TCL 50 XL vs Google Pixel 7a: A Detailed Comparison for Smart Buyers
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing camera quality and software experience, the Google Pixel 7a is the superior choice. Its Tensor G2 chipset and exceptional image processing capabilities justify the price premium. However, the TCL 50 XL offers compelling value for those seeking a larger display and acceptable performance on a tighter budget.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL 50 XL | Google Pixel 7a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | 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, 48, 66, 71 | 1, 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 | 25, 41, 66, 71, 77 SA/NSA/Sub6 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3 |
| 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, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GHL1X, G82U8 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, June 26 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, July 05 | Available. Released 2023, May 10 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 167.6 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm (6.60 x 2.97 x 0.32 in) | 152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 195 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 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~86.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | OLED, HDR, 90Hz |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-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) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF 2 MP, (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band |
| 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 7.5W wireless |
| Type | 5010 mAh | Li-Po 4385 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Slate Gray | Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral |
| Models | T702W | GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | € 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980 |
| SAR | 1.22 W/kg (head) 0.87 W/kg (body) | - |
TCL 50 XL
- Larger display for immersive media consumption
- More affordable price point
- Acceptable performance for everyday tasks
- Inferior camera performance compared to Pixel 7a
- Less powerful chipset and potentially more throttling
- Likely slower software updates and shorter support lifespan
Google Pixel 7a
- Superior camera quality and image processing
- Faster and more efficient Tensor G2 chipset
- Guaranteed software updates and longer support lifespan
- 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 XL’s unspecified peak brightness. This translates to superior visibility in direct sunlight. While the TCL 50 XL’s larger screen size is a benefit for media consumption, the Pixel 7a’s higher brightness and likely superior color accuracy (based on Google’s display calibration) provide a more enjoyable viewing experience. The Pixel 7a’s panel likely benefits from OLED technology, offering deeper blacks and a higher contrast ratio, a feature absent in the TCL 50 XL.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 7a’s camera system is its standout feature. While specific sensor details are missing for both, Google’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor G2, elevates image quality far beyond what the hardware alone suggests. The Pixel 7a excels in low-light photography and dynamic range. The TCL 50 XL, while likely offering a decent camera for its price range, cannot compete with the Pixel 7a’s image processing capabilities. The Pixel 7a’s video recording is also expected to be superior, benefiting from advanced stabilization and encoding algorithms.
Performance
The Google Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2 (5nm) chipset represents a substantial leap in processing power over the TCL 50 XL’s Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm). The Tensor G2’s Cortex-X1 prime core, clocked at 2.85 GHz, delivers significantly faster single-core performance, crucial for responsive app launches and smooth multitasking. The 5nm fabrication process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. While the Dimensity 6100+ is capable for everyday tasks, the Tensor G2 provides a more fluid and future-proof experience, particularly for AI-driven features and demanding games.
Battery Life
The Pixel 7a has an endurance rating of 76 hours, suggesting efficient power management despite its powerful chipset. 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. While the TCL 50 XL’s battery capacity is unknown, the Pixel 7a’s optimized software and efficient chipset likely translate to comparable or better real-world battery life, even with its brighter display.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 50 XL if you need a large screen for media consumption and prioritize affordability above all else. It’s ideal for users who primarily browse the web, stream videos, and engage in light social media use. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you value a premium camera experience, smooth performance for demanding apps, and guaranteed software updates directly from Google. It’s the better option for photography enthusiasts and users who rely on Google’s ecosystem.