The TCL 20S and Google Pixel 4a 5G represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The TCL 20S aims for affordability, while the Pixel 4a 5G leverages Google’s software prowess and a more powerful chipset. This comparison dissects their core differences, focusing on the impact of their respective Snapdragon processors and overall user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing smooth performance and 5G connectivity, the Google Pixel 4a 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 765G offers a noticeable performance uplift over the TCL 20S’s Snapdragon 665, coupled with Google’s excellent camera software and guaranteed updates. However, the TCL 20S remains a viable option for budget-conscious buyers.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 Sub6, mmWave (market dependant) |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 14 | 2020, September 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 20 | Available. Released 2020, November 05 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 166.2 x 76.9 x 9.1 mm (6.54 x 3.03 x 0.36 in) | 153.9 x 74 x 8.2 mm (Sub-6) or 8.5 mm (Sub-6 and mmWave) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 168 g (5G Sub-6); 171 g ( 5G Sub-6 and mmWave) (5.93 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~413 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.7 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | OLED, HDR |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 11, TCL UI | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
16 MP, f/2.2, 107˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, PD2.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 3885 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Milky Way Gray, North Star Blue | Just Black, Clearly White |
| Models | T773O | GD1YQ, G025I, G025E, G025H, G6QU3 |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 140 EUR |
TCL 20S
- More affordable price point
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful chipset
- 5G connectivity
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Pixel 4a 5G
- Less advanced camera processing
- Likely slower charging speeds
Google Pixel 4a 5G
- Faster and more efficient Snapdragon 765G processor
- Superior camera quality thanks to Google’s software
- 18W fast charging with PD2.0
- Higher price tag
- Potentially shorter battery life compared to the TCL 20S
- May require more frequent software updates
Display Comparison
While both devices likely feature LCD panels (data not provided), the core difference lies beneath the hood. The TCL 20S, with its Snapdragon 665, will likely have a display optimized for power efficiency, potentially at the expense of peak brightness. The Pixel 4a 5G, benefiting from the more powerful Snapdragon 765G, can drive a display with higher resolution or refresh rate without significant battery drain. The 7nm process of the 765G allows for more efficient display control.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, we can infer advantages for the Pixel 4a 5G based on Google’s computational photography expertise. While the TCL 20S may have a higher megapixel count, the Pixel 4a 5G’s image processing algorithms are renowned for their dynamic range, detail preservation, and low-light performance. The Snapdragon 765G’s image signal processor (ISP) is more advanced, enabling faster processing and better noise reduction. The Pixel’s software optimizations will likely yield superior results, even with a potentially smaller sensor.
Performance
The Snapdragon 765G in the Pixel 4a 5G is the clear winner here. Built on a 7nm process versus the TCL 20S’s 11nm Snapdragon 665, the 765G offers significantly improved performance and efficiency. The Pixel’s CPU configuration – a 1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime core, 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold, and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver – provides a more robust architecture than the 4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver setup in the TCL 20S. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience. The 765G’s integrated 5G modem also provides a clear advantage in network connectivity.
Battery Life
The TCL 20S likely prioritizes battery life due to its less power-hungry chipset. However, the Pixel 4a 5G’s 18W charging with PD2.0 support offers a significant convenience advantage. While the TCL 20S’s charging speed is not specified, it’s unlikely to match the Pixel’s faster charging capabilities. The 7nm process of the Snapdragon 765G also contributes to better power efficiency, partially offsetting the TCL 20S’s chipset advantage in raw battery runtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 20S if you need a functional smartphone with 5G connectivity on a very tight budget and aren't demanding in terms of gaming or intensive multitasking. Buy the Google Pixel 4a 5G if you prioritize a smoother user experience, better camera quality, faster charging, and the benefits of Google’s software ecosystem, even at a higher price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 665 in the TCL 20S struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 665 is a budget-oriented chipset. While PUBG Mobile may be playable at lower settings, expect frame drops and potential lag, especially during intense firefights. The Pixel 4a 5G’s Snapdragon 765G will provide a much smoother and more consistent gaming experience.
❓ How much faster is the 5G connectivity on the Pixel 4a 5G compared to 4G on the TCL 20S?
The Pixel 4a 5G’s integrated Snapdragon 765G 5G modem offers significantly faster download and upload speeds compared to 4G. In ideal conditions, you can expect speeds several times faster, enabling quicker downloads, smoother streaming, and lower latency for online gaming. However, 5G availability varies by location.
❓ Does the Pixel 4a 5G receive guaranteed software updates for security and new features?
Yes, the Google Pixel 4a 5G is guaranteed to receive timely Android updates and security patches directly from Google for several years. This is a significant advantage over the TCL 20S, which may have a less consistent update schedule.
