TCL 50 XL 5G: A Budget-Friendly All-Rounder

At Hinton Magazine, we’re always on the lookout for technology that balances affordability with functionality. Enter the TCL 50 XL 5G—a smartphone that promises to deliver a solid performance without breaking the bank. While it’s not without its limitations, this device has some appealing features for those seeking a capable 5G handset on a budget.

A Minimalist Design That Stands Out

From the front, the TCL 50 XL 5G looks unassuming, but the back panel adds a bit of flair with a textured finish that improves grip and gives the phone a unique personality. Measuring 6.60 inches tall and weighing just 6.88 ounces, it feels light in the hand without compromising on sturdiness.

Though it doesn’t carry an IP rating, which means it’s best kept away from water and dust, this isn’t uncommon for devices at this price point. What it does offer is a 3.5mm headphone jack and a microSD card slot that supports up to an impressive 2TB of expandable storage—features we don’t see as often these days.

A Large Display for Everyday Use

The TCL 50 XL is equipped with a generous 6.78-inch LCD display, offering a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals. While the 500-nit brightness can struggle in direct sunlight, the screen is perfectly fine for everyday indoor use, whether you’re streaming a show or scrolling through social media.

It’s not quite as vibrant as the AMOLED displays found in competitors like the Galaxy A15 5G, but at this price range, the difference might not matter much for many users.

Performance That Keeps Up

Under the hood, the TCL 50 XL is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset with 6GB of RAM. It handles day-to-day tasks and lighter games like Alto’s Odyssey with ease. Even resource-heavy games like Genshin Impact are playable on lower settings, though the phone does warm up during extended sessions.

For benchmark enthusiasts, the TCL 50 XL delivers comparable scores to rivals like the Galaxy A15, showing it’s more than capable for its price point.

A Reliable Companion for Connectivity

The TCL 50 XL shines when it comes to connectivity, supporting sub-6GHz 5G and even C-band, offering strong performance on T-Mobile’s 5G network. Its Wi-Fi 5 capability ensures solid internet speeds, and Bluetooth 5.3 alongside NFC means you’re covered for modern wireless conveniences like contactless payments.

The Camera: A Mixed Bag

Photography is where the TCL 50 XL falters slightly. The main 50MP camera produces decent results in good lighting, but details can get grainy, and colours lean muted. However, the full 50MP mode offers a marked improvement for those who want to capture finer details.

The ultra-wide lens and the front-facing camera perform adequately for casual use but don’t expect studio-quality shots. Video stabilisation, however, is a surprising strong point, keeping things smooth and steady even during movement.

There is room for improvement in battery life

The phone packs a 5,010mAh battery, which lasted just under nine hours in video playback tests—shorter than what rivals like the Galaxy A15 offer. Charging speeds of up to 18W are on the slower side compared to more expensive phones, but TCL includes the charger in the box, which is a welcome addition.

TCL’s User-Friendly Touch

Running on Android 14, the TCL 50 XL includes custom features like Reading Mode, which reduces eye strain by mimicking the look of paper, and a Smart Manager app for quick optimisation. While it’s only guaranteed one OS update and two years of security patches, TCL’s enhancements make Android feel approachable and functional.

The TCL 50 XL 5G is a solid option for those who prioritise value and features like expandable storage, a large display, and 5G connectivity. While it doesn’t quite match the refinement of pricier alternatives, it performs admirably for its price.

If you’re after a no-fuss phone with the basics well-covered and a splash of personality, the TCL 50 XL deserves a look. But for those willing to spend just a bit more, the Galaxy A15 5G offers a stronger camera and longer-lasting battery life.