Apple iPhone 15 vs TCL 50 SE - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
TCL 50 SE
TCL 50 SE
Tcl

General

Launch Date September 22, 2023 April 8, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 82.43 cm³ 102.86 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.57 "/g 3.48 "/g
Weight 171 g 195 g
Height 147.6 mm 168.2 mm
Width 71.6 mm 75.5 mm
Thickness 7.8 mm 8.1 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Yellow
  • Blue
  • Green
  • Pink
  • Space Gray
  • Midnight Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.78 "
Resolution 1179 x 2556 1080 x 2460
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 21:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 86.4 % 86 %
Pixel Density 461 PPI 396 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 550 nits
HBM Brightness 1000 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 2000 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 90.00 mAh/in² 108.99 mAh/in²
Battery Density 40.63 mAh/cm³ 48.71 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 3349 mAh 5010 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.46 GHz Everest + 4x2.02 GHz Sawtooth) Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Apple GPU (5-core graphics) Mali-G52 MC2

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 17 14
Maximum OS Version 18

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureApple iPhone 15TCL 50 SEPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm168.2 x 75.5 x 8.1 mmiPhone 15 is significantly smaller and more pocketable. TCL 50 SE is larger, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use.
Weight171g195giPhone 15 is noticeably lighter, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.
Build MaterialsInformation not providedInformation not providedMaterial choice impacts durability and premium feel. This information is crucial for a comprehensive comparison.
Display
Size6.1 inches6.78 inchesTCL 50 SE offers a much larger screen for immersive media consumption and multitasking. iPhone 15 is more compact.
TypeSuper Retina XDR OLEDIPS LCDiPhone 15's OLED display delivers significantly better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. TCL 50 SE's LCD will likely appear washed out in comparison.
Resolution1179 x 25561080 x 2460iPhone 15 boasts a sharper display with higher pixel density (461 ppi vs 396 ppi), resulting in crisper text and images.
Refresh RateInformation not provided90HzA higher refresh rate on the TCL 50 SE results in smoother scrolling and animations. Lack of information for the iPhone 15 hinders direct comparison.
Peak Brightness2000 nitsInformation not providediPhone 15's significantly higher peak brightness ensures excellent outdoor visibility. Lack of information for TCL 50 SE prevents a complete analysis.
Performance
ChipsetApple A16 Bionic (4 nm)Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm)A16 Bionic is a significantly more powerful chip, offering superior performance in demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
CPUHexa-core (2x3.46 GHz + 4x2.02 GHz)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz + 6x1.8 GHz)iPhone 15's CPU architecture and higher clock speeds translate to faster processing and smoother overall performance.
GPUApple GPU (5-core)Mali-G52 MC2Apple's GPU generally offers better gaming and graphics performance compared to the Mali-G52 MC2.
RAM6GB6GBBoth phones have the same amount of RAM, but the A16 Bionic's superior memory management might offer a performance advantage for the iPhone 15.
Battery
Capacity3349 mAh5010 mAhTCL 50 SE has a substantially larger battery, likely offering significantly longer battery life.
Camera
Video CapabilitiesUp to 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps1080p@30fpsiPhone 15 offers significantly better video recording capabilities with higher resolution, frame rates, and HDR support.
Specific sensor/lens detailsInformation not providedInformation not providedDetailed camera specs (sensor size, aperture) are crucial for comparing image quality. This information is missing for both phones.

2. Key Differences Analysis

iPhone 15 Advantages:

  • Significantly more powerful: The A16 Bionic chip provides a major performance advantage.
  • Superior display: OLED technology offers better colors, contrast, and brightness.
  • More compact and premium design: Smaller, lighter and potentially more premium materials (information missing).
  • Advanced video recording capabilities: Higher resolution, frame rates, and HDR support.

TCL 50 SE Advantages:

  • Much larger battery: Potentially significantly longer battery life.
  • Larger display: More immersive media consumption experience.
  • Potentially Lower Price: While both are in the "medium price" range, TCL phones generally are more affordable than iPhones.

Trade-offs:

  • iPhone 15: Shorter battery life for superior performance and display quality.
  • TCL 50 SE: Lower performance and display quality for longer battery life and a larger screen.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

iPhone 15: Users who prioritize performance, a premium experience, a compact form factor, and excellent camera/video quality. Ideal for demanding tasks, gaming, and content creation.

TCL 50 SE: Users who prioritize battery life and a large screen for media consumption. Suitable for casual users, budget-conscious buyers, and those who value long usage times.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions:

  1. What is your budget? While both are mid-range, the iPhone 15 will likely be more expensive.
  2. What is your primary use case? (Gaming, media consumption, productivity, etc.)
  3. How important is battery life to you?

My Choice: Apple iPhone 15

While the TCL 50 SE offers a compelling battery life and large screen, the iPhone 15's significant performance advantage, superior display quality, and more compact form factor are decisive for me. I prioritize a smooth and responsive user experience, vibrant visuals, and pocketability. The A16 Bionic's power ensures future-proofing and the ability to handle demanding tasks with ease. I am willing to compromise on battery life for these benefits. I also value the generally better software support and ecosystem integration offered by Apple. However, the lack of detailed camera specifications prevents a truly comprehensive assessment of image quality, which is an important factor.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.