The TCL 10 Pro, 10 5G, and 10L series is opening the door to the mid-range market with the ambition to stand out in the crowded smartphone landscape. In this hands-on review, we’ll delve into the design, display, performance, cameras, and battery life of these devices to determine if they truly deserve your attention.
Introduction to the TCL 10 Pro, 10 5G, and 10L Series
In April 2020, TCL, known for its successful televisions and screens, introduced three new smartphones targeting users seeking a balance between price and quality. The presented models – TCL 10 Pro, 10 5G, and 10L – come with different chipsets, screen sizes, and camera setups but share a common philosophy: offering a premium experience without a premium price tag.
In the following sections, we’ll highlight the main differences and similarities, from metal and glass construction to Snapdragon processor performance and 5G connectivity. Our goal is to provide you with a clearer picture of which model best suits your needs after reading this review.
Key Specifications at a Glance
To get a quick overview, let’s compare the main specifications of all three models. Key features like chipsets, displays, and batteries often decide the final impression, so we’ll present them in a concise format.
– TCL 10 Pro: 6.47″ AMOLED, Snapdragon 675, 6/128 GB, quad-camera setup, 4,500 mAh battery.
– TCL 10 5G: 6.53″ IPS LCD, Snapdragon 765G, 6/128 GB, quad-camera setup, 4,500 mAh battery, 5G support.
– TCL 10L: 6.53″ IPS LCD, Snapdragon 665, 6/64 or 128 GB, quad-camera setup, 4,000 mAh battery.
This comparison clearly shows how each model offers a compromise between price and certain features like 5G support, display quality, or battery capacity.
Design and Build Quality
Premium Aesthetics of the TCL 10 Pro
The TCL 10 Pro stands out with its aluminum metal construction and curved glass panel on the back, giving it a premium look and feel. Weighing in at 177 grams, the device is balanced with ergonomically designed edges, making it comfortable to hold even with one hand.
Solid Construction of the TCL 10 5G and 10L
While LCD panels may not be as visually appealing as AMOLED displays, both the 10 5G and 10L models feature a glass back and aluminum frame. The dimensions of 163.7 x 76.6 x 9 mm ensure a comfortable grip and ample screen real estate for multimedia consumption without excessive slip.
Distinctive Details
– TCL 10 Pro: Optical fingerprint reader beneath the display.
– TCL 10 5G and 10L: Traditional rear fingerprint scanner.
– Color Options: Available in teal, gray, and purple variants (depending on the model).
Display and Multimedia Experience
AMOLED Advantage in the TCL 10 Pro
The 6.47″ AMOLED display offers deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better contrast. The 1080 x 2340 pixel resolution in a 19.5:9 aspect ratio ensures comfortable text reading and video viewing.
IPS LCD in the TCL 10 5G and 10L
Both LCD displays share the same resolution and size (6.53″), but lack HDR10 support found in the Pro model. Despite this, color reproduction is quite accurate, and viewing angles are wide. In bright sunlight, visibility remains solid thanks to the 450+ nits peak brightness.
Multimedia Capabilities
1. Video Streaming: HDR10 support only on the 10 Pro.
2. Audio Output: 3.5 mm jack present on all models.
3. Stereo Speakers: Available only on the Pro model, offering a more immersive stereo effect.
Performance and User Interface
Snapdragon 675 in the TCL 10 Pro
The Qualcomm SDM675 utilizes an 11 nm process and an octa-core CPU with speeds up to 2.0 GHz. In synthetic benchmarks like Antutu (around 180,000 points), it delivers a solid balance of speed and energy efficiency.
Snapdragon 765G and 5G in the TCL 10 5G
The 765G is a more modern 7 nm chipset with an integrated 5G modem. In real-world usage, it feels more responsive when handling multiple apps, and even graphically demanding games like “Asphalt 9” run smoothly without significant stuttering.
Budget-Friendly Snapdragon 665 in the TCL 10L
The Snapdragon 665 is based on the same 11 nm production process but is aimed at users where performance is not the top priority. Web browsing, social media, and basic games run smoothly, but more demanding multitasking can cause slight lag.
TCL UI on Android 10
All three models come with TCL’s customized UI on Android 10. The interface is clean, with minimal bloatware, and offers several practical features like one-handed gesture control and battery optimization.
Camera Systems
Main Camera and Ultra-Wide Lens
– TCL 10 Pro and 10 5G: 64 MP (1/1.72″, f/1.8/1.9) with 4-in-1 binned pixels for better low-light performance.
– TCL 10L: 48 MP (1/2.25″, f/1.8) with similar technology but a smaller sensor.
– Ultra-Wide: 16 MP (Pro) vs. 8 MP (5G, 10L), both with f/2.4 aperture.
Macro and Depth Camera
All models feature a 2-5 MP macro lens and a 2 MP depth sensor for portrait mode. In real-world testing, the 10 Pro and 10 5G deliver impressive low-light performance, while the 10L struggles slightly in darker conditions.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery Capacity
– TCL 10 Pro and 10 5G: 4,500 mAh.
– TCL 10L: 4,000 mAh.
Charging Speed
All models support 18W fast charging, ensuring quick top-ups when needed. The 10L, with its smaller battery, may take slightly longer to reach full capacity.
Conclusion
The TCL 10 Pro, 10 5G, and 10L series offer compelling options for users seeking a balance between price and features. The 10 Pro stands out with its premium design, AMOLED display, and powerful Snapdragon 675 chipset. The 10 5G adds 5G connectivity and a slightly larger display, while the 10L provides a more budget-friendly option with solid performance and a comfortable grip.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize display quality and performance, the 10 Pro is the way to go. For those who need 5G support, the 10 5G is an excellent choice. And if you’re looking for a more affordable option, the 10L won’t disappoint.
FAQ
Q: Which model has the best camera?
A: The TCL 10 Pro and 10 5G offer the best camera performance, thanks to their larger main sensors and better low-light capabilities.
Q: Can I use these phones for gaming?
A: Yes, all three models can handle casual gaming, but the 10 Pro and 10 5G will provide a smoother experience for more demanding games.
Q: Do these phones support wireless charging?
A: No, none of the TCL 10 Pro, 10 5G, or 10L models support wireless charging.
Q: Which model has the longest battery life?
A: The TCL 10 Pro and 10 5G have the same 4,500 mAh battery, while the 10L has a 4,000 mAh battery. However, real-world battery life may vary depending on usage patterns.
Q: Can I expand the storage on these phones?
A: Yes, all three models support microSD card expansion for additional storage.
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