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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 505 (10GB + 256GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£120RAM capacity:10 GBInternal storage:256 GBScreen size:6.75 inchesMain camera megapixels:50 MP & 2 MP

TCL 505 (10GB + 256GB) Review: Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

TCL 505 (10GB + 256GB)
5.8/10

Overall score

Score
5.8/ 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%

5.7

Technical score

10%

7.3

User score

â–¼Worse than 83% of smartphones
7.1

Value for money

Value for money
7.1/ 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%

5.8

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

â–¼Worse than 71%
5.7

Technical score

Technical score
5.7/ 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%

5.7

Performance & Hardware

18%

5.3

Camera

15%

4.3

Display

15%

5.6

Battery

10%

7.8

Software

10%

6.2

Connectivity

4%

5.0

Audio

3%

7.0

Design

â–¼Worse than 83%
7.3

User score

User score
7.3/ 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%

7.8

User ratings

30%

6.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 88%
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Technical Specifications of smartphone TCL 505 (10GB + 256GB)

Technical score
Technical score
5.7/ 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%

5.7

Performance & Hardware

18%

5.3

Camera

15%

4.3

Display

15%

5.6

Battery

10%

7.8

Software

10%

6.2

Connectivity

4%

5.0

Audio

3%

7.0

Design

5.7
User score
User score
7.3/ 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%

7.8

User ratings

30%

6.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.3
Popularity
Popularity
6.1/ 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 505 (10GB + 256GB) has a popularity of 6.1 points, which is higher than 55.6% of smartphones.
6.1
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 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%

5.8

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

7.1
Brand name
TCL
Processor model
MediaTek Helio G36
This smartphone uses the MediaTek Helio G36 processor model which is slower than processors in 95% of smartphones and equal to processors in 0.3% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
10 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 10 GB which is larger than the RAM capacity of 58.9% of smartphones.
Internal storage
256 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 256 GB which is larger than the storage of 38.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 38.3% 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.
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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 & 2 MP
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 50 MP & 2 MP which is lower than that of 57.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 12.9% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
f/1.8 & f/2.4
This smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.8 & f/2.4 which is narrower than that of 57.9% of smartphones and equal to that of 12.6% of smartphones.
Main camera sensor area
24.5 mm²
This smartphone has a main camera sensor area of 24.5 mm² which is smaller than the main camera sensor area of 71.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.8% of smartphones.
Main camera pixel size
0.7 µm
This smartphone has a main camera pixel size of 0.7 µm which is smaller than in 64.6% of smartphones and equal to the size in 10.4% of smartphones.
1.4 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
no
This smartphone does not support 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
6.75 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 6.75 inches which is larger than the screens of 67.9% of smartphones and equal to those of 2.4% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
720x 1600 px
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 720x1600 px which is lower than that of 87.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 8.7% of smartphones.
Pixel density
260 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 260 ppi which is lower than that of 93.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 4.3% 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.
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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
10 W
This smartphone supports charging speeds of 10 W which is slower than in 93.7% of smartphones and equal to speeds in 5.8% 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
?
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
168.3 mm
This smartphone has a height of 168.3 mm which is taller than 83.6% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.5% of smartphones.
Width
76.7 mm
This smartphone has a width of 76.7 mm which is wider than 67.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.5% 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
190 g
This smartphone weighs 190 g which is lighter than 63.5% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 4.4% of smartphones.
Device volume
102,144 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 102,144 cm³ which is larger than 72.6% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.8% of smartphones.
Show more

