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Smartphones Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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TCL 50 XE NXTPAPER 5G (4GB + 128GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£130RAM capacity:4 GBInternal storage:128 GBScreen size:6.56 inchesMain camera megapixels:50 MP & 5 MP & 2 MP

TCL 50 XE NXTPAPER 5G (4GB + 128GB) Review: Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.1/10

Overall score

Score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

90%

6.1

Technical score

10%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 74% of smartphones
7.2

Value for money

Value for money
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

â–¼Worse than 64%
6.1

Technical score

Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

25%

6.1

Performance & Hardware

18%

5.4

Camera

15%

5.1

Display

15%

5.9

Battery

10%

7.5

Software

10%

7.7

Connectivity

4%

5.8

Audio

3%

7.3

Design

â–¼Worse than 69%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

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Technical Specifications of smartphone TCL 50 XE NXTPAPER 5G (4GB + 128GB)

Technical score
Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

25%

6.1

Performance & Hardware

18%

5.4

Camera

15%

5.1

Display

15%

5.9

Battery

10%

7.5

Software

10%

7.7

Connectivity

4%

5.8

Audio

3%

7.3

Design

6.1
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
TCL 50 XE NXTPAPER 5G (4GB + 128GB) has a popularity of 1 point, which is lower than 63.9% of smartphones.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

7.2
Brand name
TCL
Processor model
MediaTek Dimensity 6100+
This smartphone uses the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor model which is slower than processors in 64% of smartphones and equal to processors in 0.7% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
4 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 4 GB which is smaller than the RAM capacity of 82.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 14% of smartphones.
Internal storage
128 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 128 GB which is smaller than the storage of 61.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 28.4% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
2.2 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 2.2 GHz which is lower than the boost speed of 68.4% of smartphones and equal to that of 14.2% of smartphones.
Show more
Operating system
Android
This smartphone uses the Android operating system, which outperforms that of 1%.
Android 14
Android version
Android 14
This smartphone runs Android version Android 14 which is newer than that found in 49.5% of smartphones and equal to that in 21% of smartphones.
Direct OS updates
no
This smartphone does not receive direct OS updates. 20.6% of smartphones receive direct updates.
Open-source OS
yes
This smartphone uses an open-source OS. 94.6% of smartphones use an open-source OS.
Dark mode
yes
This smartphone offers dark mode. 95.8% of smartphones support this feature.
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Multi-lens main camera
yes
This smartphone includes a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
50 MP & 5 MP & 2 MP
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 50 MP & 5 MP & 2 MP which is lower than that of 53.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.3% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
?
Main camera sensor area
20.5 mm²
This smartphone has a main camera sensor area of 20.5 mm² which is smaller than the main camera sensor area of 76.1% of smartphones and equal to that of 12.9% of smartphones.
Main camera pixel size
0.64 µm
This smartphone has a main camera pixel size of 0.64 µm which is smaller than in 75.1% of smartphones and equal to the size in 18.6% of smartphones.
1.28 binned
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Number of SIM slots
2
This smartphone has 2 SIM slots, which is more than in 3.8% of smartphones and equal to the number in 96.1% of smartphones.
Cellular module
yes
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
5G connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports 5G connectivity. 66.9% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 100% of smartphones offer Wi-Fi support.
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Screen size
6.56 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 6.56 inches which is smaller than the screens of 72.3% of smartphones and equal to those of 3.9% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
720x 1612 px
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 720x1612 px which is lower than that of 78.9% of smartphones and equal to that of 5.3% of smartphones.
Pixel density
269 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 269 ppi which is lower than that of 80.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 5.4% of smartphones.
Display type
IPS LCD
This smartphone uses a IPS LCD display type. 0% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
90 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 90 Hz which is lower than in 65.4% of smartphones and equal to that in 18.9% of smartphones.
Show more
Battery capacity
5,010 mAh
This smartphone has a battery capacity of 5,010 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 57.2% of smartphones and equal to those in 0.6% of smartphones.
Charging speed
18 W
This smartphone supports charging speeds of 18 W which is slower than in 76% of smartphones and equal to speeds in 11.7% of smartphones.
Fast charging
yes
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
?
Wireless charging
no
This smartphone does not support wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
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Stereo speakers
yes
This smartphone includes stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
yes
This smartphone includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 45.5% of smartphones offer this port.
Number of microphones
2
This smartphone includes 2 microphones, which is more than in 10.5% of smartphones and equal to the number in 66.6% of smartphones.
FM radio
yes
This smartphone includes an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
no
This smartphone does not support aptX Lossless. 12.9% of smartphones provide aptX Lossless.
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Height
164.1 mm
This smartphone has a height of 164.1 mm which is taller than 58.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.2% of smartphones.
Width
75 mm
This smartphone has a width of 75 mm which is narrower than 68.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 3.3% of smartphones.
Thickness
8.3 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 8.3 mm which is thinner than 44.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 6.1% of smartphones.
Weight
185 g
This smartphone weighs 185 g which is lighter than 78.3% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 2.2% of smartphones.
Device volume
98,400 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 98,400 cm³ which is larger than 54.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 2.3% of smartphones.
Show more

