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Exploring the TCL 20 5G Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Release Date
2020, December 07
Camera
48MP
Battery
4500mAh
Battery Type
18W
Processor
Snapdragon 690 5G
Screen
6.67"
Storage
128GB/256GB , microSDXC
Ram
6GB RAM
Operating System
Android 10, TCL UI

Design and Build Quality

The TCL 20 5G features a sleek and modern design that reflects its capabilities as a next-generation smartphone. With dimensions measuring 166.2 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm and weighing 206 grams, it has a relatively slim profile for a device offering such powerful hardware. The device can accommodate either a single Nano-SIM or a hybrid dual SIM, offering flexibility based on user needs.

Display

The display is one of the standout features of the TCL 20 5G. It boasts a large 6.67-inch IPS LCD screen with HDR10 support, ensuring vivid colors and deep contrast, making it ideal for media consumption. The screen offers a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels with a 20:9 aspect ratio, and a pixel density of around 395 ppi. This ensures sharp text and clear imagery, providing an immersive viewing experience for videos and games.

Performance

Under the hood, the TCL 20 5G is powered by the Qualcomm SM6350 Snapdragon 690 chipset. Built on an 8 nm process technology, this octa-core processor includes two high-performance Kryo 560 Gold cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and six efficient Kryo 560 Silver cores clocked at 1.7 GHz. This configuration balances performance and efficiency, allowing for smooth multitasking and handling of most applications with ease. The Adreno 619L GPU ensures decent graphics performance, suitable for gaming and high-definition video playback.

Camera System

The photography setup on the TCL 20 5G is versatile and capable. The main camera array consists of a 48 MP wide lens, an 8 MP ultrawide lens with a 118-degree field of view, and a 2 MP macro lens. This combination allows for high-resolution photos, wide landscape shots, and detailed close-ups. The camera system supports features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama, and can record video in 4K at 30fps and 1080p at up to 60fps, with gyro-EIS for stabilization.

Selfie Camera

On the front, there is an 8 MP selfie camera with an f/2.0 aperture. It supports HDR and can capture video at 1080p 30fps. While it may not match the performance of the primary camera in low-light conditions, it is more than sufficient for video calls and casual selfies.

Storage and Memory

The phone comes with two internal storage variants: 128GB and 256GB, both paired with 6GB of RAM. This ensures a good balance between storage capacity and multitasking ability. Furthermore, the storage can be expanded via a microSDXC card, although it shares the SIM slot, which means it could limit dual-SIM functionality.

Battery Life

The TCL 20 5G is equipped with a non-removable Li-Po 4500 mAh battery. It supports 18W wired charging with QC4, which ensures that the phone can be rapidly charged. The battery capacity is ample for a full day of use under normal conditions and should comfortably last through extensive usage patterns.

Network and Connectivity

As the name suggests, the TCL 20 5G supports 5G connectivity, along with GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, offering a wide array of band support for global usage. It is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, and Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD for high-quality audio streaming. For navigation, the device includes positioning systems like GPS, GLONASS, BDS, and GALILEO.

User Interface and Operating System

The device runs on Android 10 with TCL's customized UI, which aims to offer a user-friendly experience with modifications and additional features over the stock Android. While it comes with Android 10 out of the box, it would be beneficial to explore potential updates from TCL for later versions for improved features and security patches.

Additional Features

The phone incorporates various sensors like a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass. It also retains the beloved 3.5mm headphone jack and includes a loudspeaker for media playback. NFC support is present for contactless payments and other applications. The phone offers USB Type-C 2.0 connectivity along with OTG support.

Conclusion

In summary, the TCL 20 5G is a well-rounded device that offers next-generation network support at a competitive price point (around 300 EUR). It strikes a balance between performance, battery life, and features, making it an attractive option for users who seek affordability without sacrificing features. Available in Mist Gray and Placid Blue, TCL has crafted a device that not only serves the everyday needs but also supports modern 5G speeds and services.

Key Features of TCL 20 5G

  • Supports advanced network technologies: GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G
  • Large 6.67-inch IPS LCD display with HDR10 and 450 nits brightness
  • High-resolution display with 1080 x 2400 pixels and 20:9 aspect ratio
  • Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G chipset (8 nm)
  • Ample internal storage with options of 128GB and 256GB, along with 6GB RAM
  • Triple rear camera setup: 48 MP wide, 8 MP ultrawide, and 2 MP macro
  • Capable of 4K video recording and gyro-EIS for stabilization
  • Supports expandable storage via microSDXC (using shared SIM slot)
  • Dual SIM capability in Hybrid configuration
  • Comprehensive connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, Wi-Fi ac, and USB Type-C with OTG
  • Equipped with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for security
  • Robust 4500 mAh battery with 18W fast charging (QC4 supported)
  • Available in sleek colors: Mist Gray and Placid Blue

Disadvantages of TCL 20 5G

  • The device is relatively heavy at 206 grams, which might not be comfortable for prolonged use.
  • Uses IPS LCD instead of AMOLED, leading to less vibrant colors and lower contrast ratios.
  • No official water or dust resistance rating, which makes it vulnerable in harsh environments.
  • Hybrid SIM slot limits the use of dual SIMs if memory expansion via microSD is needed.
  • Still ships with Android 10, which may be considered outdated as newer versions are available.
  • Limited fast charging at 18W compared to competitors with faster charging capabilities.
  • Macro camera at 2 MP may not provide high-quality close-up shots.
Network
Technology GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (Dual SIM model only)
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41
5G bands 1, 3, 5, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA
Speed HSPA, LTE, 5G
Launch
Announced 2020, November 30
Status Available. Released 2020, December 07
Body
Dimensions 166.2 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.54 x 3.02 x 0.36 in)
Weight 206 g (7.27 oz)
SIM Single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Display
Type IPS LCD, HDR10, 450 nits (typ)
Size 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Platform
OS Android 10, TCL UI
Chipset Qualcomm SM6350 Snapdragon 690 5G (8 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 560 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 560 Silver)
GPU Adreno 619L
Memory
Card slot microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Triple 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
Features LED flash, HDR, panorama
Video 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Single 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Features HDR
Video 1080p@30fps
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Positioning GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
NFC Yes
Radio FM radio
USB USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
Features
Sensors Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Type Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable
Charging 18W wired, QC4
Misc
Colors Mist Gray, Placid Blue
Models T781, T781K, T781H
Price About 300 EUR

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