TCL 50 XL 5G

Design

The design of the 50 XL is simple but functional. Its faux leather texture makes it stand out and avoids fingerprints and smudges. This helps the phone feel secure in your hand, reducing the chance of accidental drops.

Experts appreciated the circular camera bump on the back, describing it as “OnePlus-esque,” and noting it prevents the phone from wobbling when laid flat. The large design does not detract from its functionality and contributes to its modern aesthetic.

Display(s)

The phone features a bright and vibrant 6.78-inch LCD screen.

The standout 120Hz refresh rate provides a fluid experience, making gaming and scrolling feel smooth and engaging.

“It’s almost impossible to find a beautiful, fast, 120Hz display at such a great price,” according to experts.

However, you’ll have trouble seeing the screen clearly in direct sunlight.

Performance

The TCL 50 XL 5G performs well for its price, making everyday tasks such as browsing and social media feel responsive and smooth. Experts note, “The phone managed to keep several apps open in the background smoothly,” attributing this to its generous 6GB of RAM.

The inclusion of such RAM is exceptional at this price, especially since many budget phones offer only 4GB. While it handles lighter games fine, its performance may dip with resource-intensive games, requiring lower graphics settings to maintain smoother operation.

For casual users, its performance is adequate, but serious gamers might seek alternatives in a higher price range.

Software & Storage

The TCL 50 XL runs a lightweight version of Android 14, keeping your experience smooth with minimal bloatware. However, TCL only guarantees one year of UI updates, which might concern users looking for long-term value.

Some users note the interface can be less customizable than other Android phones, but it’s easy to navigate for daily tasks without hindrance.

A reviewer shared that “moving an app to the home screen” can be frustrating, but these quirks may be offset by using third-party launchers.

Cameras

The TCL 50 XL 5G’s camera setup includes a 50MP main lens which performs well under good lighting conditions. You’ll find this suitable for typical social media posts, though “photos taken by it are functional and are capable of displaying a colorful scene in good lighting,” according to CNET, but fail to impress in low light due to lack of detail and strong contrast.

The ultrawide lens often produces images lacking in clarity, which sometimes makes the use of this lens less appealing. Night photography isn’t this phone’s strongest point, as it struggles without ample light. The video captures at a maximum of 1080p, which is fine for quick social shares but lacks sharpness in detail.

Despite the camera’s limitations, this budget-friendly phone provides an adequate option for casual photography, especially when considering the price point.

Battery

The 5,010mAh battery can last a full day under moderate use, making it suitable for casual users. If you’re the type to watch hours-long videos or enjoy mobile gaming, expect the battery to deplete faster. One reviewer highlighted, “the phone should last you a full day of use, but don’t expect multi-day battery life out of it,” especially if you have the display set to its competitive 120Hz refresh rate.

Charging speed meets average expectations for budget devices with 18W support, getting you to about 22% in 15 minutes. While not considered quick by today’s standards, you’ll likely find it sufficient for periodic top-ups throughout the day. For more energy-demanding lifestyles, consider daily overnight charging to keep up.

Audio

Experts note the phone performs well for phone calls by “filtering out loud background music” effectively, ensuring that communication remains clear even in noisy environments.

When it comes to movies or games, however, you’ll want to use earphones or external speakers for better quality. Reviews mention the stereo speakers can sound “thin and muddy,” especially lacking in bass, which can impact your enjoyment if not supplemented by headphones.

Overall, while the calling audio experience is commendable, consider alternatives for a richer entertainment audio depth.

The Bottom Line

This phone offers a large 6.78-inch display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for media consumption and general use. Its competitive price is coupled with 5G capability, 6GB RAM, and expandable storage, enhancing its value proposition for budget-conscious buyers.

You get a decent build quality with a unique faux-leather back, although there’s a limited software update policy reflected in “TCL promises one major software update and two years of security updates,” noted by CNET.

It’s perfect for the occasional gamer and everyday tasks but don’t expect perfect camera performance or strong battery life. Available exclusively through certain carriers, this phone offers practical features in a sensible package at an economical price.