The TCL 20S and Nokia G20 represent two distinct approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The TCL 20S leverages Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 665, a chip known for its balanced performance, while the Nokia G20 opts for MediaTek’s Helio G35, prioritizing efficiency. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device offers the best value for users seeking an affordable Android experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the TCL 20S emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 665 chipset, built on an 11nm process, provides a noticeable performance edge over the Nokia G20’s 12nm Helio G35, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While the Nokia G20 offers a slightly larger display, the TCL 20S’s superior processing power makes it the better all-around performer.
| 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 / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 14 | 2021, April 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 20 | Available. Released 2021, May 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 166.2 x 76.9 x 9.1 mm (6.54 x 3.03 x 0.36 in) | 164.9 x 76 x 9.2 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| | - | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, TCL UI | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, 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 | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| 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 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Milky Way Gray, North Star Blue | Glacier, Night |
| Models | T773O | TA-1336, TA-1343, TA-1347, TA-1372, TA-1365 |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.01 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.49 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) |
TCL 20S
- Superior processor performance with Snapdragon 665
- More efficient 11nm process node
- Potentially faster charging speeds
- Battery capacity likely smaller than Nokia G20
- Display size slightly smaller
Nokia G20
- Larger 5050 mAh battery
- Larger 6.5-inch display
- Potentially longer standby time
- Slower Helio G35 processor
- Less efficient 12nm process node
- Slow 10W charging
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Nokia provide detailed display specs beyond size. However, the Nokia G20’s larger 6.5-inch display compared to the TCL 20S’s 6.47-inch screen offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO on either device suggests both are targeting the budget segment. Color accuracy and brightness are likely similar, relying on standard IPS LCD technology. The larger screen of the Nokia G20 will be more beneficial for media consumption, but the TCL 20S’s slightly more compact form factor may appeal to users with smaller hands.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs are unavailable, making a direct comparison challenging. However, given the price point, both phones likely feature similar camera setups centered around a primary sensor. The TCL 20S, benefiting from the Snapdragon 665’s image signal processor (ISP), may offer slightly better image processing capabilities, resulting in more detailed and vibrant photos. The Nokia G20’s ISP is less capable, potentially leading to softer images and less dynamic range. The presence of a dedicated ISP in the Snapdragon 665 gives the TCL 20S an edge in image quality, even with similar sensor hardware.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The TCL 20S’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 (11nm) features an octa-core CPU with a Kryo 260 Gold/Silver configuration, offering a balance of performance and efficiency. The Nokia G20’s MediaTek Helio G35 (12nm) also utilizes an octa-core CPU, but its Cortex-A53 cores are less performant than the Kryo 260 cores found in the TCL 20S. The 11nm process node of the Snapdragon 665 is more efficient than the 12nm node of the Helio G35, potentially leading to better thermal management and sustained performance. While both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, the superior CPU architecture of the Snapdragon 665 will result in faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the TCL 20S.
Battery Life
The Nokia G20’s 5050 mAh battery is larger than the TCL 20S’s battery (capacity unspecified, but likely around 4000-5000 mAh). However, the Helio G35’s lower performance demands mean it consumes less power than the Snapdragon 665. The Nokia G20 also features only 10W wired charging, significantly slower than what the TCL 20S likely supports (though specific wattage is unknown). While the Nokia G20 may offer longer standby times, the TCL 20S’s faster charging capabilities and more efficient processor could result in comparable real-world battery life, especially with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 20S if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive user experience and occasional gaming. The Snapdragon 665 offers a tangible performance advantage for everyday tasks and light gaming. Buy the Nokia G20 if battery life is your absolute top priority and you primarily use your phone for basic communication and media consumption. The Helio G35’s efficiency, combined with potentially software optimizations, may yield longer screen-on times, though at the cost of performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia G20 struggle with demanding apps like social media or video editing?
The MediaTek Helio G35 in the Nokia G20 is designed for basic tasks. While it can handle social media, expect noticeable slowdowns with more demanding apps like video editing or graphically intensive games. Multitasking with several apps open simultaneously will also strain the processor.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Nokia G20 with its 10W charger?
With its 10W charging, the Nokia G20 will take a significant amount of time to fully charge – likely over 3 hours from 0% to 100%. This is a considerable drawback compared to phones with faster charging capabilities.
❓ Is the TCL 20S a good option for light gaming?
The TCL 20S, with its Snapdragon 665, is capable of handling light gaming at lower settings. While it won’t deliver a high-end gaming experience, it’s significantly better suited for gaming than the Nokia G20’s Helio G35.