TCL 50 XE NXTPAPER 5G (4GB + 128GB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • Higher on-device AI tier
    This smartphone runs on the productivity AI tier, while the average smartphone runs on fundamental, enabling stronger on-device AI features.
    AI-Boosted Productivity, AI Eye Care Assistant, AI-Powered Camera
    productivity vs fundamental
  • Has a barometer
    This smartphone features a barometer, the average smartphone does not. 19.9% of smartphones include a barometer.
  • 0.2% larger battery capacity
    This smartphone has a larger battery capacity than the average smartphone (5,010 mAh vs 5,000 mAh). The average smartphone battery is 5,000 mAh.
    5,010 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • Has a 3.5 mm headphone jack
    This smartphone features a 3.5 mm headphone jack, the average smartphone does not. 45.5% of smartphones include a standard headphone jack.
  • Has FM radio
    This smartphone features an FM radio, the average smartphone does not. 34.2% of smartphones include an FM tuner.
  • Wider front camera aperture
    This smartphone has a wider front camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/2 vs f/2.2). The average aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.0 vs f/2.2
  • 5.7% lighter
    This smartphone is lighter than the average smartphone (185 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    185 g vs 196.2 g
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    This smartphone supports a newer Bluetooth version than the average smartphone (5.3 vs 5.2). The average version is Bluetooth 5.2.
    5.3 vs 5.2
  • 2x cheaper
    TCL 50 XE NXTPAPER 5G (4GB + 128GB) is cheaper than the average smartphone (£130 vs £260).
    £130 vs £260
  • Higher on-device AI tier
    This smartphone runs on the productivity AI tier, while the average smartphone runs on fundamental, enabling stronger on-device AI features.
    AI-Boosted Productivity, AI Eye Care Assistant, AI-Powered Camera
    productivity vs fundamental
  • Wider front camera aperture
    This smartphone has a wider front camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/2 vs f/2.2). The average aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.0 vs f/2.2
  • Has a barometer
    This smartphone features a barometer, the average smartphone does not. 19.9% of smartphones include a barometer.
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    This smartphone supports a newer Bluetooth version than the average smartphone (5.3 vs 5.2). The average version is Bluetooth 5.2.
    5.3 vs 5.2
  • 0.2% larger battery capacity
    This smartphone has a larger battery capacity than the average smartphone (5,010 mAh vs 5,000 mAh). The average smartphone battery is 5,000 mAh.
    5,010 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • Has a 3.5 mm headphone jack
    This smartphone features a 3.5 mm headphone jack, the average smartphone does not. 45.5% of smartphones include a standard headphone jack.
  • Has FM radio
    This smartphone features an FM radio, the average smartphone does not. 34.2% of smartphones include an FM tuner.
  • 5.7% lighter
    This smartphone is lighter than the average smartphone (185 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    185 g vs 196.2 g
  • 1 mm narrower
    This smartphone is narrower than the average smartphone (75 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone width is 76 mm.
    75 mm vs 76 mm
  • Inferior display type
    This smartphone has an inferior display type compared to the average smartphone (IPS LCD vs OLED/AMOLED). 0.00% of smartphones use the superior display type.
    IPS LCD vs OLED/AMOLED
  • Worse processor
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • Worse main camera video quality
    This smartphone records worse main camera video than the average smartphone. 11.80x of smartphones support 4K video recording.
    1080x30 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • 25% lower refresh rate
    This smartphone has a lower refresh rate than the average smartphone (90 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
    90 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 50% less storage
    This smartphone offers less internal storage than the average smartphone (128 GB vs 256 GB). The average smartphone includes 256 GB of internal storage.
    128 GB vs 256 GB
  • 4 GB less RAM
    This smartphone has less RAM than the average smartphone (4 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    4 GB vs 8 GB
  • 35.9% smaller main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a smaller main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (20.5 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average smartphone sensor area is 32 mm².
    20.5 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • 31.9% lower pixel density
    This smartphone has a lower pixel density than the average smartphone (269 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    269 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • 5.44x less popular
    TCL 50 XE NXTPAPER 5G (4GB + 128GB) is less popular than the average smartphone (1 vs 5.4).
