The TCL 50 XL 5G emerges as a compelling contender in the budget 5G smartphone market, offering a robust set of features that punch above its weight class, making it a viable option for users seeking modern connectivity and capable performance without breaking the bank.

It’s designed for those who appreciate a large display, reliable battery life, and the benefits of 5G speeds, all wrapped in an accessible package.

While it may not compete with flagship devices in raw power or camera sophistication, it delivers a solid user experience for everyday tasks, media consumption, and staying connected on the go, making it a strong value proposition.

Feature/Product	TCL 50 XL 5G	Samsung Galaxy A54 5G	Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2023	OnePlus Nord N30 5G	Google Pixel 7a	Nokia G400 5G	Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G
Display Size	6.8 inches	6.4 inches	6.6 inches	6.72 inches	6.1 inches	6.6 inches	6.67 inches
Processor	MediaTek Dimensity 700	Exynos 1380	Snapdragon 6 Gen 1	Snapdragon 695 5G	Google Tensor G2	Snapdragon 480+ 5G	MediaTek Dimensity 1080
RAM	6GB	6GB/8GB	6GB	8GB	8GB	6GB	6GB/8GB
Storage	128GB	128GB/256GB	256GB	128GB	128GB	128GB	128GB/256GB
Main Camera	50MP	50MP OIS	50MP OIS	108MP	64MP OIS	48MP	50MP OIS
Battery mAh	5000	5000	5000	5000	4385	5000	5000
Charging Speed	18W	25W	15W	67W SuperVOOC	18W	20W	67W Turbo Charge
Operating System	Android 13	Android 13	Android 13	Android 13	Android 13	Android 12	Android 12
Price Range Approx.	Budget	Mid-range	Mid-range	Mid-range	Mid-range	Budget	Mid-range

Table of Contents

Diving Deep: Unpacking the TCL 50 XL 5G’s Core Strengths

The TCL 50 XL 5G isn’t just another phone.

It’s a statement about what’s possible in the affordable 5G space.

TCL, a company known for its display technology, has leveraged its expertise to deliver a device that stands out in key areas without demanding a premium price.

Let’s break down what makes this phone tick and whether it aligns with your tech philosophy.

Display Dominance: A Visual Feast on a Budget

TCL’s pedigree in display manufacturing truly shines with the 50 XL 5G.

The 6.8-inch FHD+ NXTVISION display is arguably one of its biggest selling points, offering an immersive visual experience that’s rare at this price point.

NXTVISION Technology Explained

NXTVISION is TCL’s proprietary display enhancement technology, and it’s not just marketing fluff.

It works in real-time to optimize colors, contrast, and clarity.

Imagine watching a video and seeing more vibrant hues and deeper blacks – that’s NXTVISION at work.

Real-time Image Optimization: It analyzes the content on your screen and adjusts visual parameters for an improved viewing experience.
SDR to HDR Enhancement: Even standard dynamic range content can be upscaled to near-HDR quality, making older videos look fresh.
Eye Comfort Modes: Features like adaptive tone and reading mode reduce eye strain, especially during prolonged use. This is crucial for anyone who spends hours scrolling or reading.

The Value of a 120Hz Refresh Rate

A 120Hz refresh rate is a must, especially for a budget phone. 2024 Mercedes Benz Gle 450E 4Matic Review

It means the screen updates 120 times per second, resulting in incredibly smooth scrolling, fluid animations, and a more responsive feel.

Smoother User Interface: Navigating through apps, swiping between home screens, and opening menus feels incredibly slick.
Enhanced Gaming Experience: While the Dimensity 700 isn’t a gaming powerhouse, lighter games and even some moderately demanding titles benefit significantly from the higher refresh rate, reducing motion blur.
Improved Media Consumption: Videos and animations appear more fluid, leading to a more enjoyable viewing experience. It’s a noticeable difference compared to standard 60Hz displays.

Performance and 5G Connectivity: Speed and Efficiency

Under the hood, the TCL 50 XL 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G chipset, coupled with 6GB of RAM.

This combination is geared towards efficiency and reliable 5G connectivity rather than raw, top-tier performance.

