TCL 50 Series: In-Depth Look At Specs And Features Of TCL 50 LE, 50 XE, 50 XL, and 50 XL NxtPaper

Body

When it comes to the ergonomics and design of the TCL 50 series, there are a few key factors to consider: dimensions, weight, and color options. Let's dive into how these phones feel in hand and look to the eye. Here are the relevant specs:

The TCL 50 LE's dimensions and weight place it in a comfortable middle ground. It's not the lightest phone, but it isn't overly bulky either. With a thickness of 9 mm, it provides a solid grip without feeling too chunky, making it suitable for long sessions of use without causing hand fatigue. At 195 grams, it has a reassuring heft that feels premium but is still manageable to carry in a pocket or bag.

Slightly slimmer and lighter than the 50 LE, the TCL 50 XE offers an even more comfortable grip. The reduced thickness of 8.3 mm and the lighter weight of 185 grams make it easy to handle for extended periods, whether you're browsing the web, playing games, or making video calls. It slips easily into pockets and bags without adding unnecessary bulk.

The TCL 50 XL, with its larger dimensions, is designed for users who enjoy a more expansive display. Despite its size, it remains relatively thin at 8.2 mm, providing a comfortable hold. The weight of 195 grams is well-distributed, so it doesn’t feel too heavy even during prolonged use. It's perfect for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking on the go, though its larger size might be a bit more noticeable in a pocket.

Similar in size to the 50 XL, the TCL 50 XL NxtPaper is just a touch heavier. The weight of 198.7 grams is still manageable, offering a comfortable experience for extended use. This phone is particularly suited for users who spend long hours on their devices, as the NxtPaper technology reduces eye strain.

Each phone in the series has a distinct color, catering to different personalities:

• Storm Gray: This color exudes a professional and understated elegance. It's ideal for users who prefer a classic, no-nonsense look. Think business professionals, minimalists, and those who want their device to blend seamlessly with any setting or attire.
• Dark Blue: This color is modern and versatile, appealing to a wide range of users. It strikes a balance between being bold and sophisticated, making it a great choice for young professionals, students, and anyone who wants a touch of color without being too flashy.
• Slate Gray: This color is perfect for those who appreciate a classic yet modern look. It's professional, sleek, and can easily complement any style. Ideal for professionals, tech enthusiasts, and those who want a device that looks as good as it performs.
• Space Blue: This color is vibrant and stands out, making it perfect for those who like their gadgets to reflect their personality. It's ideal for creative professionals, students, and anyone who wants a phone that looks as unique as it feels.

In summary, each of the TCL 50 series phones has been thoughtfully designed to balance comfort with functionality. The dimensions and weights across the series ensure that you can enjoy long sessions of use without discomfort, while the color options allow for personal expression that suits a variety of personalities and lifestyles. Ultimately, TCL has crafted a lineup that not only meets the technical needs of diverse users but also caters to their aesthetic preferences, ensuring that there’s a perfect match for everyone in the new 50 series.

If we compare the TCL 50 XE and 50 XL with their respective predecessors, the TCL 40 XE and 40 XL, the former has retained the size and weight, whereas the latter has gotten slightly smaller, slimmer, and lighter. The TCL 40 XE was 164.5×75.4 mm and 195 g; and the TCL 40 XL was 167.9×76.5×8.8 mm and 195 g. Material-wise, both the TCL 40 XE and 40 XL featured a glass front and a plastic back and frame.

IP Rating

(Related: IP ratings explained.)

All four TCL 50 series phones, like the two predecessors TCL 40 XE and 40 XL, lack an IP rating. It's not uncommon for budget smartphones to skip the official waterproof badge. These phones often focus on delivering key features at an affordable price point, and unfortunately, achieving a certified level of water resistance can add to the manufacturing costs. So, the absence of an IP rating on the TCL 50 series isn't surprising in the budget-friendly domain.

Now, should you, as a potential buyer, be concerned? It depends on your lifestyle. If you're the type to accidentally drop your phone into puddles or have a habit of texting in the rain, you might want to exercise caution. However, for the average users who treat their device with care, it shouldn't be a deal-breaker.

To safeguard your device from the environmental elements, here are some practical tips:

• Protective Case: A good-quality protective case can be your phone's armor against accidental spills and minor impacts. Choose one that offers a raised lip around the screen for added protection.
• Screen Protector: A tempered glass screen protector is like a shield for your display. It not only guards against scratches but can also provide an extra layer of defense in case of a sudden meeting with a puddle.
• Be Mindful Around Water: As your TCL 50 series phone does not have an official IP rating, exercising caution around water is wise. Keep it away from pools, sinks, and rainy days. If it does get a splash, a quick wipe should suffice.

