The TCL 20Y and Oppo A54s represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they achieve this with different chipsets and subtle design choices. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which phone offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Oppo A54s emerges as the better choice. Its Helio G35 chipset, with higher clocked Cortex-A53 cores, provides a noticeable performance boost over the TCL 20Y’s Helio P22, making it more responsive for everyday tasks and light gaming. While both offer similar battery capacity, the A54s’ slightly improved processing efficiency translates to a marginally better 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, 7, 8, 20, 28 | 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, September 07 | 2021, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 07 | 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 | 194 g (6.84 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 (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762D 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 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 | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide) 1/2.0", 0.8µm, 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@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 | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | 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 | Pearl Blue, Space Silver, Crystal Black |
| Models | 6156D | CPH2273 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 170 EUR |
TCL 20Y
- Lowest possible price point
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Decent battery life
- Slow processor
- Limited gaming capabilities
- Outdated chipset
Oppo A54s
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- Slightly better gaming experience
- More efficient chipset
- Slightly higher price
- Slow charging speed
- Basic camera system
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Oppo provide detailed display specifications beyond the basic panel type. Given the price bracket, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The focus here is on performance, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, and color accuracy will likely be standard for this segment. Without specific brightness data, it's difficult to assess outdoor visibility, but both will likely struggle in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar camera setups focused on affordability. Detailed sensor information is unavailable, but it’s safe to assume both rely on a primary sensor paired with auxiliary lenses of limited utility (likely 2MP macro/depth sensors). Image processing will be the key differentiator, and Oppo generally offers more refined software algorithms. Expect similar performance in good lighting conditions, but the A54s may exhibit better low-light performance due to its slightly more powerful ISP within the Helio G35.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo A54s features the Mediatek Helio G35, boasting a CPU configuration of 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The TCL 20Y, conversely, uses the Helio P22 with 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This 0.5 GHz and 0.3 GHz difference in core clock speeds, while seemingly small, translates to a tangible performance advantage for the A54s in app loading times and multitasking. Both utilize a 12nm process, meaning thermal efficiency will be comparable, but the G35’s architecture is slightly more optimized for gaming, offering a smoother experience in less demanding titles.
Battery Life
Both devices are likely equipped with batteries in the 5000mAh range, typical for this price point. However, the Oppo A54s’ more efficient Helio G35 chipset may result in slightly longer battery life during typical usage. Both phones support 10W wired charging, which is slow by modern standards. Expect a full charge to take well over two hours, regardless of the device. Battery life will largely depend on usage patterns, but the A54s has a slight edge due to its chipset.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 20Y if your primary need is a basic, reliable smartphone for essential communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize minimizing cost above all else. Buy the Oppo A54s if you want a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks, occasional gaming, and appreciate a slightly more modern chipset architecture, even if it comes at a small price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oppo A54s handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G35 in the Oppo A54s can run PUBG Mobile, but you'll need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low and accept a lower frame rate for a playable experience. The TCL 20Y’s Helio P22 will struggle significantly with PUBG, even on the lowest settings.
❓ Is the 10W charging speed on either phone acceptable for daily use?
No, 10W charging is quite slow. Expect a full charge to take over 2.5 hours. Both phones require overnight charging to ensure they are fully powered for the next day. Neither device offers fast charging capabilities.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically come with, and can it be expanded?
Both the TCL 20Y and Oppo A54s typically come with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. Crucially, both devices support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add up to 256GB or 512GB of additional storage for photos, videos, and apps.