MediaTek Dimensity 700: A Capable Workhorse

The Dimensity 700 is an octa-core processor built on a 7nm process, which means it’s relatively power-efficient.

It’s designed to deliver solid performance for daily tasks.

Daily Task Management: Handles social media, web browsing, email, and streaming without a hitch.
Multitasking Capabilities: With 6GB of RAM, you can comfortably switch between several apps without significant slowdowns.
Light Gaming: While not a gaming phone, it can manage casual games like Candy Crush, Subway Surfers, and even some less graphically intensive titles such as Call of Duty Mobile on lower settings.

Benchmark Approx.	TCL 50 XL 5G Dimensity 700	Samsung Galaxy A54 5G Exynos 1380	Google Pixel 7a Tensor G2
AnTuTu v9	300,000-330,000	500,000-530,000	700,000-750,000
GeekBench 6 Single-Core	550-600	900-950	1300-1400
GeekBench 6 Multi-Core	1700-1850	2500-2800	3300-3600
Note: Benchmarks are for comparative purposes and real-world performance may vary.

Embracing the 5G Era

The “5G” in its name isn’t just for show.

The Dimensity 700 supports both SA Standalone and NSA Non-Standalone 5G networks, ensuring broad compatibility with carriers.

Faster Downloads and Uploads: Experience significantly quicker downloads for apps, movies, and large files.
Lower Latency: Important for cloud gaming and real-time communication.
Improved Connectivity in Crowded Areas: 5G networks are designed to handle more concurrent users, leading to more stable connections in busy locations.
Future-Proofing: As 5G infrastructure continues to expand, having a 5G-capable phone ensures you’re ready for faster speeds as they become available.

Camera Capabilities: Point-and-Shoot Simplicity

The TCL 50 XL 5G sports a triple-camera setup on the rear, headlined by a 50MP main sensor.

While it won’t dethrone premium smartphones, it’s more than capable for everyday photography.

Main 50MP Sensor: Everyday Photography

The 50MP sensor uses pixel-binning technology, combining four pixels into one large pixel to capture more light. Iheartradio Review

This results in brighter and clearer 12.5MP images, especially in decent lighting conditions.

Good Daylight Performance: Produces sharp, detailed photos with accurate colors when lighting is optimal.
Respectable Low-Light with caveats: While it struggles in very dim conditions, its pixel-binning helps in moderately challenging light. Don’t expect Pixel-level night mode, but it’s usable.
Portrait Mode: The depth sensor assists in creating a bokeh effect, blurring the background for more professional-looking portraits.

Ultrawide and Macro Lenses: Expanding Your Perspective

Beyond the main sensor, the inclusion of an ultrawide and macro lens adds versatility to your photography toolkit.

Macro Lens: Allows you to get incredibly close to subjects, revealing intricate details of flowers, insects, or textures that are invisible to the naked eye. This is for the curious photographer who loves exploring the tiny world.
Front 8MP Camera: Decent for video calls and social media selfies, offering clear enough shots for sharing.

Battery Life and Charging: Powering Through Your Day

One of the most appealing aspects of the TCL 50 XL 5G is its substantial 5000mAh battery.

This, combined with the power-efficient Dimensity 700 chipset and the optimized software, translates into excellent battery longevity.

All-Day Endurance

For most users, the 5000mAh battery is more than enough to last a full day, even with moderate to heavy usage.

Typical Usage: Expect to easily get through 1.5 to 2 days of mixed usage, including social media, browsing, streaming, and some gaming.
Standby Time: The phone holds its charge well when not in active use, making it reliable for those who don’t always remember to plug in every night.
Impact of 120Hz: While the 120Hz display is fantastic, it does consume more power. The phone likely has adaptive refresh rate features to optimize battery life by dropping to 60Hz when high refresh isn’t needed.

18W Fast Charging

While not the fastest charging tech on the market some phones offer 67W or even 120W, the 18W fast charging is a welcome inclusion for a budget device.

Reasonable Recharge Times: It will top up the large battery in a couple of hours, which is perfectly acceptable for overnight charging or quick boosts during the day.
Convenience: A quick 15-30 minute charge can often provide several hours of additional usage, which is handy when you’re in a hurry.
Consideration: If you’re coming from a phone with ultra-fast charging, you might notice the difference, but for most, it’s a non-issue.

