Are TCL smartphones good?
TCL smartphones achieve an average overall score of 6.4, placing them #29 among all brands, and a user rating of 7.8, which ranks them #22 in user reviews.
TCL smartphones can be a good choice if you want solid features at a lower price than many well-known brands. The company focuses on affordable mid-range models that still include large displays, decent cameras, and good battery life. TCL is known for its display technology, and many of its smartphones use vivid screens with high contrast and good brightness, which help you enjoy videos and games. Models often have clean Android software with minimal extra apps, so you get a smooth user experience.
You may notice that TCL phones are not as fast as premium models from Samsung or Apple, especially in gaming or heavy multitasking. Camera quality is usually fine for everyday shots but less impressive in low light. TCL also updates its phones less frequently than top brands, so you might wait longer for the latest Android version or security patches. If your priority is strong display quality and reasonable performance for the price, TCL can give you good value.
(Note: A total of 37 brands were evaluated in the comparison in the first paragraph. Only those with at least 6 smartphones in our database that were released after 2022 were included.)
The best available TCL smartphones (with the highest overall score) are as follows:
- TCL Nxtpaper 60 Ultra (12GB + 512GB) (Overall score: 7.6)
- TCL 50 Pro NXTPAPER 5G (16GB + 512GB) (Overall score: 6.84)
- TCL 50 NXTPAPER 5G (16GB + 256GB) (Overall score: 6.8)
The following chart ranks smartphone brands by their overall scores.
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What are the main advantages of TCL smartphones?
The main advantages of TCL smartphones are as follows:
- Display technology: Many models use NXTVISION technology with HDR10 support and adaptive display optimization, which improves color accuracy and contrast in both SDR and HDR content.
- Large screens: Mid-range and premium TCL smartphones often have AMOLED or high-quality LCD panels up to 6.8 inches with FHD+ resolution (2400×1080), which improves clarity for media consumption.
- High refresh rate: Several models feature 90 Hz or 120 Hz refresh rates, which deliver smoother scrolling and improved responsiveness in games compared to standard 60 Hz panels.
- Camera system: Selected models include triple or quad camera setups with main sensors up to 64 MP and wide-angle and macro lenses, which increase versatility in photography.
- Battery life: Devices often integrate batteries of 4,500 mAh to 5,000 mAh, which can support over a full day of mixed usage, and many support fast charging of 18 W or more.
- Price-to-feature ratio: TCL positions many models in the budget-to-midrange segment (£130 to £300) with specifications like large displays, multiple cameras, and high-capacity batteries, which compete with higher-priced brands.
What are the main disadvantages of TCL smartphones?
TCL smartphones have the following disadvantages:
- Processor performance: Many devices use mid-tier Qualcomm Snapdragon 600- or 700-series or MediaTek Helio chipsets, which limit performance in demanding 3D games compared to flagship processors.
- Software updates: TCL often provides fewer major Android updates than top brands, which shortens long-term software support.
- Low-light photography: Despite high-resolution sensors, image quality in low-light conditions can show noticeable noise and reduced detail compared to premium competitors.
- Availability: Some TCL smartphones have limited market availability in Europe, so accessories and spare parts can be harder to find.
- Build quality: Entry-level models sometimes use plastic frames and backs instead of glass or metal, which reduces perceived premium feel.
- Brand recognition: TCL’s smartphone lineup is less well-known than brands like Samsung or Xiaomi, which can impact resale value and consumer trust.
Who makes TCL smartphones?
TCL smartphones are produced by TCL Communication, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCL Electronics, which in turn is part of the larger TCL Technology Group. TCL Communication handles the research, development, and manufacturing of TCL-branded smartphones, as well as licensed devices under other names like Alcatel and formerly BlackBerry.
Historically, TCL entered the mobile phone market through a joint venture with Alcatel in 2004 and fully acquired Alcatel’s mobile phone business a year later. From 2016 to 2020, TCL Communication also produced and sold smartphones under the BlackBerry Mobile brand through a licensing agreement, which ended in August 2020.
What are the main TCL smartphone series?
The main TCL smartphone series are as follows.
