OVERALL
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REVIEWS
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TCL Stylus 5G (4GB + 128GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£210RAM capacity:4 GBInternal storage:128 GBScreen size:6.81 inchesMain camera megapixels:50 MP & 5 MP & 2 MP & 2 MP

TCL Stylus 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.

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
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components

90%

5.7

Technical score

10%

7.0

User score

â–¼Worse than 85% of smartphones
6.9

Value for money

Value for money
6.9/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components

70%

5.8

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

â–¼Worse than 84%
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
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components

25%

5.1

Performance & Hardware

18%

5.6

Camera

15%

4.5

Display

15%

5.1

Battery

10%

7.1

Software

10%

7.7

Connectivity

4%

6.7

Audio

3%

6.2

Design

â–¼Worse than 84%
7.0

User score

User score
7.0/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components

70%

8.2

User ratings

30%

4.3

Number of reviews

â–¼Worse than 92%
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £210
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of smartphone TCL Stylus 5G (4GB + 128GB)

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
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components:

25%

5.1

Performance & Hardware

18%

5.6

Camera

15%

4.5

Display

15%

5.1

Battery

10%

7.1

Software

10%

7.7

Connectivity

4%

6.7

Audio

3%

6.2

Design

5.7
User score
User score
7.0/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components

70%

8.2

User ratings

30%

4.3

Number of reviews

7.0
Popularity
Popularity
4.3/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Popularity:
TCL Stylus 5G (4GB + 128GB) has a popularity of 4.3 points, which is lower than 57.4% of smartphones.
4.3
Value for money
Value for money
6.9/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components:

70%

5.8

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

6.9
Brand name
TCL
Processor model
MediaTek Dimensity 700
This smartphone uses the MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor model which is slower than processors in 58.3% of smartphones and equal to processors in 0.8% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
4 GB
Market range: <4 GB – >16 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
Market range: <64 GB – >512 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
Market range: <2 GHz – >3.3 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 12
Android version
Android 12
This smartphone runs Android version Android 12 which is older than that found in 67.1% of smartphones and equal to that in 13.2% 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.
Show more
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 & 2 MP
Market range: <10 – >100
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 50 MP & 5 MP & 2 MP & 2 MP which is lower than that of 53.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.4% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
?
Main camera sensor area
20.5 mm²
Market range: <19.7 mm² – >71.4 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
Market range: <0.64 µm – >1.22 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
Show more
Number of SIM slots
2
Market range: <1 – >6
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.
Show more
Screen size
6.81 inches
Market range: <6.3 inches – >6.82 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 6.81 inches which is larger than the screens of 89% of smartphones and equal to those of 0.7% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
1080x 2460 px
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 1080x2460 px which is higher than that of 65.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 4.4% of smartphones.
Pixel density
395 ppi
Market range: <264 ppi – >460 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi which is higher than that of 41.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 8.9% of smartphones.
Display type
IPS LCD
This smartphone uses a IPS LCD display type. 0% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
60 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >144 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 60 Hz which is lower than in 84.3% of smartphones and equal to that in 15.7% of smartphones.
Show more
Battery capacity
4,000 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >7k mAh
This smartphone has a battery capacity of 4,000 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 90.2% of smartphones and equal to those in 2.6% of smartphones.
Charging speed
18 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 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.
Show more
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
Market range: <1 – >3
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.
Show more
Height
169.6 mm
Market range: <156.2 mm – >171.56 mm
This smartphone has a height of 169.6 mm which is taller than 87.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Width
76.5 mm
Market range: <73.1 mm – >81 mm
This smartphone has a width of 76.5 mm which is wider than 63% of smartphones and equal to that of 2.3% of smartphones.
Thickness
8.98 mm
Market range: <7.53 mm – >10.5 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 8.98 mm which is thicker than 79.9% of smartphones.
Weight
213 g
Market range: <175 g – >256 g
This smartphone weighs 213 g which is heavier than 76.1% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 0.9% of smartphones.
Device volume
102,752 cm³
Market range: <80 cm³ – >190 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 102,752 cm³ which is larger than 75.4% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.2% of smartphones.
Show more

