The TCL A3 and LG Stylo 5 represent two compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core specifications to determine which device offers the best value for your money, focusing on performance, battery life, and display quality.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing battery life and faster charging, the LG Stylo 5 emerges as the better choice. Its 79-hour endurance rating and 20W charging significantly outperform the TCL A3, despite the A3's slightly newer chipset architecture. However, the A3 may appeal to those seeking a marginally more efficient processor.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 13, 66 | 2, 4, 5, 12, 14, 29, 30, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October | 2019, June. Released 2019, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 145.8 x 71.1 x 9.9 mm (5.74 x 2.80 x 0.39 in) | 160 x 77.7 x 8.4 mm (6.30 x 3.06 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 171 g (6.03 oz) | 179 g (6.31 oz) |
| | - | Stylus |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~390 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~75.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 99.2 cm2 (~79.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
8 MP |
| Single | 5 MP, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 20W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Blonde Rose, Platinum Gray |
| Models | A509DL | LM-Q720 |
| Price | About 40 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise-93.5dB / Crosstalk -92.0dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 79h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1485 (nominal), 3.218 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 62dB / Noise 69dB / Ring 70dB
|
| Performance | - |
GeekBench: 4695 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 6fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
TCL A3
- Slightly newer processor architecture (12nm)
- Potentially better power efficiency (theoretical)
- Lower price point (likely, based on market positioning)
- No published battery endurance rating
- No published charging specifications
- Lacks display contrast ratio data
LG Stylo 5
- Excellent 79-hour battery endurance
- Fast 20W wired charging
- Superior display contrast ratio for outdoor visibility
- Older 14nm processor
- Slightly lower CPU clock speed
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
The LG Stylo 5 boasts a notable advantage in display quality, evidenced by its contrast ratios of 1485 (nominal) and 3.218 (sunlight). This suggests significantly better visibility outdoors compared to the TCL A3, which lacks published contrast ratio data. While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels common in this price bracket, the Stylo 5’s higher contrast indicates superior panel calibration or potentially a more advanced backlight unit. Bezels are likely comparable, given the similar target market, but the Stylo 5’s contrast ratio is a clear win for outdoor usability.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive comparison. However, the market segment suggests both will rely on budget sensors and image processing. The presence of a 'Photo / Video' specification for the LG Stylo 5 is a minimal detail, while the TCL A3 lacks any camera specifics. It's safe to assume neither phone will excel in low-light conditions or offer advanced camera features. Focusing on the main sensor resolution and aperture would be crucial for a more accurate assessment, but this data is unavailable.
Performance
The TCL A3’s Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12nm) and the LG Stylo 5’s Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14nm) represent a generational difference, but not necessarily a performance leap. The Helio P22, built on a smaller 12nm process, *should* theoretically offer better power efficiency. However, the Snapdragon 450’s clock speed of 1.8 GHz versus the A3’s 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores doesn’t guarantee a performance advantage in real-world usage. Both chipsets are designed for basic multitasking and light app usage; neither is suited for demanding games or intensive tasks. The 14nm process of the Snapdragon 450 may result in slightly higher power consumption under load, but the difference is unlikely to be substantial.
Battery Life
The LG Stylo 5’s 79-hour endurance rating is a standout feature, indicating exceptional battery life. This is further bolstered by its 20W wired charging capability, allowing for significantly faster top-ups compared to the TCL A3, which lacks published charging specifications. While the A3’s battery capacity is unknown, the Stylo 5’s endurance suggests a well-optimized combination of battery size and power efficiency. The 20W charging on the Stylo 5 translates to a much quicker 0-100% charge time, a significant convenience factor for users who rely on their phone throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL A3 if you prioritize a slightly newer processor architecture and are comfortable with slower charging speeds and potentially shorter battery life. This phone suits users who primarily use their device for basic tasks like messaging and light browsing. Buy the LG Stylo 5 if you value long-lasting battery life, faster charging, and a more usable display contrast ratio, making it ideal for users who rely heavily on their phone throughout the day and appreciate a more visible screen in sunlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 450 in the LG Stylo 5 struggle with multitasking compared to the Helio P22?
While the Helio P22 has a slightly higher clock speed, the Snapdragon 450 is generally well-optimized for basic multitasking. Both chipsets are designed for light usage, and the difference in performance will be negligible for typical tasks like switching between messaging apps, browsing the web, and listening to music. Neither phone is ideal for heavy multitasking or running demanding applications.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the LG Stylo 5 with the 20W charger?
With 20W charging, the LG Stylo 5 should fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on usage during charging. This is a significant improvement over the TCL A3, which likely charges at a much slower rate due to the lack of published charging specifications.
❓ Is the contrast ratio of the LG Stylo 5 really that noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the contrast ratio of 3.218 in sunlight is quite noticeable. It means the screen will remain much more readable outdoors or in brightly lit environments compared to a display with a lower contrast ratio. This is a significant advantage for users who frequently use their phone on the go.
