Google Pixel 6a vs TCL 50 XE: A Detailed Comparison of Performance and Value

The Google Pixel 6a and TCL 50 XE represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Pixel 6a brings Google’s Tensor chip and renowned camera software to a more accessible price point, while the TCL 50 XE focuses on delivering a solid feature set at an even lower cost, powered by Mediatek’s Dimensity 6100+ processor. This comparison dives deep into the specifications and real-world implications of each device to help you determine which best suits your needs.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Google Pixel 6a is the superior choice. While both phones offer 94-hour endurance ratings, the Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor chip provides a significantly more powerful and refined experience, particularly in camera performance and software support. The TCL 50 XE is a viable option for those prioritizing absolute affordability.

PHONES
Phone Names	TCL 50 XE	Google Pixel 6a

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - GX7AS, GB62Z (USA/Canada)
5G bands	2, 5, 25, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77 SA/NSA/Sub6	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GX7AS (USA/Canada)
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
	-	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International)

Launch
Announced	2024, June 26	2022, May 11
Status	Available. Released 2024, July 05	Available. Released 2022, July 21

Body
Build	-	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions	164.1 x 75 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.95 x 0.33 in)	152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + eSIM
Weight	185 g (6.53 oz)	178 g (6.28 oz)
	-	IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)

Display
Protection	-	Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution	720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size	6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio)	6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 90Hz	OLED, HDR
	-	Always-on display

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm)	Google Tensor (5 nm)
GPU	Mali-G57 MC2	Mali-G78 MP20
OS	Android 14	Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC	No
Internal	128GB 4GB RAM	128GB 6GB RAM
	-	UFS 3.1

Main Camera
Dual	50 MP, (wide), PDAF 5 MP, (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens	12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 17mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1.25µm
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single	-	8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video	1080p@30fps	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS

Selfie camera
Features	-	HDR, panorama
Single	8 MP, (wide)	8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	-	No
35mm jack	Yes	No
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers

Comms
Bluetooth	5.3, A2DP, LE	5.2, A2DP, LE
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
Radio	FM radio	No
USB	USB Type-C, 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/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), gyro, accelerometer, proximity, compass, barometer	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer

Battery
Charging	18W wired	18W wired, PD3.0
Type	5010 mAh	Li-Po 4410 mAh

Misc
Colors	Dark Blue	Chalk, Charcoal, Sage
Models	T614SP, T614D	GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L
Price	-	$ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 94h
Display	-	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)

TCL 50 XE

Superior performance with Google Tensor chip
Excellent camera quality and image processing
Long-term software support from Google

Higher price point than the TCL 50 XE
May not offer expandable storage

Google Pixel 6a

Very affordable price
Acceptable performance for basic tasks
Good battery life (94h endurance)

Less powerful processor
Inferior camera quality
Limited software support

Display Comparison

The Pixel 6a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 876 nits, compared to the TCL 50 XE’s unspecified brightness. This difference is crucial for outdoor visibility. While both displays have an infinite (nominal) contrast ratio, the Pixel 6a’s superior brightness and color accuracy, typical of Google’s displays, will provide a more vibrant and enjoyable viewing experience. The TCL 50 XE’s display specifications are less detailed, suggesting a more basic panel.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 6a’s camera system benefits immensely from Google’s computational photography expertise. While specific sensor details are missing for both devices, the Pixel 6a’s image processing is renowned for its dynamic range and detail. The TCL 50 XE likely relies on more basic image processing, resulting in less refined photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of details regarding the TCL 50 XE’s camera suggests it’s not a primary selling point, while the Pixel 6a’s camera is a key feature.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor (5nm) is a custom-designed chip with a powerful CPU configuration – 2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 cores and 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 cores – offering a substantial performance advantage over the TCL 50 XE’s Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm). The Dimensity 6100+’s 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration is adequate for everyday tasks, but will struggle with demanding applications and games compared to the Tensor. The 5nm fabrication process of the Tensor also contributes to better power efficiency and thermal management.

Battery Life

Both devices achieve an impressive 94-hour endurance rating, indicating similar real-world battery life despite potentially different battery capacities. However, the Pixel 6a’s support for PD3.0 charging offers faster and more efficient charging compared to the TCL 50 XE’s 18W wired charging. While both charge at 18W, the PD3.0 standard allows for more intelligent power delivery, potentially reducing charging times and improving battery health.

Buying Guide

Buy the TCL 50 XE if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and your budget is extremely limited. You’ll appreciate its affordability and acceptable performance for everyday tasks. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you prioritize camera quality, smooth performance, and long-term software support, and are willing to spend a bit more for a more premium experience. The Tensor chip and Google’s software optimizations make it a standout in this price range.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ in the TCL 50 XE struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?

Yes, the Dimensity 6100+ is a capable chip for everyday tasks, but it will likely struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact. Expect lower frame rates and potentially noticeable lag, even on medium settings. The Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor chip offers a much smoother gaming experience.

❓ How does Google’s software support compare between the Pixel 6a and the TCL 50 XE?

Google guarantees at least 3 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates for the Pixel 6a, ensuring your device remains secure and up-to-date. TCL typically offers less extensive software support for its devices, meaning the 50 XE will likely receive fewer updates and for a shorter period.

❓ Is the 18W charging on both phones equally fast in practice?

While both phones support 18W charging, the Pixel 6a’s support for the PD3.0 standard allows for more efficient power delivery. This means the Pixel 6a may charge slightly faster and more reliably than the TCL 50 XE, even with the same wattage.