TCL Stylus 5G (4GB + 128GB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    This smartphone has a lower TDP than the average smartphone (10 W vs 6 W). The average TDP for smartphones is 6 W.
    10 W vs 6 W
  • 0.14 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.
    6.81 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • Supports aptX Adaptive
    This smartphone supports aptX Adaptive, the average smartphone does not. 34.5% of smartphones include aptX Adaptive support.
  • Has a front LED flash
    This smartphone features a front-facing LED flash, the average smartphone does not. 7.8% of smartphones include a front flash.
  • Has a barometer
    This smartphone features a barometer, the average smartphone does not. 19.9% of smartphones include a barometer.
  • Higher screen resolution
    This smartphone has a higher screen resolution than the average smartphone (1080x2460 px vs 1080x2400 px). The average smartphone resolution is 1080x2400 px.
    1080x2460 px vs 1080x2400 px
  • 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.
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    This smartphone has a lower TDP than the average smartphone (10 W vs 6 W). The average TDP for smartphones is 6 W.
    10 W vs 6 W
  • 2x more L1
    This smartphone has more L1 cache than the average smartphone (64 KB vs 32 KB). The average L1 cache is 32 KB.
    64 KB vs 32 KB
  • Has a front LED flash
    This smartphone features a front-facing LED flash, the average smartphone does not. 7.8% of smartphones include a front flash.
  • Has a barometer
    This smartphone features a barometer, the average smartphone does not. 19.9% of smartphones include a barometer.
  • 0.14 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.
    6.81 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • Higher screen resolution
    This smartphone has a higher screen resolution than the average smartphone (1080x2460 px vs 1080x2400 px). The average smartphone resolution is 1080x2400 px.
    1080x2460 px vs 1080x2400 px
  • Supports aptX Adaptive
    This smartphone supports aptX Adaptive, the average smartphone does not. 34.5% of smartphones include aptX Adaptive support.
  • 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.
  • Includes a stylus
    This smartphone includes a stylus, the average smartphone does not. 1.4% of smartphones come with a stylus.
  • 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
  • 50% lower refresh rate
    This smartphone has a lower refresh rate than the average smartphone (60 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
    60 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • Worse processor
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (MediaTek Dimensity 700 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    MediaTek Dimensity 700 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
  • 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
  • 20% smaller battery capacity
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (4,000 mAh vs 5,000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5,000 mAh.
    4,000 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • 14% lower user score
    User score
    7.0/ 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
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    TCL Stylus 5G
    the average smartphone
    TCL Stylus 5G (4GB + 128GB) has a lower user score than the average smartphone (7.02 vs 8).
    7.02 vs 8
  • 6.6% worse value for money
    TCL Stylus 5G (4GB + 128GB) has worse value for money than the average smartphone (6.88 vs 7.3).
    6.88 vs 7.34
  • 27.6% less popular
    TCL Stylus 5G (4GB + 128GB) is less popular than the average smartphone (4.26 vs 5.4).
    4.26 vs 5.44
  • Worse processor
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (MediaTek Dimensity 700 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    MediaTek Dimensity 700 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
  • 41.8% lower Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    This smartphone performs worse in Geekbench 6 single-core than the average smartphone (548 vs 942). The average smartphone scores 942 in the Geekbench 6 single-core test.
    548 vs 942
  • 61.4% lower 3DMark Wild Life benchmark
    This smartphone performs worse in the 3DMark Wild Life benchmark than the average smartphone (1,202 vs 3,115). The average smartphone scores 3,115 in this benchmark.
    1,202 vs 3,115
  • 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
  • 16.7% larger process node
    This smartphone is manufactured on a larger process node than the average smartphone (7 nm vs 6 nm). The average smartphone uses a 6 nm process.
    7 nm vs 6 nm
  • 72.5% lower 3DMark Wild Life Extreme benchmark
    This smartphone scores lower in 3DMark Wild Life Extreme than the average smartphone (337 vs 1,226). The average smartphone scores 1,226.
    337 vs 1,226
  • 87.5% fewer shader units
    This smartphone includes fewer shader units than the average smartphone (32 vs 256). The average smartphone has 256 shader units.
    32 vs 256
  • 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
  • 28.9% lower Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    This smartphone performs worse in Geekbench 6 multi-core than the average smartphone (1,802 vs 2,533). The average smartphone scores 2,533 in the Geekbench 6 multi-core test.
    average score across devices
    1,802 vs 2,533
  • 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
  • 6% lower PCMark Work 3.0 Performance benchmark
    This smartphone performs worse in PCMark Work 3.0 than the average smartphone (10,141 vs 10,783). The average smartphone scores 10,783 in PCMark Work 3.0.
    10,141 vs 10,783
  • 2.3% less L2 cache
    This smartphone has a smaller L2 cache than the average smartphone (1,000 KB vs 1,024 KB). The average smartphone has an L2 cache of 1,024 KB.
    1,000 KB vs 1,024 KB
  • 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.
  • No battery health monitoring
    This smartphone lacks battery health monitoring, the average smartphone includes it. 66.3% of smartphones provide battery health stats.
  • Older Android version
    This smartphone runs an older Android version than the average smartphone (Android 12 vs Android 14). The average smartphone runs Android version Android 14.
    Android 12 vs Android 14
  • 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
  • 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
  • Lower front camera megapixels
    This smartphone has lower front camera megapixels than the average smartphone (13 MP vs 16 MP). The average smartphone has a 16 MP front camera.
    13 MP vs 16 MP
  • Narrower front camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower front camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/2.3 vs f/2.2). The average smartphone front aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.3 vs f/2.2
  • 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
  • 50% lower refresh rate
    This smartphone has a lower refresh rate than the average smartphone (60 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
    60 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 500 nits lower peak brightness
    This smartphone has a lower peak brightness than the average smartphone (500 nits vs 1,000 nits). The average smartphone peak brightness is 1,000 nits.
    500 nits vs 1,000 nits
  • 24.2% lower screen brightness
    This smartphone has a lower screen brightness than the average smartphone (500 nits vs 660 nits). The average smartphone has a brightness of 660 nits.
    500 nits vs 660 nits
  • Worse display glass type
    This smartphone uses a worse display glass type than the average smartphone (Nippon Electric Glass (NEG) vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5). 0.00% of smartphones use the better glass type.
    Nippon Electric Glass (NEG) vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5
  • 20% smaller battery capacity
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (4,000 mAh vs 5,000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5,000 mAh.
    4,000 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • 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 LDAC support
    This smartphone does not support LDAC, the average smartphone does. 60.3% of smartphones support LDAC.
  • 8.6% heavier
    This smartphone is heavier than the average smartphone (213 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    213 g vs 196.2 g
  • 6 mm taller
    This smartphone is taller than the average smartphone (169.6 mm vs 163.6 mm). The average smartphone has a height of 163.6 mm.
    169.6 mm vs 163.6 mm
  • 2 year/s older release date
    This smartphone is an older model than the average smartphone (2022 vs 2024). 2.00% of smartphones were released more recently.
    June 2022
    2022 vs 2024
  • 0.68 mm thicker
    This smartphone is thicker than the average smartphone (9 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone has a thickness of 8.3 mm.
    8.98 mm vs 8.3 mm
  • 0.5 mm wider
    This smartphone is wider than the average smartphone (76.5 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone has a width of 76 mm.
    76.5 mm vs 76 mm

