Is the TCL 50 XL 5G Worth the $160 Price Tag?

The TCL 50 XL 5G is a budget-friendly phone that offers some unique features and design elements for its $160 price tag. While it may not be the most impressive phone on the market, it does have some pros, such as a textured back for added grip, a large and crisp display, expandable storage, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. However, there are also cons to consider, like unimpressive camera hardware, mediocre performance, and not great battery life. The limited availability of the TCL 50 XL 5G, only being available in the U.S. through Metro by T-Mobile, is also a drawback to consider. Overall, if you are looking for a basic phone that delivers the essentials without breaking the bank, the TCL 50 XL 5G may be worth considering.

The Design and Display of the TCL 50 XL 5G

The TCL 50 XL 5G features a unique design with a textured back that adds grip and a distinctive metallic sheen. While the front design may be relatively standard, the back of the phone stands out with its textured material. The phone has a 6.78-inch LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate and NXTVISION technology for enhanced visuals. The display offers vibrant colors and sharp text, although the brightness may be an issue in bright sunlight. The phone’s design and display make it an attractive option for those looking for a budget-friendly device with decent visual quality.

Performance, Cameras, and Battery Life of the TCL 50 XL 5G

The TCL 50 XL 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chip and comes with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The phone runs on Android 14 with TCL UI 7 and offers some unique customization options. Performance is decent for basic tasks, although there may be some minor stuttering when navigating the phone. The cameras on the TCL 50 XL 5G are unimpressive, with photos lacking detail and color accuracy, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The phone’s 5,010mAh battery provides decent battery life but may drain quickly with heavy usage. Overall, the TCL 50 XL 5G offers a mix of pros and cons, making it a suitable choice for those looking for an affordable smartphone with essential features.