    1 vs 5.44
  • 1.5% worse value for money
    TCL 50 XE NXTPAPER 5G (4GB + 128GB) has worse value for money than the average smartphone (7.23 vs 7.3).
    7.23 vs 7.34
  • Worse processor
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • 4 GB less RAM
    This smartphone has less RAM than the average smartphone (4 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    4 GB vs 8 GB
  • 50% less storage
    This smartphone offers less internal storage than the average smartphone (128 GB vs 256 GB). The average smartphone includes 256 GB of internal storage.
    128 GB vs 256 GB
  • 50% less L3 cache
    This smartphone has a smaller L3 cache than the average smartphone (2048 KB vs 4,096 KB). The average smartphone has an L3 cache of 4,096 KB.
    2,048 KB vs 4,096 KB
  • 8.3% lower CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a lower CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (2.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    2.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 22.4% slower memory speed
    This smartphone has a lower memory speed than the average smartphone (2,133 MHz vs 2,750 MHz). The average smartphone has a memory speed of 2,750 MHz.
    2,133 MHz vs 2,750 MHz
  • 14.3% lower maximum RAM capacity
    This smartphone supports less maximum RAM than the average smartphone (12 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB of RAM.
    12 GB vs 14 GB
  • 33.3% lower memory bandwidth
    This smartphone has lower memory bandwidth than the average smartphone (17.1 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s). The average smartphone has a bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s.
    17.07 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s
  • Lacks focus mode
    This smartphone does not have a focus mode, the average smartphone does. 60.4% of smartphones include a dedicated focus mode.
  • No Wi-Fi password sharing
    This smartphone does not support Wi-Fi password sharing, the average smartphone does. 57.9% of smartphones allow easy Wi-Fi sharing.
  • Does not allow app offloading
    This smartphone does not support app offloading, the average smartphone does. 51.9% of smartphones support app offloading to save space.
  • Lacks instant markup
    This smartphone does not support instant markup, the average smartphone does. 52.2% of smartphones include instant markup tools.
  • Worse main camera video quality
    This smartphone records worse main camera video than the average smartphone. 11.80x of smartphones support 4K video recording.
    1080x30 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • 35.9% smaller main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a smaller main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (20.5 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average smartphone sensor area is 32 mm².
    20.5 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • Lower front camera megapixels
    This smartphone has lower front camera megapixels than the average smartphone (8 MP vs 16 MP). The average smartphone has a 16 MP front camera.
    8 MP vs 16 MP
  • 0.16 µm smaller main camera pixel size
    This smartphone has a smaller main camera pixel size than the average smartphone (0.6 µm vs 0.8 µm). The average smartphone has a pixel size of 0.8 µm.
    1.28 binned
    0.64 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • Inferior display type
    This smartphone has an inferior display type compared to the average smartphone (IPS LCD vs OLED/AMOLED). 0.00% of smartphones use the superior display type.
    IPS LCD vs OLED/AMOLED
  • 25% lower refresh rate
    This smartphone has a lower refresh rate than the average smartphone (90 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
    90 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 31.9% lower pixel density
    This smartphone has a lower pixel density than the average smartphone (269 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    269 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • Lower screen resolution
    This smartphone has a lower screen resolution than the average smartphone (720x1612 px vs 1080x2400 px). The average smartphone has a resolution of 1080x2400 px.
    720x1612 px vs 1080x2400 px
  • 0.11 inches inch smaller screen size
    This smartphone has a smaller screen size than the average smartphone (6.6 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone has a screen size of 6.67 inches.
    6.56 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • 25% lower touch sampling rate
    This smartphone has a lower touch sampling rate than the average smartphone (180 Hz vs 240 Hz). The average smartphone has a sampling rate of 240 Hz.
    180 Hz vs 240 Hz
  • 45.5% slower charging speed
    This smartphone has a slower charging speed than the average smartphone (18 W vs 33 W). The average smartphone charges at 33 W.
    18 W vs 33 W
  • No aptX HD
    This smartphone does not support aptX HD, the average smartphone does. 50.7% of smartphones support aptX HD.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Not graded yet