TCL 505 (10GB + 256GB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • 2 GB more RAM
    This smartphone has more RAM capacity than the average smartphone (10 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    10 GB vs 8 GB
  • 0.08 inches inch larger screen size
    This smartphone has a larger screen size than the average smartphone (6.8 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone screen is 6.67 inches.
    6.75 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • 0.2% larger battery capacity
    This smartphone has a larger battery capacity than the average smartphone (5010 mAh vs 5000 mAh). The average smartphone battery is 5000 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.
  • 2.17x cheaper
    TCL 505 (10GB + 256GB) is cheaper than the average smartphone (£120 vs £260).
    £120 vs £260
  • 3.2% lighter
    This smartphone is lighter than the average smartphone (190 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    190 g vs 196.2 g
  • 2.17x cheaper
    TCL 505 (10GB + 256GB) is cheaper than the average smartphone (£120 vs £260).
    £120 vs £260
  • 2 GB more RAM
    This smartphone has more RAM capacity than the average smartphone (10 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    10 GB vs 8 GB
  • 0.08 inches inch larger screen size
    This smartphone has a larger screen size than the average smartphone (6.8 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone screen is 6.67 inches.
    6.75 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • 0.2% larger battery capacity
    This smartphone has a larger battery capacity than the average smartphone (5010 mAh vs 5000 mAh). The average smartphone battery is 5000 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.
  • 3.2% lighter
    This smartphone is lighter than the average smartphone (190 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    190 g vs 196.2 g
  • Worse processor
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (MediaTek Helio G36 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    MediaTek Helio G36 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • 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
  • No 5G connectivity
    This smartphone does not support 5G connectivity, the average smartphone does. 66.9% of smartphones are 5G compatible.
  • 2x larger process node
    This smartphone is manufactured on a larger process node than the average smartphone (12 nm vs 6 nm). The average smartphone uses a 6 nm process.
    12 nm vs 6 nm
  • 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
  • 31.6% slower GPU clock
    This smartphone has a lower GPU frequency than the average smartphone (650 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone has a GPU frequency of 950 MHz.
    650 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.8 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.8 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • 10.2% lower user score
    User score
    7.3/ 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
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    TCL 505
    the average smartphone
    TCL 505 (10GB + 256GB) has a lower user score than the average smartphone (7.26 vs 8.000).
    7.26 vs 8
  • 3.9% worse value for money
    TCL 505 (10GB + 256GB) has worse value for money than the average smartphone (7.06 vs 7.3).
    7.06 vs 7.34
  • Worse processor
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (MediaTek Helio G36 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    MediaTek Helio G36 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • 2x larger process node
    This smartphone is manufactured on a larger process node than the average smartphone (12 nm vs 6 nm). The average smartphone uses a 6 nm process.
    12 nm vs 6 nm
  • 31.6% slower GPU clock
    This smartphone has a lower GPU frequency than the average smartphone (650 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone has a GPU frequency of 950 MHz.
    650 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • 75.7% lower Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    This smartphone performs worse in Geekbench 6 single-core than the average smartphone (229 vs 942). The average smartphone scores 942 in the Geekbench 6 single-core test.
    229 vs 942
  • 42.9% lower maximum RAM capacity
    This smartphone supports less maximum RAM than the average smartphone (8 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB of RAM.
    8 GB vs 14 GB
  • 41.8% slower memory speed
    This smartphone has a lower memory speed than the average smartphone (1600 MHz vs 2750 MHz). The average smartphone has a memory speed of 2750 MHz.
    1,600 MHz vs 2,750 MHz
  • 73.5% lower Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    This smartphone performs worse in Geekbench 6 multi-core than the average smartphone (670 vs 2,533). The average smartphone scores 2,533 in the Geekbench 6 multi-core test.
    670 vs 2,533
  • 45.7% lower memory bandwidth
    This smartphone has lower memory bandwidth than the average smartphone (13.9 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s). The average smartphone has a bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s.
    13.9 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s
  • 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
  • Supports older OpenCL version
    This smartphone supports a lower OpenCL version than the average smartphone (1.2 vs 2). The average smartphone supports OpenCL version 2.0.
    1.2 vs 2.0
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • 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
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.8 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.8 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • Lower front camera megapixels
    This smartphone has lower front camera megapixels than the average smartphone (5 MP vs 16 MP). The average smartphone has a 16 MP front camera.
    5 MP vs 16 MP
  • 23.4% smaller main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a smaller main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (24.5 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average smartphone sensor area is 32 mm².
    24.5 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • Lower-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a lower-resolution main camera than the average smartphone (50 MP & 2 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone has a 50 MP & 8 MP main camera.
    50 MP & 2 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • 0.1 µm smaller main camera pixel size
    This smartphone has a smaller main camera pixel size than the average smartphone (0.7 µm vs 0.8 µm). The average smartphone has a pixel size of 0.8 µm.
    1.4 binned
    0.7 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • No 5G connectivity
    This smartphone does not support 5G connectivity, the average smartphone does. 66.9% of smartphones are 5G compatible.
  • No gyroscope
    This smartphone does not have a gyroscope, the average smartphone does. 84.4% of smartphones feature a gyroscope.
  • No compass
    This smartphone does not have a compass, the average smartphone does. 93.2% of smartphones include a built-in compass.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This smartphone uses an older Bluetooth version than the average smartphone (5.1 vs 5.2). The average smartphone uses Bluetooth 5.2.
    5.1 vs 5.2
  • 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
  • 34.2% lower pixel density
    This smartphone has a lower pixel density than the average smartphone (260 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    260 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • Lower screen resolution
    This smartphone has a lower screen resolution than the average smartphone (720x1600 px vs 1080x2400 px). The average smartphone has a resolution of 1080x2400 px.
    720x1600 px vs 1080x2400 px
  • 39.4% lower screen brightness
    This smartphone has a lower screen brightness than the average smartphone (400 nits vs 660 nits). The average smartphone has a brightness of 660 nits.
    400 nits vs 660 nits
  • 600 nits lower peak brightness
    This smartphone has a lower peak brightness than the average smartphone (400 nits vs 1000 nits). The average smartphone peak brightness is 1000 nits.
    400 nits vs 1,000 nits
  • 69.7% slower charging speed
    This smartphone has a slower charging speed than the average smartphone (10 W vs 33 W). The average smartphone charges at 33 W.
    10 W vs 33 W
  • No LDAC support
    This smartphone does not support LDAC, the average smartphone does. 60.3% of smartphones support LDAC.
  • No aptX HD
    This smartphone does not support aptX HD, the average smartphone does. 50.7% of smartphones support aptX HD.
  • 4.7 mm taller
    This smartphone is taller than the average smartphone (168.3 mm vs 163.6 mm). The average smartphone has a height of 163.6 mm.
    168.3 mm vs 163.6 mm
  • 0.7 mm wider
    This smartphone is wider than the average smartphone (76.7 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone has a width of 76 mm.
    76.7 mm vs 76 mm