- TCL 60 Series: This lineup includes models like the 60 SE NXTPAPER 5G and 60 NXTPAPER (they feature advanced NXTPAPER display technology for eye comfort and reduced glare). Devices come with high-resolution cameras (such as 108MP ultra-pixel rear and 32MP front options) and robust performance from MediaTek chipsets with up to 18GB RAM and 512GB storage. Batteries reach 5200mAh for extended use, and prices start at £95.
- TCL 50 Series: Models in this series, such as the 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G and 50 XE 5G, integrate NXTPAPER tech for anti-glare screens and include hybrid camera systems with 50MP main sensors. They support 5G connectivity and 120Hz refresh rates for smooth visuals, and batteries go up to 5010mAh. The series targets budget users with prices around £170.
- TCL 40 Series: This series focuses on affordable devices like the 40 NXTPAPER, which offers 8GB RAM and 256GB storage options. Cameras feature up to 50MP sensors, and displays emphasize eye-care features. It suits everyday tasks with prices from £140.
- TCL 30 Series: Older models in this range provide basic 5G support and cameras with macro and ultra-wide lenses. They use MediaTek processors for multitasking, and storage reaches 128GB. The series remains available for entry-level needs.
- TCL 20 Series: These phones include variants with triple-camera setups and Full HD displays. They run on Snapdragon chipsets for reliable performance, and some support expandable storage up to 1TB. This series bridges mid-range features.
- TCL 10 Series: As TCL's initial branded lineup, it features models like the 10 Pro with quad cameras and NXTVISION display enhancements. Processors handle 5G, and batteries support fast charging. It set the foundation for later series.
How much do TCL smartphone costs?
TCL smartphones cost between £85 and £425 depending on the model and specifications.
Entry-level TCL 10 series models usually cost about £85 to £170, targeting users who need basic performance and essential features. Mid-range models in the TCL 20 series often cost between £170 and £300 (these have better displays, higher resolution cameras, and faster processors).
The TCL 30 series and newer models typically range from £215 to £425 depending on the configuration, i.e., storage capacity, RAM, and camera setup.
Premium variants within these series, such as those with AMOLED displays or 5G connectivity, tend to reach the upper price range. Older generations often drop below their initial price range after a year, so they can be found for less than their launch cost.
With an average price of £140 €, TCL smartphones rank #8 in price among smartphone brands (from cheapest to most expensive) and hold an average quality-price ratio score of 7.3, placing them at position #27.
(Note: A total of 37 brands were evaluated in the comparison. Only those with at least 6 smartphones in our database that were released after 2022 were included.)
What should you consider while choosing the best TCL smartphone?
When choosing the best TCL smartphone for you, you should evaluate the following factors as they directly impact performance and user experience.
- Processor performance: The processor determines the speed and multitasking capabilities of your device. TCL smartphones feature various processors like MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ in the TCL 50 5G or Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 in the TCL 40 SE. Higher-end processors deliver smoother performance for gaming, app usage, and media consumption, while budget models use entry-level processors like the MediaTek Helio A22 that handle basic tasks adequately.
- RAM and storage: RAM affects multitasking performance while storage determines how much data you can store on the device. TCL smartphones typically offer configurations ranging from 2GB RAM with 32GB storage in budget models to 8GB RAM with 256GB storage in premium options. Virtual RAM expansion features in models like the TCL 50 5G allow conversion of ROM to additional RAM for better performance. Most TCL devices support microSD expansion up to 512GB for additional storage.
- Camera: The camera setup significantly impacts photo and video quality across different scenarios. TCL smartphones feature various configurations from basic 8MP single cameras in entry models to advanced 50MP hybrid systems in mid-range devices. Multi-lens setups often include depth sensors for portrait mode and macro lenses for close-up photography, while AI features improve image processing and low-light performance.
- Battery: Battery capacity affects daily usage time while charging speed determines downtime between uses. TCL smartphones typically offer large battery capacities ranging from 3000mAh in compact models to 5200mAh in larger devices. Fast charging capabilities vary from 15W in budget phones to 18W in higher-end models, while intelligent charging modes help preserve battery lifespan.
- Display: The display affects visual experience for media consumption, gaming, and daily use. TCL smartphones feature displays from 6.0 inches to 6.8 inches with resolutions ranging from basic HD+ to Full HD+. NXTVISION technology enhances color reproduction and eye comfort across the range, while refresh rates reach up to 120Hz in premium models for smoother scrolling and gaming.
