The TCL Plex and Sony Xperia 10 III Lite represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Plex, released earlier, aimed to deliver a solid experience at a competitive price. The Xperia 10 III Lite, a later iteration, introduces 5G connectivity and faster charging, but at what cost? This comparison dissects the key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing future-proofing and faster charging, the Sony Xperia 10 III Lite is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 690 5G chipset, built on a more efficient 8nm process, offers a performance edge and 5G capabilities. However, the TCL Plex remains a viable option for those on a tighter budget who don't require 5G.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 | 1, 3, 4, 12, 18, 19, 38, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 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 / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September. Released 2019, October | 2021, August 20 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, August 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 76.6 x 8 mm (6.39 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) | 154 x 68 x 8.3 mm (6.06 x 2.68 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 169 g (5.96 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2520 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~457 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 84.1 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | OLED, 1B colors, HDR |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 560 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 560 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM6350 Snapdragon 690 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| 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 | 12 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.8", PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 54mm (telephoto), 1/4.0", PDAF, 2x optical zoom
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0" |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 24 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, video output |
| 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, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC3, 50% in 32 min | 30W wired, PD, QC |
| 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 | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Obsidian Black, Opal White | Black, White, Blue, Pink |
| Models | T780H | XQ-BT44 |
| Price | About 330 EUR | About 370 EUR |
TCL Plex
- Lower price point makes it accessible.
- Decent performance for everyday tasks.
- Reliable Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 chipset.
- Older chipset with less efficient 11nm process.
- Slower 18W charging.
- Lacks 5G connectivity.
Sony Xperia 10 III Lite
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing.
- Faster 30W charging with PD and QC.
- More efficient Snapdragon 690 5G chipset.
- Higher price compared to the TCL Plex.
- May not offer a significantly improved display.
- Performance gains may not be noticeable for casual users.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the provided data focuses on processing, we must infer display characteristics based on market positioning. The TCL Plex likely features a standard LCD panel, common for its price bracket. The Xperia 10 III Lite, being a slightly newer model, *may* have a marginally improved panel, but neither is expected to compete with flagship OLEDs. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the mid-range nature of both devices. Color accuracy will depend on software calibration, a factor not specified in the provided data.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the market positioning suggests the Xperia 10 III Lite likely benefits from Sony’s image processing expertise. While both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, the Xperia 10 III Lite may offer slightly better dynamic range and low-light performance due to Sony’s sensor technology and software algorithms. The TCL Plex, while capable, likely relies more heavily on software enhancements to compensate for potentially less advanced hardware. We can assume both devices include a standard wide, ultrawide, and potentially a depth sensor, but sensor size and aperture details are unknown.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Sony Xperia 10 III Lite’s Snapdragon 690 5G (8nm) represents a significant step up from the TCL Plex’s Snapdragon 675 (11nm). The 8nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to potentially longer battery life and reduced thermal throttling under sustained load. Both CPUs share a similar core configuration (2x2.0 GHz Kryo Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo Silver), but the newer Kryo 560 cores in the 690 are architecturally superior, delivering improved instructions per clock (IPC). This means the Xperia 10 III Lite will handle multitasking and demanding apps more smoothly. The 690 also integrates a more capable Adreno GPU, providing a noticeable boost in gaming performance.
Battery Life
The Xperia 10 III Lite’s 30W charging with PD and QC support is a clear advantage over the TCL Plex’s 18W QC charging. This translates to significantly faster charging times – the Xperia 10 III Lite can likely reach 50% charge in under 30 minutes, while the Plex takes 32 minutes to reach 50%. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the more efficient Snapdragon 690 in the Xperia 10 III Lite should deliver comparable, if not better, real-world battery life despite potentially having a similar or slightly smaller battery capacity. The faster charging mitigates any potential capacity difference.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Plex if you need a functional, reliable smartphone with a decent feature set and are primarily concerned with minimizing upfront cost. It's ideal for users who don't heavily rely on mobile gaming or demanding applications. Buy the Sony Xperia 10 III Lite if you prioritize 5G connectivity, faster charging speeds, and a slightly more modern chipset for improved performance and efficiency, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 690 in the Xperia 10 III Lite offer a noticeable gaming improvement over the Snapdragon 675 in the TCL Plex?
Yes, the Snapdragon 690's more modern architecture and improved Adreno GPU provide a tangible boost in gaming performance. While neither phone is a dedicated gaming device, the Xperia 10 III Lite will handle graphically demanding games at higher frame rates and with fewer stutters.
❓ How much faster is the 30W charging on the Xperia 10 III Lite compared to the 18W charging on the TCL Plex in real-world usage?
The Xperia 10 III Lite's 30W charging can realistically shave off 20-30 minutes from a full charge compared to the TCL Plex. It can reach 50% charge in approximately 25-30 minutes, while the TCL Plex takes a full 32 minutes for the same milestone.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Xperia 10 III Lite worth the extra cost if I don't have 5G coverage in my area?
That depends on your future plans. While 5G coverage may be limited now, investing in a 5G-capable phone like the Xperia 10 III Lite future-proofs your device for when 5G becomes more widespread. However, if 5G is unavailable and unlikely to be available in the near future, the TCL Plex offers better value.
