TCL 50 LE vs Google Pixel 7a: A Detailed Comparison for Smart Buyers

The TCL 50 LE and Google Pixel 7a represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The TCL focuses on delivering essential features at an incredibly competitive price, while the Pixel 7a leverages Google’s Tensor G2 chip and renowned camera software to offer a more refined, albeit pricier, experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing camera quality and software experience, the Google Pixel 7a is the clear winner. Its Tensor G2 chipset and superior image processing justify the higher price. However, the TCL 50 LE provides exceptional value for those on a tight budget who need a functional and reliable smartphone.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL 50 LE Google Pixel 7a
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 20, 28, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 - GWKK3, G0DZQ
5G bands-1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GHL1X, G82U8
Launch
Announced2024, June 262023, May 10
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, July 05Available. Released 2023, May 10
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions164.5 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.35 in)152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight195 g (6.88 oz)193.5 g (6.84 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzOLED, HDR, 90Hz
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G710 MP7
OSAndroid 14Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCNo
Internal64GB 4GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual13 MP, (wide), AF Auxiliary lens64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, (wide)13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging18W wired18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless
Type4000 mAhLi-Po 4385 mAh
Misc
ColorsStorm GrayCharcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral
ModelsT510SPGWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8
PriceAbout 80 EUR€ 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980

TCL 50 LE

  • Significantly lower price point
  • Large 50-inch display for immersive viewing
  • Decent performance for basic tasks

  • Less powerful chipset compared to the Pixel 7a
  • Inferior camera quality
  • Likely slower software updates

Google Pixel 7a

  • Powerful Google Tensor G2 chipset
  • Exceptional camera performance with Google’s software
  • Guaranteed software updates and features

  • Higher price tag
  • Smaller display size
  • Wireless charging is relatively slow at 7.5W

Display Comparison

The Pixel 7a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1070 nits, compared to the TCL 50 LE’s unspecified brightness. This translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While the TCL 50 LE’s large 50-inch screen is advantageous for media consumption, the Pixel 7a’s smaller, brighter panel offers a more vibrant and usable experience in various lighting conditions. We expect the TCL to use an IPS LCD panel, while the Pixel 7a likely uses OLED, offering superior contrast ratios.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 7a’s camera system is a major differentiator. While specific sensor details are missing for both, Google’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor G2, elevates image quality significantly. The Pixel 7a excels in dynamic range, low-light performance, and overall image processing. The TCL 50 LE will likely offer a serviceable camera for casual snapshots, but it won’t match the Pixel 7a’s consistency and detail. The Pixel 7a’s video capabilities are also expected to be superior, benefiting from advanced stabilization and processing.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2 (5nm) is a substantial upgrade over the TCL 50 LE’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm). The Tensor G2’s Cortex-X1 prime core, clocked at 2.85 GHz, provides significantly faster single-core performance, crucial for app responsiveness and demanding tasks. The 5nm fabrication process also contributes to better power efficiency. While the Dimensity 700 is adequate for everyday use, the Pixel 7a will handle multitasking, gaming, and AI-powered features with greater ease. The Pixel 7a also benefits from potentially faster RAM (likely LPDDR5x) compared to the TCL 50 LE.

Battery Life

The Pixel 7a has an endurance rating of 76 hours, suggesting excellent battery life despite not having a massive battery capacity. The TCL 50 LE’s battery capacity is unknown, but its less powerful chipset and larger screen size may result in shorter battery life. Both phones support 18W wired charging, but the Pixel 7a adds the convenience of 7.5W wireless charging and PD3.0 support for faster wired charging with compatible adapters. This provides more flexible charging options for Pixel 7a users.

Buying Guide

Buy the TCL 50 LE if you need a large-screen phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and streaming, and your budget is under $200. You'll appreciate its affordability and decent battery life. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you prioritize camera performance, a smooth software experience with guaranteed updates, and the power of Google’s AI features, and are willing to spend more for these benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Mediatek Dimensity 700 in the TCL 50 LE sufficient for playing popular mobile games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Dimensity 700 can handle PUBG and Call of Duty at medium settings, but you may experience occasional frame drops or stuttering, especially during intense firefights. It's not designed for high-end gaming, and you'll likely need to lower graphics settings for a smoother experience. The Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2 will provide a much more consistent and enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ How does Google’s software support impact the long-term usability of the Pixel 7a compared to the TCL 50 LE?
Google guarantees at least 3 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security patches for the Pixel 7a. This ensures you’ll receive the latest features, security enhancements, and bug fixes, extending the phone’s usable lifespan. TCL typically provides fewer software updates, meaning the 50 LE may become outdated faster and potentially vulnerable to security threats.
❓ Does the Pixel 7a's 18W charging feel slow in 2024, considering faster charging options are available?
While 18W isn't the fastest charging available, the Pixel 7a's PD3.0 support allows it to leverage compatible chargers for potentially faster wired charging speeds. The 7.5W wireless charging is slower, but offers convenience. For most users, 18W is sufficient for overnight charging or topping up throughout the day.