In essence, a little proactive care can go a long way in keeping your TCL 50 series phone in top-notch condition. While it might not be ready for a deep-sea dive, with the right precautions, it can certainly weather the everyday storms of life. So, suit it up with a protective case, slap on a screen protector, and go forth without the worry of water woes!

Display

(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)

The displays of the TCL 50 series smartphones are a key feature that differentiates them, providing various options for different user preferences and needs. Let's delve into the specifics of the displays, their refresh rates, resolutions, and other features. Here are the relevant specs:

TCL 50 LE display. Image credit: TCL

The IPS (In-Plane Switching) LCD technology used in the displays is well-known for its color accuracy and wide viewing angles. This makes it an excellent choice for devices that are used in various lighting conditions and angles. The colors remain consistent, and the image quality doesn't degrade significantly when viewed from the sides, which is ideal for media consumption, gaming, and even productivity tasks.

A 90 Hz refresh rate (in TCL 50 LE and 50 XE) means the display refreshes 90 times per second. This results in smoother motion and a more responsive feel, especially noticeable when scrolling through web pages, navigating through apps, and playing games. It enhances the overall user experience by reducing motion blur and making interactions feel more immediate.

Stepping up to 120 Hz, the TCL 50 XL and 50 XL NxtPaper offer an even smoother experience. This high refresh rate is particularly beneficial for gaming and fast-paced video content, where quick movements and transitions are common. The higher refresh rate ensures that these transitions are fluid, providing an immersive and visually pleasing experience.

With a resolution of 720×1612 pixels, the TCL 50 LE and 50 XE have pixel densities that are adequate for most everyday tasks like browsing the web, social media, streaming videos in standard definition, and basic gaming. The 267 - 269 PPI (pixels per inch) density ensures that text and images are reasonably sharp, though not as crisp as higher resolution displays. For users who prioritize battery life over ultra-high resolution, this is a balanced choice.

The full HD+ resolution of 1080×2460 pixels (in TCL 50 XL and 50 XL NxtPaper) brings a significant enhancement in clarity and detail, with a pixel density of approximately 396 PPI. This high resolution is ideal for watching HD videos and movies, playing graphically intensive games, reading e-books and documents with sharp text, and viewing high-resolution photos. This level of detail makes the display particularly appealing for users who demand a more immersive and visually detailed experience.

The TCL 50 LE, 50 XE, and 50 XL are equipped with the NxtVision coating, reducing reflections for improved visibility in various lighting conditions.

The standout feature of the TCL 50 XL NxtPaper is its NxtPaper technology, which includes a special coating that reduces reflections and glare. This technology is designed to mimic the look and feel of paper, reducing eye strain during prolonged use.

TCL 50 XL NxtPaper display. Image credit: TCL

A display incorporating NxtPaper is ideal for use in bright environments or outdoors, as it minimizes the mirror-like reflections that can be distracting. It is designed to be easier on the eyes, making it suitable for reading e-books, long web browsing sessions, and extensive use of productivity apps. And its anti-glare property enhances visibility under direct light, ensuring that the display remains legible and comfortable to look at.

In conclusion, the TCL 50 series provides a range of display options to cater to different user needs, whether it's the balanced performance of the 720p displays, the high-definition clarity of the 1080p screens, the enhanced smoothness of high refresh rates, or the eye-friendly benefits of NxtPaper technology.

For comparison, the predecessor TCL 40 XE had a display similar to that of the 50 XE, whereas the TCL 40 XL featured a 6.75-inch, 720×1600 px IPS LCD display with a 90 Hz refresh rate.

Networks

(Related: Cellular networks explained.)

The TCL 40 LE sports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks. The other three models support GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G networks.

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. And of course, the star of the show - 5G. It's the future, promising blazing-fast download and upload speeds, reduced latency, and a world of possibilities for future applications.

SIM

All four phones of the TCL 50 series support a single Nano-SIM.

Chipset - Performance

Here are the relevant specs:

The TCL 50 series smartphones are powered by different chipsets, with the TCL 50 LE using the Mediatek Dimensity 700, while the other three models utilize the Mediatek Dimensity 6100+. The Dimensity 700 is designed to balance performance and power efficiency, thanks to its 7-nm manufacturing process.

The Dimensity 6100+ improves on the 700 with a smaller 6-nm process, offering better energy efficiency and potentially higher performance. It also supports 5G connectivity, providing robust network capabilities.

Both chipsets feature an octa-core CPU configuration with two types of cores:

• 2×Cortex-A76 High-Performance Cores (2.2 GHz): These cores are designed for handling demanding tasks that require more processing power. They kick in when you're running intensive applications, such as gaming, video editing, and multitasking with several heavy apps.
• 6×Cortex-A55 Power-Efficient Cores (2.0 GHz): These cores handle less demanding tasks and are optimized for power efficiency. They ensure that the phone operates smoothly during everyday activities while conserving battery life. The handle activities like browsing the web, social media, streaming videos, messaging, and basic productivity tasks.

