The TCL 605 and OnePlus Nord N20 SE represent compelling options in the crowded sub-$200 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, they take distinctly different approaches – TCL prioritizing exceptional battery endurance, and OnePlus focusing on faster charging speeds. This comparison dissects their core specifications to reveal which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing longevity, the TCL 605 emerges as the winner. Its remarkable 49:07h battery endurance, coupled with a 1000-cycle lifespan, significantly outweighs the OnePlus Nord N20 SE’s faster 33W charging, especially considering the performance gap.
| 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 / 2100 - Global |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 26, 28, 38, 41, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, March 03 | 2022, August 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June | Available. Released 2022, August 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 76.2 x 8.3 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 163.8 x 75 x 8 mm (6.45 x 2.95 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 5 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 12, OxygenOS 12.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, PDAF | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 34 min, 100% in 69 min |
| Type | 5200 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Black, Blizzard White, Quartz Blue, Obsidian Black | Blue Oasis, Celestial Black |
| Models | T517D | CPH2469 |
| Price | $ 118.56 / £ 74.00 / € 158.41 | About 190 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 49:07h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class B | - |
| Free fall | Class B (180 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
TCL 605
- Exceptional battery life (49:07h endurance)
- More powerful CPU architecture (Helio G81)
- Long-term battery health (1000 charge cycles)
- Slower charging speed (18W)
- Display details unknown, potentially basic
OnePlus Nord N20 SE
- Faster charging (33W, 69 minutes to full)
- Potentially more vibrant display colors
- Slightly higher CPU clock speed (on less efficient cores)
- Significantly lower battery endurance
- Less powerful CPU architecture (Helio G35)
- Likely shorter battery lifespan
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided, so a direct comparison is impossible. However, given the price bracket, both likely utilize LCD panels. The TCL 605, benefiting from its focus on endurance, may prioritize power efficiency in its display calibration. The OnePlus Nord N20 SE, aiming for a more modern feel, might offer slightly more vibrant colors, but at the cost of battery life. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the budget nature of both devices.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either device is likely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit. Image processing will likely differ, with OnePlus potentially leaning towards more saturated colors, a common brand aesthetic. The TCL 605 might prioritize a more natural look to conserve processing power.
Performance
The TCL 605’s Mediatek Helio G81, featuring a combination of 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, offers a more robust CPU architecture than the OnePlus Nord N20 SE’s Helio G35. The G35’s 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 configuration, while clocked slightly higher, relies on less efficient core designs. This translates to a noticeable performance advantage for the TCL 605 in multi-tasking and demanding applications. The G81’s architecture is better suited for sustained workloads, meaning less throttling during extended gaming sessions. While neither chipset is a powerhouse, the TCL 605 provides a smoother, more responsive experience.
Battery Life
The TCL 605’s 49:07h endurance is its standout feature, a testament to its optimized hardware and software. This surpasses the typical battery life of phones in this price range. While the OnePlus Nord N20 SE boasts 33W wired charging – achieving 50% charge in 34 minutes and 100% in 69 minutes – this speed advantage is offset by a likely smaller battery capacity (not specified). The TCL 605’s 18W charging is slower, but the massive battery capacity means you won’t need to charge it as frequently. Furthermore, the TCL 605’s stated 1000 charge cycles suggest a longer overall battery lifespan.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 605 if you need a phone that will reliably last through a full day – and multiple days – of moderate use, and if you value long-term battery health. This is the ideal choice for travelers, commuters, or anyone who dislikes frequent charging. Buy the OnePlus Nord N20 SE if you prioritize quick top-ups and are willing to trade some battery endurance for the convenience of reaching 100% charge in under 70 minutes. This phone is best for users who frequently find themselves needing a fast power boost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL 605’s 18W charging significantly slower than the OnePlus Nord N20 SE’s 33W in real-world use?
While 33W sounds faster, the TCL 605’s massive battery capacity means you’ll likely only need to charge it every other day, or even less frequently. The convenience of less frequent charging often outweighs the benefit of a faster charge time. The difference in charging speed is most noticeable when starting from a very low battery level.
❓ Will the Mediatek Helio G81 in the TCL 605 handle demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio G81 can run PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to maintain a stable frame rate. The G81’s architecture is better suited for sustained gaming than the G35, meaning less throttling over longer sessions. Don't expect flagship-level performance, but it's perfectly playable for casual gaming.
❓ How does the 1000 charge cycle claim for the TCL 605 translate to real-world battery health?
A 1000 charge cycle rating means the battery is guaranteed to retain at least 80% of its original capacity after being fully charged and discharged 1000 times. This is a significant advantage over phones with lower cycle ratings, indicating the TCL 605’s battery will maintain its performance for a longer period.