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

androidpolice.com
19/11/2024
Full review · Matte-screen budget phone
Verdict
The TCL 50 XE NXTPAPER 5G is a long-lasting budget phone whose Ink Paper mode helps you cut screen time, but its speakers, camera and software support fall short.
phonescoop.com
12/06/2024
Hands-on test · Matte display
Verdict
The TCL 50 XE NXTPAPER 5G is a solid, fairly standard budget phone whose matte screen looks and feels nice, but it doesn't really look like paper.
T
tomsguide.com
10/03/2024
Summary of the review
C
cnet.com
12/01/2024
Summary of the review
S
smartzone.de
25/01/2025
Summary of the review
J
journaldemontreal.com
15/08/2024
Summary of the review
L
lesmobiles.com
19/07/2024
Summary of the review
androidpolice.com
19/11/2024
Full review · Matte-screen budget phone
Verdict
The TCL 50 XE NXTPAPER 5G is a long-lasting budget phone whose Ink Paper mode helps you cut screen time, but its speakers, camera and software support fall short.
G
gamesurf.it
30/09/2024
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

What customers like about TCL 50 XE NXTPAPER 5G (4GB + 128GB)

  • Innovative NXTPAPER eye-care display technology, which is anti-glare and reduces eye strain, is great for reading and outdoor visibility.
  • Very affordable price point for the features offered, providing great value.
  • Decent performance for everyday tasks and casual use, with minimal lag for basic apps and social media.
  • Long battery life, easily lasting a full day with regular use, and capable of going two days with lighter use.
  • Generous 128GB of internal storage with expandable memory via microSD card (up to 2TB).
  • The 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and general navigation feel smooth.
  • Solid build quality for a budget phone, with an attractive and sleek design.
  • Includes features like a 3.5mm headphone jack, 5G connectivity, and NFC for mobile payments.
  • Comes with a nearly stock version of Android 14, with very little bloatware.
  • Face Unlock and side-mounted fingerprint sensor security options work well.

What customers don't like about TCL 50 XE NXTPAPER 5G (4GB + 128GB)

  • Cameras struggle in less-than-ideal or low-lighting conditions, producing smeared or pixelated images, and lack a dedicated night mode.
  • Poor software and security update support, generally only offering one major OS update and two years of security updates, which is less than competitors.
  • Performance issues with graphics-intensive games and apps, with occasional stuttering or lag when pushed.
  • The screen has large bezels and a lower HD+ resolution compared to some competitors.
  • The vibration motor is often described as loud and mushy.
  • Speakers are considered quiet and lack bass, making for a mediocre media listening experience without headphones.
  • Battery life, while generally good, falls short of some competitor phones in standardized tests at full brightness.
  • Limited carrier availability at launch, often exclusive to specific carriers (like Spectrum Mobile or certain regional ones) in the US.
  • Some users reported difficulty in locating specific accessories or the T-pen for the Nxtpaper series.

Verdict

The TCL 50 XE NXTPAPER 5G is a budget-friendly 5G smartphone primarily distinguished by its 6.6-inch HD+ (720 x 1612) NXTPAPER display, which features a matte, glare-free finish and various eye-care modes designed to mimic an e-reader experience, a significant pro for avid readers and those with eye strain issues. Powered by an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor and 4GB of RAM (expandable with 4GB virtual RAM), it offers decent performance for everyday tasks, supported by a long-lasting 5010mAh battery and 128GB of expandable storage (up to 2TB). The camera system includes a 50MP main sensor, 5MP ultra-wide, and 2MP depth lens, with an 8MP front camera. However, the main cons are that the screen is not very bright for outdoor use in direct sunlight, the cameras struggle in low-light conditions, and the phone is not suitable for graphics-intensive gaming due to its limited RAM and processor, in addition to having limited software support.

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