TCL has become a significant player in the budget smartphone market, offering compelling features at aggressive price points. The TCL 60 SE NxtPaper and TCL 50 SE represent two distinct approaches within that strategy: the 60 SE emphasizes long-term battery performance and a unique display technology, while the 50 SE prioritizes faster charging speeds and a more conventional experience. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing all-day battery life and a potentially more eye-friendly display, the TCL 60 SE NxtPaper is the better choice. Its Dimensity 6300 chipset and impressive 46:38h endurance outweigh the 50 SE’s faster charging, especially considering the 60 SE still offers a respectable 18W charging rate.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, March 03 | 2024, February 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, May | Available. Released 2024, April 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 76.2 x 8.2 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) | 168.2 x 75.5 x 8.1 mm (6.62 x 2.97 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 5 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 14, planned upgrade to Android 15 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.5", 0.7µm, PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide) | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 30 min |
| Type | 5200 mAh | 5010 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Mint Green | Midnight Blue, Space Gray |
| Models | T521K | T611B |
| Price | £ 186.61 | About 150 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 46:38h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class B | - |
| Free fall | Class B (180 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
TCL 60 SE NxtPaper
- Exceptional battery life (46:38h endurance)
- More powerful and efficient Dimensity 6300 chipset
- NxtPaper display for reduced eye strain
- Slower charging speed (18W)
- NxtPaper display may not appeal to all users
TCL 50 SE
- Faster charging (33W, 50% in 30 min)
- More conventional smartphone experience
- Potentially lower price point
- Less powerful Helio G88 chipset
- Significantly shorter battery life
Display Comparison
Neither TCL provides detailed display specs beyond the 'NxtPaper' branding. However, the core difference lies in the 60 SE’s NxtPaper technology, designed to mimic the texture of paper for reduced eye strain during prolonged reading. While we lack nits data, the NxtPaper display likely trades peak brightness for a more diffused, matte finish. Both phones likely utilize LCD panels given their price points, but the 60 SE’s unique coating is the key differentiator. Bezels are expected to be similar, typical of this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely feature a primary camera and several auxiliary lenses. Given the market segment, image processing will likely prioritize scene recognition and software enhancements over raw sensor quality. The absence of OIS on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization. We can assume both phones will offer acceptable image quality in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will likely be limited.
Performance
The TCL 60 SE NxtPaper boasts a significant advantage in processing power thanks to its Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6nm) chipset. This chip features a more modern CPU architecture – 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – compared to the TCL 50 SE’s Helio G88 (12nm) with its 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The 6nm fabrication process of the Dimensity 6300 also translates to improved thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during demanding tasks. The Helio G88, while capable for everyday use, will likely struggle with more intensive gaming or multitasking compared to the 60 SE.
Battery Life
The TCL 60 SE NxtPaper’s 46:38h endurance is a standout feature, demonstrating a clear focus on battery life. This is likely achieved through a combination of the efficient Dimensity 6300 chipset and optimized software. The TCL 50 SE compensates with 33W wired charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 30 minutes. While faster, this doesn’t negate the 60 SE’s significantly longer overall runtime. The 60 SE’s 18W charging is adequate, but won’t provide the same rapid top-up speeds as the 50 SE.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 60 SE NxtPaper if you need a phone that can reliably last through a full day of heavy use, appreciate a paper-like display for extended reading, and value efficient power management. Buy the TCL 50 SE if you prioritize quick charging – getting back to 50% in just 30 minutes – and prefer a more standard smartphone experience without the NxtPaper display’s unique characteristics.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 in the TCL 60 SE NxtPaper handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Dimensity 6300 is a capable chipset for mid-range gaming. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it should handle PUBG Mobile at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. The 6nm process also helps mitigate thermal throttling, allowing for more sustained performance compared to the Helio G88.
❓ Is the NxtPaper display on the TCL 60 SE NxtPaper suitable for watching videos and movies, or does the matte finish wash out colors?
The NxtPaper display prioritizes eye comfort over vibrant colors. While colors may appear slightly less saturated compared to a traditional glossy display, the reduced glare and blue light emission can make it more comfortable for extended viewing sessions. It's best suited for content where color accuracy isn't critical, like reading or casual video watching.
❓ How does the 33W charging on the TCL 50 SE compare to other phones in its price range?
33W charging is relatively fast for a budget smartphone. Many competitors in the same price bracket offer 15W or 18W charging. The TCL 50 SE’s ability to reach 50% charge in 30 minutes is a significant advantage for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.
