Looking for a budget-friendly smartphone? The TCL Ion X and Samsung Galaxy A53 5G are strong contenders, but they cater to different needs. This comprehensive comparison breaks down their strengths and weaknesses to help you choose the right device for your budget and lifestyle.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is the clear winner. While the TCL Ion X offers affordability, the A53 5G boasts a significantly more powerful processor, superior camera system, brighter display, faster charging, and a premium feel, justifying its higher price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66 - SM-A536U |
| 5G bands | - | 2, 5, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-A536U |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 2, 5, 48, 66, 77, 78, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-A536V |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 26 | 2022, March 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 26 | Available. Released 2022, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 156.5 x 75.2 x 8.9 mm (6.16 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) | 159.6 x 74.8 x 8.1 mm (6.28 x 2.94 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 177.4 g (6.24 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| | - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~78.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Android, TCL UI | Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7X", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide) 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer (market/region dependent) |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, White, Blue, Peach |
| Models | - | SM-A536B, SM-A536B/DS, SM-A536U, SM-A536U1, SM-A5360, SM-A536E, SM-A536E/DS, SM-A536V, SM-A536W, SM-A536N, SM-S536DL |
| Price | About 100 EUR | $ 151.42 / £ 185.00 / € 169.14 |
| SAR | - | 0.75 W/kg (head) 1.58 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.89 W/kg (head) 1.60 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 113h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.5 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 329802 (v8), 379313 (v9)
GeekBench: 1891 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
TCL Ion X
- Very Affordable
- Decent Battery Life
- Basic Functionality
- Weak Processor
- Low-Quality Display
- Slow Charging
- Basic Camera
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
- Powerful Processor
- Excellent Display
- Great Camera
- Fast Charging
- Premium Build Quality
- Higher Price
- Software Updates Can Be Slow (Historically)
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G's display is a major advantage. Its 830 nits max brightness and infinite contrast ratio provide a vibrant and easily viewable screen, even in direct sunlight. The TCL Ion X likely has a less impressive display with lower brightness and contrast, resulting in a less immersive viewing experience. The A53 5G also likely features a higher resolution panel.
Camera Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G's camera system is a clear upgrade. While specific camera specs are missing for the Ion X, it's safe to assume the A53 5G offers better image quality, more features (like optical image stabilization), and superior video recording capabilities. The A53 5G's processing will also result in better low-light performance.
Performance
The Exynos 1280 in the Galaxy A53 5G is significantly faster and more efficient than the Helio G25 in the TCL Ion X. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the A53 5G. The Ion X will likely struggle with demanding apps and games.
Battery Life
Both phones boast impressive endurance ratings of 113h. However, the A53 5G's more efficient chipset and faster 25W charging give it an edge in real-world usage. The Ion X's 10W charging will take considerably longer to fully charge the battery.
Buying Guide
The TCL Ion X is ideal for users on a very tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and affordability above all else. The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is perfect for those seeking a well-rounded smartphone experience with a good camera, smooth performance, and a long-lasting battery, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL Ion X good for gaming?
The TCL Ion X's processor is not ideal for demanding games. You may experience lag and low frame rates.
❓ How does the camera quality of the Galaxy A53 5G compare to other phones in its price range?
The Galaxy A53 5G's camera is generally considered to be among the best in its price range, offering excellent image quality and a variety of features.
❓ What is the difference between the chipsets in these phones?
The Exynos 1280 (A53 5G) is a much more powerful and efficient chipset than the Helio G25 (Ion X), resulting in significantly better performance.