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

S
simpatico.co.uk
16/05/2024
Summary of the review
S
stuff.co.za
22/10/2024
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: August 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about TCL 505 (10GB + 256GB)

  • Excellent value for money as a budget-friendly entry-level device
  • Sleek and modern design that looks more expensive than its price point
  • Large 6.75-inch HD+ display with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate
  • Long-lasting 5010mAh battery that easily covers a full day of usage
  • Substantial 128GB internal storage with a dedicated microSD card slot for expansion
  • Near-stock Android 14 experience with minimal bloatware compared to competitors
  • Inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack and NFC support in a cheap model

What we don't like about TCL 505 (10GB + 256GB)

  • Overall performance can be slow, glitchy, or laggy when multitasking
  • Helio G36 processor is not suitable for heavy or graphics-intensive gaming
  • Camera quality is basic with noticeable processing lag and poor low-light performance
  • Slow 10W wired charging takes a long time to fill the large battery
  • Audio from the speakers can sound tinny or lack depth at higher volumes
  • Plastic build is a fingerprint magnet and can feel a bit 'toy-like' to some
  • Lack of 5G connectivity limits it to 4G LTE networks

Verdict

The TCL 505 is a budget-friendly 4G smartphone running Android 14, featuring a 6.75-inch HD+ IPS display with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate and NXTVISION technology. It offers ample storage with 256GB of internal memory (expandable via microSD) and a total of 10GB RAM (6GB physical plus 4GB virtual RAM expansion), powered by a MediaTek Helio G36 octa-core processor and a large 5010mAh battery. Key pros include the high-resolution 50MP main camera, dual stereo speakers for enhanced audio, a modern design, and good value for its price point. Potential cons reported by some users include a plastic build, relatively slow performance with occasional lag, especially during app loading, and low maximum earpiece/ringer volume.

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