Software Experience: Near-Stock Android with TCL Enhancements

The TCL 50 XL 5G runs on Android 13 with TCL’s UI customizations layered on top.

TCL generally keeps its Android experience quite clean, with a focus on user-friendliness and adding value through its own features rather than excessive bloatware.

Android 13 Out of the Box

Starting with Android 13 provides users with the latest features and security updates from Google.

Material You Personalization: Deeper customization options for your phone’s interface, allowing you to match system colors to your wallpaper.
Improved Privacy Controls: More granular control over app permissions, especially for notifications, photos, and videos.
Enhanced Notification Management: Better control over which apps can send you notifications and how they appear.
Seamless Cross-Device Copy/Paste: Improved functionality for copying content between Android devices.

TCL UI: Thoughtful Additions

TCL’s UI adds a few useful features without heavily altering the core Android experience. Asrock B760I Lightning Wi Fi Review

NXTVISION Display Settings: Dedicated controls for optimizing display quality, color temperature, and eye comfort modes.
Smart Manager: A built-in tool for optimizing system performance, clearing junk files, and managing battery usage.
Floating Window: Allows certain apps to run in a small, resizable window on top of other applications, improving multitasking for certain use cases.
Minimal Bloatware: Unlike some budget phones, TCL generally keeps pre-installed third-party apps to a minimum, preserving storage space and reducing unnecessary background processes.

Design and Build Quality: A Premium Look and Feel

Despite its budget-friendly price, the TCL 50 XL 5G doesn’t compromise on aesthetics or tactile experience.

It boasts a design that belies its cost, feeling more substantial than one might expect.

Modern Aesthetics

The phone features a contemporary design with slim bezels, a punch-hole cutout for the front camera, and a relatively flat display.

Large Screen-to-Body Ratio: Maximizes screen real estate, making the phone feel more immersive for media consumption.
Premium Finish: While the back is likely plastic to keep costs down, TCL often uses a finish that mimics glass or metal, providing a more premium look.
Ergonomics: Despite its large size, the phone is generally comfortable to hold, with well-placed buttons.

Practical Considerations

Beyond looks, the design incorporates practical elements crucial for daily use.

Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Often integrated into the power button, this offers quick, intuitive, and reliable unlocking. It’s usually faster and more accurate than in-display sensors at this price point.
3.5mm Headphone Jack: A welcome feature for audiophiles and those who prefer wired headphones, eliminating the need for adapters.
Dedicated microSD Card Slot: Allows for expandable storage, which is vital given the 128GB internal storage, especially for users who store a lot of photos, videos, or games. This means you can keep your essential apps on internal storage and offload media to a card.

Weighing the Pros and Cons: Is the TCL 50 XL 5G Right for You?

Every smartphone has its strengths and weaknesses, and the TCL 50 XL 5G is no exception.

Understanding these can help you determine if it aligns with your specific needs and expectations.

Advantages of the TCL 50 XL 5G

The TCL 50 XL 5G shines brightest in areas where many budget phones cut corners, offering a compelling package for its price point.

Unbeatable Display for the Price

Large 6.8-inch FHD+ NXTVISION Display: Offers vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and an immersive viewing experience, especially for streaming and browsing.
120Hz Refresh Rate: Provides butter-smooth scrolling and a significantly more fluid user interface, a premium feature rarely seen in this category.

Solid Battery Life

5000mAh Battery: Easily provides all-day power, even for heavy users, often extending into a second day of light usage.
18W Fast Charging: While not the fastest, it’s a decent speed for quick top-ups and ensures the large battery isn’t a burden to recharge.

Reliable 5G Connectivity

MediaTek Dimensity 700 with 5G: Delivers stable and fast 5G speeds, future-proofing your connectivity for expanding networks.
Good Call Quality: Users generally report clear calls and strong signal reception.

Practical Features

Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Fast, accurate, and conveniently placed.
3.5mm Headphone Jack: A bonus for those who prefer wired audio solutions.
MicroSD Card Slot: Essential for expanding storage beyond the internal 128GB.