The Mali-G57 MC2 GPU is integrated into both the Dimensity 700 and Dimensity 6100+ chipsets. It is a mid-range GPU designed to offer good performance for most graphical tasks. It's capable of handling modern mobile games, providing decent frame rates and visual quality, though it might struggle with the most graphically demanding titles at the highest settings.

This combination chipsets, octa-core CPU, and GPU makes the TCL 50 series well-suited for a variety of tasks, including:

• Everyday Tasks: Web browsing, social media, messaging, and streaming are handled smoothly by both the high-performance and power-efficient cores.
• Multitasking: Thanks to the octa-core configuration, these phones can juggle multiple apps without significant slowdowns.
• Casual Gaming: The Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, combined with the Cortex-A76 cores, provides a good gaming experience for most casual and mid-tier games.
• Media Consumption: Watching videos, including HD content, is smooth and enjoyable, particularly on the higher resolution displays of the TCL 50 XL and XL NxtPaper.

However, while the TCL 50 series is robust for most everyday tasks, certain high-end activities might benefit from a more powerful configuration, such as:

• High-End Gaming: Graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile at the highest settings may challenge these phones, leading to lower frame rates and reduced visual quality.
• Professional-Level Photo and Video Editing: While basic editing is feasible, tasks that require rendering high-resolution images or 4K video editing will benefit from more powerful CPUs and GPUs.
• Heavy Multitasking: Running numerous high-demand applications simultaneously might push the limits, where a higher-tier chipset with more powerful cores would offer better performance.
• AR/VR Applications: Augmented and virtual reality applications require substantial processing and graphical power, which typically necessitate flagship-level chipsets and GPUs.

In summary, the TCL 50 series smartphones are equipped with capable chipsets that strike a balance between performance and power efficiency. The Mediatek Dimensity 700 in the TCL 50 LE and the Dimensity 6100+ in the other models provide robust performance for everyday tasks, casual gaming, and media consumption. The octa-core configuration, with its mix of high-performance and power-efficient cores, ensures smooth operation across a range of activities.

For users with everyday needs and moderate performance demands, these phones offer a compelling package. However, power users engaging in high-end gaming, professional content creation, or using AR/VR applications might find a higher-tier device with more advanced hardware better suited to their needs.

For comparison, the predecessor TCL 40 XE had the same chipset, CPU, and GPU as the TCL 50 LE (which is not its successor). On the other hand, the TCL 40 XL featured the Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) chipset, housing an octa-core CPU (4×2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 + 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) and the PowerVR GE8320 GPU.

Memory and Storage

Here are the relevant specs:

For comparison, the predecessor TCL 40 XE offered 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of eMMC 5.1 internal storage; whereas the TCL 40 XL came in two variants of RAM / internal storage, namely, 4 GB / 128 GB and 6 GB / 256 GB. Both these phones supported a microSDXC card.

Cameras

TCL 50 XE. Image credit: TCL

The TCL 50 series smartphones offer varying main camera setups to cater to different photography needs. While the TCL 50 XE, 50 XL, and 50 XL NxtPaper share an identical camera configuration, the TCL 50 LE has a more basic setup. Let's explore the specifics and capabilities of these camera systems, including the roles of different lenses and features.

Rear Camera

TCL 50 LE main camera setup. Image credit: TCL

Here are the relevant specs:

Specification	TCL 50 LE	TCL 50 XE, TCL 50 XL, and TCL 50 XL NxtPaper
Number of Cameras	2 (Dual)	3 (Triple)
Resolution (Megapixels)	13 MP (wide), 2 MP (depth)	50 MP (wide), 5 MP (ultrawide), 2 MP (depth)
Autofocus	AF, N/A	PDAF, N/A, N/A
Video Recording	1080p at 30 fps	1080p at 30 fps
Other Features	LED flash, panorama, HDR	LED flash, panorama, HDR

The wide lens is the primary camera used for most standard photography. The TCL 50 LE's 13 MP sensor with autofocus (AF) is capable of capturing clear and detailed images in various lighting conditions. The 50 MP wide lens in the other three models offers superior resolution, better low-light performance, and faster focusing. This lens is excellent for capturing high-quality photos with fine details.

The 5 MP ultrawide lens (in TCL 50 XE, 50 XL, and 50 XL NxtPaper) is perfect for capturing expansive scenes, such as landscapes, cityscapes, and group photos. The wider field of view allows you to include more of the scene in your shot, making it ideal for travel and outdoor photography.