Video reviews

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

7.0
Kevin Breeze
≈ estimated
30/01/2024
Long-term look · 2024 retrospective with benchmark test
Verdict
TCL Stylus 5G is worth considering only with a good deal, given its dated software and modest speed.
9.0
C Butler
≈ estimated
03/01/2024
Long-term review · about 1.5 years of daily use
Verdict
TCL Stylus 5G is still a solid, fast budget phone after a year and a half of daily use.
8.0
Kevin Breeze
≈ estimated
06/01/2023
Retrospective review · built-in stylus and hardware in 2023
Verdict
TCL Stylus 5G is still a competitive affordable phone in 2023, mainly for its built-in stylus.
9.0
C Butler
≈ estimated
13/09/2022
Long-term test · two months of daily use
Verdict
TCL Stylus 5G is a solid all-round phone after two months, with few real downsides.
6.5
Tech Titan
✓ explicit
28/07/2022
Hands-on review · design, display, camera and stylus
Verdict
TCL Stylus 5G is a solid budget phone with a good display and useful stylus, but its camera and performance fall short.
9.5
C Butler
≈ estimated
24/07/2022
30-day review · camera, gaming, battery and UI
Verdict
TCL Stylus 5G is solid in every category and worth the price after a month of daily use.
9.0
C Butler
≈ estimated
05/07/2022
Camera test · photo and video samples while walking
Verdict
TCL Stylus 5G's camera impresses with its stabilisation and autofocus, with good microphone sound in daylight.
9.0
C Butler
≈ estimated
29/06/2022
Top 10 reasons · daily use and performance tests
Verdict
TCL Stylus 5G is a solid phone with strong performance, good gaming and battery life at this price.
9.0
JuanBagnell
≈ estimated
29/06/2022
Full review · productivity, network and battery tests
Verdict
TCL Stylus 5G is a solid, affordable productivity phone with good battery life, though its 5G and software support lag.
9.0
Android Central
≈ estimated
23/06/2022
Summary · hardware, daily use and camera tests
Verdict
TCL Stylus 5G is a great phone for the money, but the pen and camera involve some compromises.
7.0
TechRight
≈ estimated
21/06/2022
Long-term review · about a month of daily use
Verdict
TCL Stylus 5G is a good phone for its price, but several drawbacks may put some buyers off.
8.0
TechRight
≈ estimated
18/06/2022
Hands-on review · a couple of weeks of use
Verdict
TCL Stylus 5G is a good budget pick for notes, drawing and basic tasks, but not for gamers.
More graded video reviews (15)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

