TCL 50 SE vs. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023): A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The TCL 50 SE and Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone space. While both aim to deliver 5G connectivity and essential features at an accessible price, they diverge significantly in their core hardware. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on the impact of their respective chipsets and charging capabilities on real-world performance and user experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, built on a more efficient 4nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the TCL 50 SE’s Helio G88, despite the TCL’s faster 33W charging.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL 50 SE Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71
5G bands-1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, February 262023, May 30
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, April 08Available. Released 2023, June 02
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions168.2 x 75.5 x 8.1 mm (6.62 x 2.97 x 0.32 in)162.8 x 73.8 x 9.2 mm (6.41 x 2.91 x 0.36 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight195 g (6.88 oz)202 g (7.13 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits (typ)IPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G88 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MC2Adreno 710
OSAndroid 14, planned upgrade to Android 15Android 13, planned upgrade to Android 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro)50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GALILEO
RadioUnspecifiedFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging33W wired, 50% in 30 min20W wired
Type5010 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsMidnight Blue, Space GrayCosmic Black, Rose Champagne
ModelsT611BXT2315-1, XT2315-4
PriceAbout 150 EUR$ 93.43

TCL 50 SE

  • Faster 33W wired charging
  • Potentially more vibrant display colors (based on TCL’s history)
  • Generally lower price point

  • Less powerful and less efficient Helio G88 chipset
  • Likely to exhibit more thermal throttling under sustained load
  • Potentially slower app launch times and multitasking

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)

  • More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset
  • Smoother multitasking and app performance
  • Better long-term performance and software support

  • Slower 20W wired charging
  • Potentially higher price point
  • May prioritize natural color accuracy over vibrant displays

Display Comparison

Neither TCL nor Motorola provided display specs beyond the device names. Assuming both utilize standard IPS LCD panels common in this price bracket, the key differentiator will likely be color calibration and peak brightness. Without specific nit ratings, it's difficult to declare a winner, but TCL historically focuses on vibrant colors, while Motorola tends towards more natural tones. Bezels are expected to be comparable, typical of budget devices.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the market segment suggests both phones will feature a primary camera, ultrawide, and potentially a macro lens. The TCL 50 SE is likely to prioritize software enhancements for image processing, while Motorola often focuses on natural color reproduction. Sensor size and aperture are critical factors, but absent that data, we can assume the Motorola, benefiting from its more powerful ISP within the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, will offer better image processing capabilities, particularly in low-light conditions.

Performance

The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) boasts the Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, fabricated on a 4nm process. This translates to significantly improved power efficiency and thermal management compared to the TCL 50 SE’s MediaTek Helio G88 (12nm). The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1’s CPU configuration – 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 – offers a performance uplift over the Helio G88’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55. The A78 cores in the Snapdragon are architecturally superior, resulting in faster single-core and multi-core performance. This will be most noticeable in app launch times, multitasking, and demanding games.

Battery Life

The TCL 50 SE’s 33W wired charging is a clear advantage on paper, promising a 50% charge in 30 minutes. The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is limited to 20W. However, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1’s 4nm efficiency mitigates this difference. While the TCL will charge faster initially, the Motorola’s more efficient chipset will likely result in comparable overall battery life, potentially even exceeding the TCL’s endurance due to reduced power consumption during usage. The actual 0-100% charge time for the TCL is estimated around 60-75 minutes, while the Motorola will likely take 90-120 minutes.

Buying Guide

Buy the TCL 50 SE if you prioritize fast charging and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like browsing, social media, and light video consumption. Its 33W charging will get you back up and running quickly. Buy the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) if you value smoother multitasking, a more responsive user interface, and better long-term performance, especially if you occasionally engage in gaming or demanding applications. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 offers a significant upgrade in processing power.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Helio G88 in the TCL 50 SE struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G88 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) will provide a significantly better gaming experience with higher settings and more stable performance.
❓ How much of a difference will the 4nm process of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 make in day-to-day use?
The 4nm process translates to lower power consumption for the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1. This means less heat generation, reduced throttling during prolonged use, and ultimately, longer battery life. You'll notice this in smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and a more responsive user interface.
❓ Is the 33W charging on the TCL 50 SE a game-changer, or is the 20W on the Motorola still sufficient?
While 33W is faster, the difference isn't massive. The Motorola's 20W charging is still adequate for overnight charging or topping up during the day. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1's efficiency means you won't be constantly needing to charge, mitigating the slower charging speed.
❓ Does the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) actually benefit from the included stylus in everyday tasks?
The stylus adds functionality for note-taking, sketching, and precise navigation. While not essential for all users, it's a valuable addition for those who frequently handwrite notes, edit photos, or prefer a more precise input method than their finger.