In the bustling world of smartphones, TCL makes a splash with its latest offering, the TCL 505. Positioned as an entry-level device, this phone promises to cater to the needs of users seeking essential features without breaking the bank. Let's delve into the specifics to see who might find this handset appealing and who might need to keep searching.
Body
The TCL 505 boasts dimensions of 168.3×76.7×8.3 mm and weighs a modest 190 g, making it comfortable to hold and carry around. Available in Ocean Blue and Space Gray, its sleek design adds a touch of elegance to its overall appeal. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | TCL 505 |
|---|---|
| General |
|
| Dimensions | H: 168.3 mm (6.63″), W: 76.7 mm (3.02″), D: 8.3 mm (0.33″) |
| Mass | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Colors | Ocean Blue, Space Gray |
When it comes to the body of the TCL 505, its dimensions and weight strike a balance between comfort and portability. This device is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in your hand for extended periods. Whether you're browsing the web, watching videos, or gaming, the TCL 505's form factor ensures a comfortable grip, reducing fatigue during long sessions.
Moreover, its compact size makes it easy to slip into your pocket or bag without adding unnecessary bulk. Whether you're on the go or commuting, the TCL 505's lightweight construction ensures hassle-free portability, allowing you to stay connected wherever you are.
As for the colors, the TCL 505 offers two stylish options: Ocean Blue and Space Gray. The Ocean Blue variant exudes a vibrant and lively personality, perfect for users who want to make a statement with their device. On the other hand, the Space Gray option exudes a sense of sophistication and minimalism, appealing to users who prefer a more understated aesthetic.
Overall, whether you opt for the bold Ocean Blue or the sleek Space Gray, the TCL 505's colors cater to a variety of personalities, allowing users to express themselves while enjoying the functionality of their smartphone.
IP Rating
(Related: IP ratings explained.)
So, you're eyeing the TCL 505, but there's a missing piece in the spec puzzle - an official IP rating for water and dust resistance. Is this a red flag, or should you charge ahead with your purchase? Let's navigate the waters and find out.
The absence of an official IP rating might raise an eyebrow or two, especially if you're accustomed to the security blanket of knowing your phone can withstand the environmental elements. An IP rating is like a superhero cape for smartphones, protecting them from water splashes, dust, and unforeseen accidents. But fear not, potential buyer, for all is not lost.
While the TCL 505 may not come with an official IP rating, it doesn't mean you can't equip it with some armor against the elements. Here's where the age-old duo - a protective case and a screen protector - step into the spotlight.
Investing in a quality protective case can be a game-changer. Opt for a case that not only cushions against accidental drops but also provides a snug fit to guard against dust and minor splashes. Whether you're a self-proclaimed klutz or just want that extra layer of defense, a sturdy case is your device's best friend.
The face of your smartphone is a vulnerable spot. A screen protector acts as a guardian, shielding against scratches and minor impacts. Plus, some screen protectors come with additional features like anti-fingerprint coating, ensuring your display stays crystal clear.
Beyond cases and screen protectors, a few mindful practices can go a long way in safeguarding your device. While the lack of an IP rating doesn't mean your phone is allergic to water, it's wise to keep it away from aquatic adventures. Rain, spills, and bathroom drop scares - a bit of caution can save the day.
Dust is a silent nemesis. Keep your device away from dusty pockets, and consider periodic cleaning to prevent particles from sneaking into crevices. Treat your TCL 505 with the respect it deserves. Avoid unnecessary roughhousing, and your device will thank you with longevity.
Display
(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)
Equipped with a 6.75-inch IPS LCD display, the TCL 505 offers an immersive viewing experience. With a refresh rate of 90 Hz and a brightness of 400 nits (typical), users can expect smooth visuals and decent outdoor visibility. The 720×1600 pixel resolution ensures clarity in content consumption, though the 260 PPI density might not satisfy pixel purists.
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | TCL 505 |
|---|---|
| Size | 6.75″ (171 mm) diagonal |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90 Hz |
| Resolution (px) | 720×1600, about 260 PPI |
| Brightness | Typical: 400 nits |
| Features | NxtVision coating for warding off reflection |
The display of the TCL 505 is one of its standout features, offering users an immersive viewing experience. It utilizes an IPS LCD panel, known for its vibrant colors, wide viewing angles, and energy efficiency. IPS (In-Plane Switching) LCD technology is renowned for its superior color accuracy and consistency compared to other display technologies. With IPS panels, users can enjoy vivid and true-to-life colors, making it ideal for multimedia consumption, gaming, and productivity tasks. Additionally, IPS displays boast wide viewing angles, ensuring that content remains clear and sharp even when viewed from extreme angles.
The TCL 505's display is packed with features designed to enhance the user experience. Firstly, its 90 Hz refresh rate ensures smooth and fluid scrolling, making interactions with the device feel responsive and seamless. Whether you're browsing the web, scrolling through social media, or playing games, the higher refresh rate results in smoother animations and reduced motion blur.