TCL 50 XL main camera setup. Image credit: TCL

The 2 MP depth lens, featured in all four models, assists in creating a bokeh effect by measuring the distance between the camera and the subject. This results in photos with a blurred background, enhancing the focus on the subject and adding a professional touch to portraits.

Among the camera features, AF (Autofocus) helps the TCL 50 LE's camera focus on the subject automatically, ensuring sharp images. The PDAF in the other three models offers faster and more accurate focusing by detecting phase differences, particularly useful for moving subjects and low-light conditions.

All four phones have LED flash, which provides additional lighting in low-light conditions, ensuring that photos are well-lit even in the dark.

The panorama mode allows you to capture wide-angle shots by stitching multiple images together, ideal for landscapes and large group photos.

And HDR (High Dynamic Range) combines multiple exposures to produce a single image with a greater range of brightness and detail, reducing the chances of overexposed highlights and underexposed shadows.

The TCL 50 LE's main camera setup is adequate for everyday photography, basic macro shots, portraits, and casual video recording (such as family events and vlogs). However, its lower resolution and standard AF may struggle in low-light conditions compared to the 50 MP sensor with PDAF. Users requiring high-detail photos, such as for professional work or large prints, may find the 13 MP sensor insufficient.

In conclusion, the TCL 50 series provides a range of camera capabilities to suit different user needs. The TCL 50 LE offers a competent setup for everyday use, while the TCL 50 XE, 50 XL, and 50 XL NxtPaper deliver more advanced features and higher resolution for those seeking better performance in photography and videography.

Still, users looking for professional-grade photography or high-end videography may need to consider even more powerful configurations, but for most everyday and creative needs, the TCL 50 series provides a well-rounded and capable experience.

For comparison, the older TCL 40 XE featured a triple camera setup, consisting of a 13 MP (27 mm, f/2.2) wide lens supporting PDAF; a 2 MP (f/2.4) depth sensor; and a 2 MP (f/2.4) macro lens. The TCL 40 XL also featured a triple camera setup with a 50 MP wide lens supporting PDAF, and macro and depth lenses similar to those of the TCL 40 XE. Both phones could record 1080p videos at 30 fps, and their feature sets included LED flash, panorama, and HDR.

Battery and Charging

(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)

Here are the relevant specs:

For comparison, the older TCL 40 XE and 40 XL came with a 5000 mAh Li-ion battery, with 18 W wired charging support.

Sound

(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)

Here are the relevant specs:

For comparison, the predecessor TCL 40 XE came with a single loudspeaker, whereas the TCL 40 XL sported dual loudspeakers. Both phones supported the 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Connectivity

In the connectivity department, the TCL 50 series 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. The TCL 50 LE and 50 XE also support 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 50 LE features Bluetooth 5.1, while the other three models boast Bluetooth 5.3 - all four models ensuring a seamless connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. The TCL 50 series supports Bluetooth features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming and LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, taking your Bluetooth experience to new heights.

The TCL 50 supports GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO positioning systems, and the other three models support GPS, GLONASS, BDS, and GALILEO for accurate navigation and location services.

Except the TCL 50 LE, the other three models feature 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.

Plus, FM radio, featured in all four models, adds a touch of nostalgia for those who enjoy traditional broadcasts.

Last but not least, the TCL 50 series features the trusty USB-C - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 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 50 series comes equipped with the following sensors:

• Proximity Sensor: Detects the presence or movement of an object (say, with infrared, sound, light, or electromagnetic fields) without physically contacting it. It is used, for example, to turn off the screen when you position your device close to your ear while making a call.
• Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is side-facing in all four models.
• Gyro: The gyroscope can detect when your device is being twisted or turned in any direction. It enhances the accuracy of apps and games that rely on precise motion, like augmented reality (AR) apps and racing games.
• Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
• Barometer: Measures atmospheric pressure. It tells you about your altitude and improves GPS elevation results. You can also use it to make weather predictions.
• Compass: The compass determines your device's orientation. It is essential for navigation apps, map orientation, and augmented reality experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is TCL 50 LE, 50 XE, 50 XL, and 50 XL NxtPaper release date?

  The TCL 50 LE, 50 XE, 50 XL, and 50 XL NxtPaper have been announced on the 26th June, 2024. They are expected to release in July 2024.

• What is TCL 50 LE price?

  The TCL 50 LE is priced at USD 79.99.

• What is TCL 50 XE price?

  The TCL 50 XE is priced at USD 99.99.

• What is TCL 50 XL price?

  The TCL 50 XL is priced at USD 159.99.

• What is TCL 50 XL NxtPaper price?

  The TCL 50 XL NxtPaper is priced at USD 229.