Unveiling TCL 20 SE Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of TCL 20 SE

The TCL 20 SE is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a wide array of features for users seeking a device that does not break the bank. Announced in January 2021 and released in April of the same year, this smartphone provides a good blend of performance, camera capabilities, and battery life in an affordable package. Here is a detailed look at what the TCL 20 SE has to offer.

Design and Build

The TCL 20 SE sports a modern design with dimensions measuring 172.1 x 77.1 x 9.1 mm and weighing 206 grams. This makes it quite comfortable to hold despite its large size. The phone is available in two attractive colors: Aurora Green and Nuit Black. The build quality is solid, with the rear-mounted fingerprint sensor placed conveniently for easy access.

Display

The device features a 6.82-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 720 x 1640 pixels. This results in a pixel density of approximately 263 ppi, providing good clarity and sharpness for media consumption and everyday tasks. The screen boasts an ~83.2% screen-to-body ratio, which enhances the viewing experience. With a brightness of 450 nits (typical), the display performs well under various lighting conditions.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the TCL 20 SE is powered by the Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 chipset, built on an 11 nm process. This octa-core processor, featuring 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 and 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240, ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks. The device also uses an Adreno 610 GPU, which offers satisfactory graphical performance for streaming videos and playing light games.

The smartphone runs on Android 11 out of the box and is upgradeable to Android 12, complemented by TCL’s custom UI, providing a reliable and user-friendly interface.

Storage and Memory

The TCL 20 SE caters to diverse storage needs with two variants: one offering 64GB of internal storage and the other with 128GB, both coupled with 4GB of RAM. This ensures decent multitasking capabilities and enough space for apps, media, and documents. Additionally, the phone supports microSDXC cards using a shared SIM slot, which can be used to expand storage capacity further.

Camera System

The phone's camera setup is impressive for its price range. The main quad-camera system includes a 48MP wide sensor, a 5MP ultrawide sensor, and two 2MP sensors for depth and macro photography. The camera system supports features like Dual-LED flash, HDR, and panorama modes, enhancing the photographic versatility. Videos can be recorded at 1080p@30fps, delivering clear and detailed footage.

For selfies, the TCL 20 SE is equipped with either an 8MP or a 13MP front-facing camera, depending on the model. The front camera also supports HDR and can record video at 1080p@30fps, offering decent quality for video calls and selfies.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the TCL 20 SE is its robust battery life. It is powered by a non-removable Li-Po 5000 mAh battery, ensuring prolonged usage without the need for frequent charging. The phone also supports 18W fast charging, which allows for quick power-ups, ensuring users can get back to using their phone without long downtimes.

Network and Connectivity

The TCL 20 SE supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, providing reliable connectivity across various regions around the globe. It features dual SIM capabilities, making it an excellent choice for users who require multiple network connections.

Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0 with support for A2DP, LE, and aptX, as well as NFC for device pairing and mobile payments. The phone is equipped with GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS for accurate positioning, and it includes an FM radio for entertainment on the go. File transfer and charging are facilitated via the USB Type-C 2.0 port with OTG support.

Sound and Multimedia

The TCL 20 SE comes with dual speakers, offering stereo sound for a more immersive audio experience when consuming media. It retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, which remains a popular feature for many users who prefer wired audio connections.

Sensors and Other Features

The device is equipped with essential sensors such as a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors contribute to the overall functionality and user experience of the smartphone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the TCL 20 SE is a compelling option for users who desire a budget-friendly smartphone without compromising on essential features. Its large display, competent camera system, long-lasting battery, and solid performance make it an attractive choice in the budget segment. Although it has some limitations, such as its lower resolution display compared to higher-end models, it compensates with its affordability and feature-rich offerings, providing a balanced and value-driven smartphone experience.