The display offers a resolution of 720×1600 pixels, providing crisp and detailed visuals for everyday use. While this resolution might not match the pixel density of higher-end smartphones, it remains adequate for tasks such as web browsing, video streaming, and social media usage. Text and images appear sharp and legible, contributing to an enjoyable viewing experience.
However, for users who prioritize sharpness and detail in multimedia content or gaming, a higher resolution display may be preferable. Tasks such as photo editing, graphic design, or viewing high-definition video content may benefit from the increased clarity offered by higher resolution displays.
The 400 nits typical brightness of the TCL 505's display may pose challenges under direct sunlight or bright outdoor conditions. While the display remains visible indoors or in shaded areas, users may struggle to read content or view media in harsh sunlight. This limitation could inconvenience users who frequently use their devices outdoors, such as while commuting or exercising.
In summary, while the TCL 505's display offers impressive features such as a 90 Hz refresh rate and vibrant IPS LCD technology, its moderate brightness and resolution may not meet the demands of users who frequently use their devices outdoors or require ultra-sharp visuals for specific tasks. Nonetheless, for everyday use and casual multimedia consumption, the display provides a satisfactory viewing experience.
Networks
(Related: Cellular networks explained.)
Navigating through the tech landscape, the TCL 505 supports the GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies.
GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality.
SIM
The TCL 505 supports either a single Nano-SIM, or dual Nano-SIM (dual stand-by). The latter capability adds a layer of convenience for those juggling work and personal life on a single device.
Chipset: Performance
Under the hood, the TCL 505 is powered by the Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 chipset and an octa-core CPU (comprising two types of cores). This device can handle everyday tasks with ease. The PowerVR GE8320 GPU ensures smooth graphics performance, although demanding gaming might be a stretch. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | TCL 505 |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (4×2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 + 4×1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 |
The Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 chipset forms the heart of the TCL 505, driving its performance and efficiency. At its core, the chipset houses an octa-core CPU, divided into two types of CPU cores.
The high-performance Cortex-A53 cores, clocked at 2.2 GHz, handle demanding tasks such as gaming, multitasking, and media playback. These cores excel at executing instructions quickly, ensuring smooth performance during intensive activities.
On the other hand, the power-efficient Cortex-A53 cores, clocked at 1.6 GHz, are optimized for light tasks and background processes. These cores conserve power and extend battery life by handling routine activities with minimal energy consumption.
By utilizing a combination of high-performance and power-efficient cores, the TCL 505 achieves a balance between processing power and energy efficiency. This architecture allows the device to deliver responsive performance during demanding tasks while maintaining battery longevity during everyday use.
The TCL 505 is equipped with a PowerVR GE8320 GPU, responsible for rendering graphics and enhancing the visual experience. While not as powerful as some higher-end GPUs, the PowerVR GE8320 is capable of handling casual gaming, multimedia playback, and basic graphics-intensive applications.
With these components at the helm, the processing prowess of the TCL 505 is adequate for a wide range of everyday tasks, including web browsing, social media usage, video streaming, and light gaming. Users can expect smooth multitasking and responsive performance when switching between apps or performing routine activities.
Tasks such as browsing the web, checking emails, and using productivity apps are well within the capabilities of the TCL 505's processing configuration. Similarly, casual gaming enthusiasts will appreciate the device's ability to run popular mobile games with decent frame rates and graphics quality.
However, for users who demand more intensive processing power for tasks such as professional video editing, graphic design, or high-end gaming, a more powerful configuration may be necessary. The TCL 505's chipset and CPU are optimized for efficiency and affordability rather than raw performance, making it suitable for mainstream users with moderate usage requirements.
In summary, while the TCL 505 offers respectable processing power for everyday tasks and casual gaming, users with higher demands may need to consider devices with more powerful configurations to meet their specific requirements.
Memory and Storage
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | TCL 505 |
|---|---|
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Internal Storage Type | eMMC 5.1 |
| Memory Card Slot | microSDXC |
| Internal Storage Variants | 64 GB, 128 GB |
The phone offers ample memory options with variants of 4 GB RAM paired with either 64 GB or 128 GB of internal storage. Supported by microSDXC, users can store a plethora of apps, photos, and media files. However, the use of eMMC 5.1 storage might result in slightly slower read and write speeds compared to UFS.
Cameras
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the TCL 505's dual-camera setup. The primary 50 MP lens, coupled with a 2 MP depth sensor, delivers crisp and detailed shots. With features like LED flash, panorama, and HDR, users can experiment with different shooting modes to capture the perfect shot. While the 1080p video recording at 30 fps ensures smooth video playback, it may not satisfy users looking for higher resolution options.
Rear Camera
The main camera setup of the TCL 505 comprises two lenses, each with distinct roles to enhance the overall photography experience. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | TCL 505 |
|---|---|
| Number of Cameras | 2 (Dual) |
| Resolution (Megapixels) | 50 MP (wide), 2 MP (depth) |
| Focal Length | 26 mm, N/A |
| Aperture | f/1.8, f/2.4 |
| Sensor Size | 1/2.55″, N/A |
| Pixel Size | 0.7 μm, N/A |
| Autofocus | PDAF, N/A |
| Video Recording | 1080p at 30 fps |
| Other Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
The primary camera lens is a 50 MP sensor with an aperture of f/1.8, offering excellent light-gathering capabilities for crisp and detailed images. With a focal length of 26 mm (wide angle), this lens is ideal for capturing expansive landscapes, group shots, and detailed subjects with clarity and precision.