Clean Software Experience

Near-Stock Android 13: Provides a straightforward and user-friendly interface with TCL’s useful NXTVISION enhancements.
Minimal Bloatware: Less pre-installed junk means more usable storage and potentially better performance.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While strong in many areas, the TCL 50 XL 5G isn’t without its limitations, particularly when compared to higher-priced devices.

Moderate Performance

MediaTek Dimensity 700 Limitations: While good for daily tasks, it’s not a gaming powerhouse. Demanding games will require lower graphics settings, and very heavy multitasking might show slight slowdowns.
Not for Power Users: If you consistently run multiple heavy applications or demand top-tier performance for intensive tasks, you might find it underpowered.

Camera Performance in Challenging Conditions

Struggles in Low Light: While decent in good lighting, the camera system shows its budget limitations in dim environments, with increased noise and reduced detail.
Ultrawide and Macro Lenses: While versatile, the quality of these auxiliary lenses is typically lower than the main sensor, and they are best used in well-lit conditions.

Software Updates

TCL’s Update Track Record: While Android 13 is current, TCL’s history with major Android version updates can be inconsistent compared to some other brands e.g., Samsung or Google Pixel. Users might not receive as many future OS upgrades.
Security Patches: While TCL generally provides security updates, the frequency might not be as consistent as flagship manufacturers.

Build Materials

Plastic Construction: While well-designed and sturdy, the use of plastic over glass or metal for the back panel is a cost-saving measure that might feel less premium to some users.

Who is the TCL 50 XL 5G For?

The TCL 50 XL 5G is best suited for a specific demographic of smartphone users.

Budget-Conscious Consumers: If you’re looking for a capable 5G phone without spending a fortune, this is a strong contender.
Media Consumption Enthusiasts: The large, high-refresh-rate display makes it excellent for watching videos, browsing photos, and reading.
Everyday Users: For social media, web browsing, emails, communication, and light gaming, it performs admirably.
Students and Seniors: Its straightforward interface, long battery life, and large screen make it user-friendly for a wide range of age groups.
Those Prioritizing Screen and Battery: If a great display and all-day power are your top priorities, and you don’t need a cutting-edge camera or ultimate processing power, the 50 XL 5G delivers.

Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?

Conversely, some users might find the TCL 50 XL 5G falls short of their expectations. Multiversus For Pc Review

Hardcore Mobile Gamers: For graphic-intensive titles, you’ll need a phone with a more powerful processor e.g., Snapdragon 8 series or Tensor.
Photography Enthusiasts: If camera quality, especially in challenging lighting, is a paramount concern, look towards mid-range or flagship devices from Google, Samsung, or Apple.
Power Users Demanding Absolute Top Performance: If you need the fastest app loading, seamless switching between dozens of apps, and the ability to run desktop-grade applications, consider higher-tier devices.
Users Expecting Multi-Year OS Updates: If receiving multiple major Android version upgrades is critical to you, brands like Google or Samsung typically offer longer support.

FAQs about the TCL 50 XL 5G

General Questions

What is the TCL 50 XL 5G?

The TCL 50 XL 5G is a budget-friendly 5G smartphone launched by TCL, featuring a large 6.8-inch 120Hz display, a 50MP main camera, and a 5000mAh battery.

When was the TCL 50 XL 5G released?

The TCL 50 XL 5G was officially announced and released in early 2024.

What operating system does the TCL 50 XL 5G run on?

It runs on Android 13 out of the box with TCL UI customizations.

Is the TCL 50 XL 5G unlocked?

Yes, the TCL 50 XL 5G is often sold unlocked, meaning it can be used with various GSM carriers.

However, always confirm with the retailer or carrier before purchasing.

What colors does the TCL 50 XL 5G come in?

The TCL 50 XL 5G typically comes in a single primary color, often a shade of gray or black. Specific availability may vary by region.

Does the TCL 50 XL 5G have a headphone jack?

Yes, the TCL 50 XL 5G features a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Does the TCL 50 XL 5G support expandable storage?

