Comprehensive Review TCL 505 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of TCL 505

The TCL 505 is a newly released smartphone that hit the market in March 2024, offering a compelling combination of performance, display quality, and camera features at a competitive price. It stands out in the mid-range smartphone category with its solid specifications and modern design.

Design and Build Quality

The TCL 505 boasts sleek dimensions of 168.3 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm, making it easy to handle and use with one hand. With a weight of 190 g, it feels substantial yet comfortable during prolonged use. The design offers options for Ocean Blue and Space Grey colors, appealing to both vibrant and professional aesthetics. The build features a dual SIM capability, offering flexibility for users who travel or wish to separate work from personal communication.

Display

A standout feature of the TCL 505 is its expansive 6.75-inch IPS LCD display, which provides a high-quality viewing experience thanks to its 90Hz refresh rate and 400 nits brightness. The resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels ensures that users get clear and vibrant images, although it is slightly less pixel-dense (260 ppi) compared to some competitors. Overall, the display is well-suited for multimedia consumption, gaming, and everyday use.

Performance

The smartphone is powered by a Mediatek Helio G36 chipset, a reliable mid-range processor built on a 12 nm process. The octa-core CPU, clocked at up to 2.2 GHz, features a combination of Cortex-A53 cores, aimed at balancing performance and power efficiency. Paired with 4GB of RAM, the TCL 505 handles multitasking and everyday applications effectively, though it may not be suitable for highly demanding gaming sessions.

Storage Options

TCL has equipped the 505 with two internal storage variants: 64GB and 128GB. Both models come with a microSDXC slot, enabling users to expand storage further, which is an advantage for those needing extra space for apps, photos, and multimedia content. The storage flexibility is one of the key features that will appeal to a broad user base.

Camera Functionality

The TCL 505's camera system is robust for its class, featuring a dual rear camera setup with a 50MP primary sensor. The f/1.8 aperture and phase detection autofocus help capture sharp images, even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. It also includes a 2MP depth sensor, improving portrait shots with bokeh effects. Additional features such as LED flash, HDR, and panorama offer creative photography options. The device supports video recording at 1080p@30fps. The 5MP front camera caters to selfie enthusiasts, delivering satisfactory results with its f/2.2 aperture.

Battery Life

Battery performance is a highlight, with a large 5010 mAh capacity ensuring extended usage without frequent recharging. While the 10W charging speed is modest, the large battery capacity more than compensates for users who require longevity from their smartphone. This feature makes the TCL 505 particularly appealing to those constantly on the go or who utilize their phone extensively throughout the day.

Operating System and User Interface

The device runs on Android 14, offering the latest features and improvements from Google's operating system. Users can expect a more intuitive experience with enhanced privacy controls, personalization options, and smarter notifications. The clean interface ensures ease of navigation and accessibility to native applications and services.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The TCL 505 provides comprehensive connectivity features, including support for GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks. Dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 5.1, NFC (market/region dependent), and FM radio add to the various wireless communication capabilities. It also includes GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS for precise location tracking. The USB Type-C 2.0 port with OTG support enhances its versatility for data transfer and peripheral connectivity.

Security

Security is handled by a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, whose availability depends on the market or region. This quick-access feature ensures that users can unlock their device securely and conveniently.

Sound Experience

The TCL 505 is equipped with stereo speakers for an enhanced audio experience, supplemented by a 3.5mm headphone jack for those who prefer wired audio solutions. This makes it suitable for both media consumption and calling.

Final Thoughts

In summary, the TCL 505 offers a solid package with its large display, commendable performance, and versatile camera setup. The extensive battery life, combined with the essential connectivity options, makes it particularly appealing for a wide range of users. While it may not be the device for those seeking flagship-level specifications, it represents excellent value in its segment. The availability of expandable storage and modern OS features further round out its appeal. Overall, the TCL 505 is a worthy consideration for both everyday users and tech enthusiasts looking for a reliable mid-range smartphone.