The large 1/2.55" sensor size and 0.7 µm pixel size contribute to improved light sensitivity and reduced noise, resulting in sharp and vibrant photos even in challenging lighting conditions. Whether you're shooting in low light or bright daylight, the primary camera delivers impressive image quality with rich colors and fine details.
Accompanying the primary camera is a secondary 2 MP depth sensor with an aperture of f/2.4. This depth sensor enhances the main camera's capabilities by providing depth information, allowing for accurate background blur (bokeh) effects in portrait shots and improved focus accuracy in various scenarios.
The TCL 505's main camera is equipped with a range of features designed to enhance the photography experience. PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) technology ensures fast and accurate autofocus, allowing users to capture sharp and well-focused images with ease. Whether you're capturing moving subjects or shooting in low light, PDAF ensures that your photos are consistently in focus.
The built-in LED flash provides additional illumination in low-light environments, ensuring well-lit photos even in challenging lighting conditions. Whether you're indoors or outdoors at night, the LED flash helps illuminate your subjects for clear and detailed shots.
The panorama mode allows users to capture sweeping panoramic shots by stitching together multiple images seamlessly. Whether you're capturing scenic landscapes or architectural marvels, panorama mode offers a creative way to showcase the beauty of your surroundings.
HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology enhances the dynamic range of photos by combining multiple exposures to capture details in both the highlights and shadows. This results in well-balanced and true-to-life images with improved contrast and color accuracy, particularly in scenes with high contrast.
With these advanced features and capabilities, the main camera setup of the TCL 505 empowers users to capture stunning photos with ease, whether it's vibrant landscapes, captivating portraits, or dynamic cityscapes. Whether you're a photography enthusiast or a casual user, the TCL 505's main camera delivers impressive performance and versatility for all your imaging needs.
Front Camera
The selfie camera sits inside a centered, U-shaped notch on the top of the display. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | TCL 505 |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 5 MP (wide) |
| Focal Length | 27 mm |
| Aperture | f/2.2 |
| Sensor Size | 1/5″ |
| Pixel Size | 1.12 μm |
| Video Recording | 1080p at 30 fps |
Battery Life
(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | TCL 505 |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | Non-removable |
| Capacity | 5010 mAh |
| Wired Charging | 10 W |
One of the standout features of the TCL 505 is its massive 5010 mAh battery, providing users with extended usage without frequent recharges. Coupled with 10 W wired charging, users can stay connected and productive throughout the day without worrying about battery life.
Sound
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | TCL 505 |
|---|---|
| Loudspeaker | Yes (stereo speakers) |
| Headphone (3.5 mm) Jack | Yes |
With stereo loudspeakers and a 3.5 mm jack, your auditory needs are met.
Connectivity
In the connectivity department, the TCL 505 offers a comprehensive range of options. With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, it ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks. Also, there's Wi-Fi Direct, a feature that allows direct device-to-device connections without the need for a router. It's perfect for fast file transfers and seamless collaboration.
The TCL 505 boasts Bluetooth 5.1, ensuring a seamless connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming and LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.
With support for GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS, users can navigate seamlessly in any environment.
Depending upon the market where you get your TCL 505, it may have NFC, the digital magician! This technology allows you to make contactless payments, share files, and connect with other NFC-enabled devices with just a tap. It's like having a digital handshake, simplifying tasks and making your device interactions effortless.
The inclusion of FM radio adds a touch of nostalgia for those who love the classic radio experience and like to keep it old school.
Last but not least, the trusty USB-C 2.0 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 2.0 ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology. And the support for OTG (USB On-The-Go) enables your device to act as host and connect to other USB devices, such as flash drives, keyboards, cameras, and more, without needing a computer as an intermediary.
Sensors
The TCL 505 comes equipped with the following sensors:
- Virtual Proximity Sensing: The basic principle behind virtual proximity sensing is similar to a traditional proximity sensor (which detects the presence or movement of an object without physically contacting it). The "virtual" part refers to the use of software algorithms and AI (Artificial Intelligence) to enhance your device's proximity sensing capabilities. This can enable features like gesture controls, where your device responds to specific hand movements even before you touch the screen, creating a more intuitive and immersive user experience.
- Fingerprint Sensor: (Available in certain markets.) Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is side-facing in the TCL 505.
- Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
In conclusion, the TCL 505 presents a compelling option for users seeking an entry-level smartphone with essential features. Its impressive display, capable cameras, long-lasting battery, and expansive connectivity options make it a worthy contender in its segment.
However, users with higher demands, such as intensive gaming or professional photography, may need to explore higher-end alternatives. Overall, the TCL 505 strikes a balance between affordability and functionality, catering to the needs of a wide range of users in the smartphone market.
Feature (top) image credit: TCL.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is TCL 505 release date?
The TCL 505 has been announced on the 6th February, 2024. It is expected to release in March 2024.