The TCL 20L+ and Realme 8 Pro represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, they take different approaches. The TCL 20L+ focuses on a balanced feature set, while the Realme 8 Pro prioritizes camera capabilities and faster charging. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose the right phone for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 8 Pro emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 720G chipset offers a noticeable performance uplift over the TCL 20L+'s Snapdragon 662, and the significantly faster 50W charging is a game-changer. While the TCL 20L+ is a capable device, the Realme 8 Pro provides a more future-proof and convenient experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EU/MEA/APAC | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EU/MEA/APAC | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - Asia |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 14 | 2021, March 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 14 | Available. Released 2021, March 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 166.2 x 76.9 x 9.1 mm (6.54 x 3.03 x 0.36 in) | 160.6 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.32 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak) |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 11, TCL UI | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 50W wired, 50% in 17 min, 100% in 47 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Milky Way Gray, North Star Blue | Infinite Blue, Infinite Black, Punk Black, Illuminating Yellow |
| Models | T775H, T775B | RMX3081 |
| Price | About 270 EUR | About 550 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.10 W/kg (head) 0.53 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 116h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.2 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 286666 (v8)
GeekBench: 1678 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
TCL 20L+
- Balanced feature set for everyday use
- Potentially better color accuracy (speculation)
- More affordable price point (likely)
- Slower Snapdragon 662 processor
- Significantly slower 18W charging
- Less capable camera system
Realme 8 Pro
- Faster Snapdragon 720G processor
- Ultra-fast 50W charging
- Superior camera capabilities
- Potentially higher price
- May experience more thermal throttling under sustained load (compared to 662)
- Similar battery endurance to TCL 20L+
Display Comparison
Both devices share an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting typical IPS LCD characteristics. However, detailed display specs like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are missing. Given TCL's history with display technology, the 20L+ *may* offer slightly better color accuracy, but without concrete data, it's speculative. The Realme 8 Pro's display benefits from the more powerful chipset's ability to drive higher refresh rates, though this isn't explicitly stated, it's a common feature in phones with the 720G.
Camera Comparison
The Realme 8 Pro is positioned as a camera-centric device, though specific sensor details are absent. The focus is on 'Photo / Video' capabilities. The TCL 20L+ lacks this explicit emphasis. While both phones likely feature multi-camera setups, the Realme 8 Pro’s chipset offers superior image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, leading to better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality. The 720G’s ISP is more advanced, enabling features like 4K video recording and potentially better low-light performance. Ignoring the likely presence of low-resolution auxiliary cameras on both devices, the core imaging experience will favor the Realme 8 Pro.
Performance
The Realme 8 Pro’s Snapdragon 720G, fabricated on an 8nm process, represents a significant architectural advantage over the TCL 20L+'s Snapdragon 662 (11nm). The 720G’s Kryo 465 Gold cores, clocked at 2.3 GHz, outperform the 662’s 2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold cores in both single-core and multi-core performance. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. The 720G’s Adreno 618 GPU also provides a substantial graphics boost. While both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, the 720G’s overall efficiency will result in better sustained performance under load.
Battery Life
Both phones boast an endurance rating of 116 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage scenarios. However, the Realme 8 Pro’s 50W wired charging is a massive advantage. Achieving 50% charge in 17 minutes and 100% in 47 minutes significantly reduces downtime. The TCL 20L+'s 18W charging is considerably slower, requiring substantially longer to fully replenish the battery. This difference in charging speed is a key differentiator for users who prioritize convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 20L+ if you prioritize a consistently smooth experience for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming, and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. Buy the Realme 8 Pro if you frequently capture photos and videos, enjoy mobile gaming, and value the convenience of incredibly fast charging – even if it means a slightly higher price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 8 Pro’s Snapdragon 720G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 720G is well-equipped to handle PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings. While it won't deliver the absolute highest frame rates, it provides a consistently smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. The Adreno 618 GPU is a significant step up from the 662's GPU.
❓ How much faster is the 50W charging on the Realme 8 Pro compared to the 18W charging on the TCL 20L+ in real-world use?
The difference is substantial. The Realme 8 Pro can go from 0-50% in just 17 minutes, and fully charge in 47 minutes. The TCL 20L+ with 18W charging will likely take over 2 hours to fully charge, making the Realme 8 Pro far more convenient for users who need a quick power boost.
❓ Does the Realme 8 Pro’s camera offer significant improvements in low-light photography compared to the TCL 20L+?
Likely, yes. The Snapdragon 720G’s advanced ISP and potentially larger sensor (details are missing) will result in better noise reduction, improved dynamic range, and more detail in low-light conditions. The TCL 20L+'s camera will still be usable, but the Realme 8 Pro should deliver noticeably superior results.
