The TCL Plex and Realme X50 5G represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The TCL Plex, leveraging the Snapdragon 675, aimed for a balance of features and affordability. The Realme X50 5G, with its Snapdragon 765G, prioritized 5G connectivity and a performance boost. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme X50 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset offers a noticeable performance advantage, coupled with significantly faster 30W charging. While the TCL Plex remains a viable option, the X50 5G’s 5G capabilities and quicker power-up times justify the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 400/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September. Released 2019, October | 2020, July 08. Released 2020, July 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 76.6 x 8 mm (6.39 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) | 163.8 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.57 inches, 104.2 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10 | Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
16 MP, f/2.4, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm
2 MP, f/1.8 | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) |
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 24 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/120fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC3, 50% in 32 min | 30W wired, 70% in 30 min |
| Stand-by | Up to 396 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 12 h (2G) / Up to 25 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 3820 mAh, non-removable | 4200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Obsidian Black, Opal White | Jungle Green, Ice Silver |
| Models | T780H | RMX2144 |
| Price | About 330 EUR | About 500 EUR |
TCL Plex
- More affordable price point
- Solid all-around performance for basic tasks
- Clean software experience (typically TCL's approach)
- Older Snapdragon 675 chipset
- Slower 18W charging
- Lacks 5G connectivity
Realme X50 5G
- Faster Snapdragon 765G chipset
- 30W fast charging
- Integrated 5G modem for future-proof connectivity
- Potentially higher price
- Realme UI can be divisive
- May experience more bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Realme specified display details beyond size in their initial marketing. However, given the market positioning, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The Realme X50 5G’s focus on speed suggests a higher refresh rate (likely 90Hz or 120Hz) was implemented, a feature absent in the TCL Plex. This would translate to smoother scrolling and animations. While both likely offer similar resolutions, the Realme’s potential for a higher refresh rate provides a tangible user experience benefit.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, the Realme X50 5G, positioned as a more premium device, likely features a more capable main sensor. The Snapdragon 765G’s image signal processor (ISP) also offers improved image processing capabilities compared to the 675. While both phones likely include multiple rear cameras, the X50 5G’s ISP and potentially larger sensor size will result in better low-light performance and dynamic range. We can assume both phones include standard features like HDR and portrait modes, but the X50 5G will likely deliver superior results.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme X50 5G’s Snapdragon 765G, built on a 7nm process, is a significant upgrade over the TCL Plex’s Snapdragon 675 (11nm). The 765G’s Kryo 475 Prime core, clocked at 2.4GHz, provides a substantial performance boost over the 675’s 2.0GHz Kryo 460 Gold cores. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. The X50 5G also benefits from an integrated 5G modem, a feature entirely absent in the Plex.
Battery Life
The Realme X50 5G’s 30W wired charging is a clear advantage over the TCL Plex’s 18W charging. The X50 5G can reach 70% charge in 30 minutes, while the Plex takes 32 minutes to reach 50%. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed of the X50 5G mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery. The 7nm process of the 765G also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially extending battery life during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Plex if you prioritize a more conservative budget and don't require 5G connectivity. It's a solid all-rounder for everyday tasks. Buy the Realme X50 5G if you want a faster, more future-proof device with 5G support and quicker charging – ideal for mobile gamers and power users who demand more from their smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 765G in the Realme X50 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high settings?
Yes, the Snapdragon 765G is capable of running PUBG Mobile at high settings with smooth frame rates. The Adreno 620 GPU provides sufficient graphical power, and the 7nm process helps prevent overheating during extended gaming sessions. Expect a noticeably better gaming experience compared to the TCL Plex.
❓ Does the Realme X50 5G support standalone (SA) 5G networks, or only non-standalone (NSA)?
The Snapdragon 765G supports both standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) 5G networks. This means the Realme X50 5G can connect to 5G even without relying on existing 4G infrastructure, offering broader 5G compatibility as networks evolve.
❓ Is the TCL Plex a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media?
Yes, the TCL Plex is perfectly adequate for basic tasks. The Snapdragon 675 is sufficient for everyday use, and the phone offers a clean software experience. However, if you anticipate using more demanding apps or want future-proofing with 5G, the Realme X50 5G is a better investment.