pcmag.com
24/06/2022
Lab tests · Budget stylus phone
Verdict
The TCL Stylus 5G is a budget phone with a built-in pen and big screen, held back by short battery life, weak gaming and slow Wi-Fi.
androidpolice.com
25/06/2022
Daily-use review · Budget stylus phone
Verdict
The TCL Stylus 5G has a comfortable pen and two-day battery going for it, but 4GB of RAM and glitchy software make it a hard sell.
androidcentral.com
01/07/2022
Full review · Budget Android phone
Verdict
The TCL Stylus 5G is a strong all-round budget phone for performance, battery and camera, but its passive stylus makes writing notes hard.
techaeris.com
13/07/2022
Full review · Carrier-locked budget phone
Verdict
The TCL Stylus 5G is an affordable stylus phone with a clean Android 12 install, but it's locked to T-Mobile and Metro customers.
geardiary.com
13/07/2022
Hands-on review · Budget note-taking phone
Verdict
The TCL Stylus 5G suits budget note-takers on T-Mobile, with a solid build and handy stylus apps, though its pen needs careful palm handling.
tomsguide.com
03/06/2022
Early hands-on · Stylus note-taking
Verdict
The TCL Stylus 5G looks promising for budget note-takers with a swift-feeling pen, though its MediaTek chip is still unproven.
cnet.com
29/11/2022
Long-term test · Budget stylus phone
Verdict
The TCL Stylus 5G has a large, colourful screen, long battery life and handy stylus apps, but random resets and Bluetooth dropouts make it hard to recommend.
zdnet.com
15/06/2022
Hands-on review · Budget stylus phone
Verdict
The TCL Stylus 5G is a near-stock Android phone with a capable pen and big screen, best for budget buyers who stay with T-Mobile.
cnet.com
03/06/2022
First look · Budget stylus phone
Verdict
The TCL Stylus 5G is one of the cheapest phones with a built-in pen, Android 12 and 5G, but it gets only two years of security updates.
xda-developers.com
03/07/2022
Hands-on test · Budget stylus phone
Verdict
The TCL Stylus 5G is a budget phone with a built-in stylus for notes, but it struggles with demanding games and its battery lasts about a day.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about TCL Stylus 5G (4GB + 128GB)

  • Affordable pricing, undercutting many stylus competitors
  • Large, sharp 6.81-inch 1080p display with NXTVISION enhancement
  • Integrated passive stylus with a convenient silo and dedicated software shortcuts
  • Solid build quality with a fingerprint-resistant matte back
  • Includes useful pre-installed premium apps like Nebo and MyScript Calculator for free
  • Main 50MP camera performs better than expected in well-lit conditions
  • Maintains traditional hardware features like a 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD slot

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

  • Battery life is subpar compared to competitors, featuring a smaller 4,000mAh capacity
  • Limited software support with only one guaranteed Android version upgrade
  • Passive stylus lacks advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity and palm rejection
  • Modest performance with only 4GB of RAM, leading to occasional lag and poor high-end gaming
  • Carrier-locked specifically to T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile in the US
  • Secondary camera lenses (macro and ultrawide) produce low-detail and inconsistent results
  • Standard 60Hz refresh rate is lower than some newer budget alternatives

Verdict

The TCL Stylus 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone featuring a large 6.81-inch FHD+ LCD display and an included passive stylus, powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G processor with 4GB RAM and 128GB expandable storage. Its main pros include a sharp, vibrant screen with Nxtvision enhancement, a capable 50MP main camera in good lighting, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and useful pre-installed stylus-optimized apps like Nebo Notes. Key cons are its below-average battery life (around 6 hours and 41 minutes in streaming tests), modest performance unsuitable for intensive gaming, lack of an IP durability rating, and a limited software support policy of only one major OS upgrade (to Android 13) and two years of security updates.

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