The TCL 20E and Xiaomi Redmi 10C represent two compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price, they take drastically different approaches to achieving this, particularly in their core processing power. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 10C is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 680 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, delivers significantly better performance and responsiveness than the TCL 20E’s older Helio P22. While the TCL 20E may be slightly cheaper in some markets, the Redmi 10C’s performance advantage justifies the small price difference.
| 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, October 12 | 2022, March 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 12 | Available. Released 2022, March 23 |
| 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) | 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 | 190 g (6.70 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 (~82.0% 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 2.0 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 (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 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 |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP or 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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 |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green |
| Models | 6125F, 6125D, 6125H | 220333QAG, 220333QBI, 220333QNY, 220333QL |
| Price | About 160 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 20E
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Adequate for basic communication tasks
- Significantly weaker performance
- Less efficient chipset
- Slower charging speeds
Xiaomi Redmi 10C
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 680
- Faster 18W charging
- More efficient chipset for longer battery life
- May be slightly more expensive
- Potentially less RAM in base configurations (market dependent)
- Software bloatware (typical of Xiaomi)
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Xiaomi provide detailed display specifications beyond resolution. However, the focus here is on processing power, so display differences are less critical. Both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO is expected. Bezels are likely comparable, prioritizing cost reduction over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs are unavailable, but both phones likely feature a primary camera and potentially depth/macro sensors. Given the price point, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. The Redmi 10C’s more powerful chipset *could* allow for more sophisticated image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in better photos, especially in low-light conditions. However, without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. The TCL 20E’s image processing will likely be more basic due to the limitations of the Helio P22.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 10C’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the TCL 20E’s MediaTek Helio P22 (12nm). The 6nm process node of the Snapdragon 680 translates to significantly improved power efficiency and reduced heat generation, leading to sustained performance. The Snapdragon 680’s CPU configuration – a mix of 2.4 GHz Cortex-A75 (Kryo 265 Gold) and 1.9 GHz Cortex-A55 (Kryo 265 Silver) cores – offers a more balanced and powerful architecture compared to the TCL 20E’s all-Cortex-A53 setup clocked at 2.0 GHz. This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Redmi 10C. The Helio P22, while adequate for basic tasks, will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, both phones likely feature batteries in the 5000mAh range, typical for this segment. The Redmi 10C’s 18W charging support is a clear advantage over the TCL 20E’s 10W charging. This translates to significantly faster charging times, reducing downtime. The Snapdragon 680’s superior power efficiency also contributes to potentially longer battery life on the Redmi 10C, even with similar battery capacities.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 20E if your primary need is a basic smartphone for extremely light tasks like calls, texts, and occasional social media browsing, and you are prioritizing the absolute lowest possible price. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10C if you want a phone that can handle multitasking, moderate gaming, and offers a smoother overall user experience, even if it means spending a little more upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the TCL 20E struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the TCL 20E can run these apps, the Helio P22 chipset may result in noticeable lag and slower loading times, especially when multitasking. The experience won't be as smooth or responsive as on the Redmi 10C.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 680 in the Redmi 10C capable of playing mobile games?
The Snapdragon 680 can handle many popular mobile games at medium settings. However, demanding titles may require lower graphics settings to maintain a playable frame rate. The TCL 20E’s Helio P22 will struggle with most modern games.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Redmi 10C compared to the TCL 20E?
The Redmi 10C’s 18W charging is significantly faster. Expect a full charge in around 2-3 hours, while the TCL 20E’s 10W charging could take 4-5 hours or longer.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Redmi 10C have a lot of pre-installed bloatware?
Xiaomi phones are known for including some pre-installed apps (bloatware). While most can be uninstalled, it's a common complaint among users. The TCL 20E generally has less bloatware.
