Yes, 10W charging is quite slow compared to modern standards. Both phones will take over 2.5 hours to fully charge from 0%. If fast charging is a priority, you'll need to consider phones in a higher price bracket.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls, texts, and WhatsApp?
For basic communication, the TCL 20E is sufficient. Its lower price makes it a viable option if you only need a phone for essential functions. However, the Oppo A54s provides a more pleasant experience even for these basic tasks due to its smoother performance.