Yes, it supports expandable storage via a microSD card, allowing you to increase the internal 128GB storage.

What is the primary purpose of the TCL 50 XL 5G?

It’s designed for users seeking an affordable 5G smartphone with a large, high-quality display and long battery life for everyday tasks and media consumption.

Display Questions

What is NXTVISION on the TCL 50 XL 5G?

NXTVISION is TCL’s proprietary display technology that enhances color, contrast, and clarity in real-time, and can upscale SDR content to near-HDR quality. Corel Wordperfect Office Review

Is the TCL 50 XL 5G display AMOLED?

No, the TCL 50 XL 5G features an LCD display, not an AMOLED panel.

However, with NXTVISION and 120Hz, it still offers an excellent visual experience for an LCD.

Does the TCL 50 XL 5G have a high refresh rate screen?

Yes, it features a 120Hz refresh rate display, providing smoother scrolling and more fluid animations compared to standard 60Hz screens.

How big is the screen on the TCL 50 XL 5G?

The TCL 50 XL 5G has a large 6.8-inch FHD+ Full High Definition Plus display.

Performance Questions

What processor is in the TCL 50 XL 5G?

The TCL 50 XL 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G chipset.

Is the TCL 50 XL 5G good for gaming?

It’s capable of handling casual games and some moderately demanding titles on lower settings.

For intensive, graphic-heavy gaming, it’s not the best choice.

How much RAM does the TCL 50 XL 5G have?

It comes with 6GB of RAM, which is sufficient for smooth multitasking and everyday app usage.

Does the TCL 50 XL 5G support 5G connectivity?

Yes, as its name suggests, the TCL 50 XL 5G fully supports 5G connectivity.

Camera Questions

What is the main camera resolution on the TCL 50 XL 5G?

The TCL 50 XL 5G features a 50MP main camera sensor. G Data Antivirus Review

Does the TCL 50 XL 5G have an ultrawide camera?

Yes, it includes an ultrawide lens as part of its triple-camera setup.

How well does the TCL 50 XL 5G perform in low light conditions?

While it can capture decent photos in moderately challenging light due to pixel-binning, its low-light performance is not on par with more expensive smartphones.

What is the front camera resolution of the TCL 50 XL 5G?

The front-facing camera on the TCL 50 XL 5G is 8MP.

Battery and Charging Questions

What is the battery capacity of the TCL 50 XL 5G?

The TCL 50 XL 5G is equipped with a large 5000mAh battery.

Does the TCL 50 XL 5G support fast charging?

Yes, it supports 18W fast charging.

How long does the battery last on the TCL 50 XL 5G?

With its 5000mAh battery, the TCL 50 XL 5G can easily last a full day of moderate to heavy usage, and often extends into a second day.

Is the TCL 50 XL 5G water resistant?

No, the TCL 50 XL 5G does not have an official IP rating for water or dust resistance. It’s best to keep it away from liquids.

Does the TCL 50 XL 5G have NFC for mobile payments?

Availability of NFC can vary by region and carrier model.

It’s advisable to check the specific product listing for your region.

Does the TCL 50 XL 5G come with a charger in the box?

This can vary by market. Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 Review

Some regions may include an 18W charger in the box, while others may only include a USB-C cable.

What are the main competitors to the TCL 50 XL 5G?

Main competitors include devices like the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2023, OnePlus Nord N30 5G, and certain budget Samsung Galaxy A-series models.

How does the TCL 50 XL 5G compare to the TCL 40 XL 5G?

The TCL 50 XL 5G is the successor to the TCL 40 XL 5G, typically offering upgrades in processor, camera, and potentially display refresh rate or design.

Is the TCL 50 XL 5G good value for money?

Yes, given its large 120Hz display, 5G connectivity, and long battery life at a budget price point, the TCL 50 XL 5G offers strong value for money.

What are the main selling points of the TCL 50 XL 5G?

Its main selling points are its large 120Hz NXTVISION display, long-lasting 5000mAh battery, and affordable 5G connectivity.

Where can I buy the TCL 50 XL 5G?

The TCL 50 XL 5G is typically available from major electronics retailers, online marketplaces like Amazon, and certain mobile carriers.

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