Smartphone Comparison: Motorola One 5G Ace vs. TCL 50 SE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola One 5G Ace | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 168.2 × 75.5 × 8.1 mm | TCL 50 SE is slightly taller and thinner; Motorola is bulkier. TCL may feel more pocketable. |
| Weight | 212g | 195g | TCL 50 SE is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for long-term handling. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Minimal difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Visually similar sharpness, minor difference in pixel count. |
| Pixel Density | 393 ppi | 396 ppi | Virtually identical sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | TCL 50 SE offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | TCL 50 SE has much better visibility in bright sunlight. The 0 nits for the Motorola seems like an error; without a valid brightness spec, it is difficult to assess its outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 750G offers better performance for demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 330,000 | 250,000 | Motorola One 5G Ace demonstrates faster app loading and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Snapdragon's GPU typically performs better in gaming scenarios. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Slightly higher resolution on TCL, wider aperture on Motorola. Overall, similar performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Motorola One 5G Ace captures more detailed selfies but TCL captures more light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | Not Available | Motorola offers a wider field of view for landscape and group shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro capabilities for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps (with EIS) | 1080p@30fps | Motorola offers better video quality and stabilization. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Digital Image Stabilization, Laser Autofocus, RAW, Night Mode | Dual camera, | Motorola has more advanced camera features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5010mAh | Virtually identical battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 33W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | TCL 50 SE charges significantly faster, and it uses Li-Polymer which is more modern. |
| Features | 10W Charger in-box | None | Motorola includes a 10W charger. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 10 | Android 14 | TCL 50 SE has a more up-to-date OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band | Identical WiFi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE | Identical Bluetooth Capabilities |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | TCL 50 SE supports Beidou, potentially providing more accurate location |
| SIM | Single Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | TCL can have two SIM cards active at once |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | TCL 50 SE offers more storage capacity options. |
| RAM | 4/6GB | 4/6GB | Similar multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Dual microphones | Stereo Speakers | TCL has better audio output for media consumption, whereas the Motorola's dual mics are better for phone calls |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Side-mounted is more ergonomic in many cases. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer | Motorola has more advanced sensor set for gaming, TCL has Gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola One 5G Ace Advantages:
- Stronger Performance: The Snapdragon 750G provides superior processing power, resulting in faster app launches and smoother multitasking.
- Better Main Camera: The slightly wider f/1.7 aperture on the main camera lens allows more light, and captures sharper images and videos
- Better Video Quality: Supports 4K recording, which significantly improves video quality.
- Dedicated Wide Angle Lens: Ability to capture ultrawide photos and videos.
- Advanced Camera Features: Includes night mode and RAW capture for more flexibility in photography.
- More Sensors: Includes a gyroscope and compass, which is useful for AR apps and gaming.
TCL 50 SE Advantages:
- Modern Design: Thinner, lighter, and more modern design.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate offers a more fluid user experience.
- Superior Screen Brightness: 900 nits for excellent outdoor visibility.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging is significantly faster than 15W, getting you back up and running much faster.
- Up-to-date Software: Ships with Android 14, which provides the latest features and security.
- More Storage Options: Offers 256GB internal storage, double that of the Motorola
- Stereo Speakers: Delivers a more immersive audio experience.
- Dual SIM: Support for two sim cards
- More Accurate GPS: Supports Beidou satellite system
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Motorola has a better camera and processor, but is older and bulkier than the TCL
- The TCL has a faster charging, brighter display and more storage, but has a slightly weaker processor and less capable camera than the Motorola
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola One 5G Ace:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, photography and video quality, gaming and AR/VR, and are comfortable with slightly older design.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers needing smoother graphics and faster app loading.
- Photography enthusiasts who want more control over their photos.
- Users who take a lot of videos and want higher resolution.
- Users who need advanced sensors for specific applications.
- Price-to-Value: A solid option for those seeking a performance-oriented phone at a lower cost, but its older design is a major drawback.
TCL 50 SE:
- Ideal User: Everyday users who prioritize a more modern design, good battery life, a smooth display, and better audio capabilities.
- Use Cases:
- Users who consume a lot of media (videos, music) and want a quality viewing experience.
- Users who prefer a lighter and more pocketable phone.
- Users who need fast charging.
- Users who value the latest Android software.
- Price-to-Value: Great value proposition offering key features like a brighter display, faster charging and updated OS, making it better for casual users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is performance for you? If you are a gamer or heavy app user, the Motorola One 5G Ace might be a better fit. If you are a casual user, the TCL 50 SE will likely meet your needs.
- What is more important, display or camera quality? The TCL has a better screen, but the Motorola has a better camera.
- Do you value modern features? The TCL comes with a more modern design and software, which may be more appealing to some users.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer: If you frequently play games, the Motorola One 5G Ace’s faster processor and GPU are more suitable.
- Scenario 2: Social Media User: If you spend time on social media and consume content, the TCL 50 SE’s display and audio might be more appealing.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor User: If you're frequently outdoors in bright sunlight, the TCL's brighter screen will be very beneficial.
- Scenario 4: Value Seeker: If getting the latest software, better screen, and faster charging are important to you, the TCL is the better option.
Final Recommendation
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the TCL 50 SE. Although the Motorola has its strengths in the camera and performance, the TCL offers a more modern package with the improved display, faster charging, better speakers, updated software, and a more pocketable form factor. For everyday use, the advantages of the TCL far outweigh the benefits of the Motorola. While the Motorola has a better camera on paper, its age, lack of display brightness, and slower charging limit its appeal. The TCL offers a more polished experience and more value overall for casual use, making it the better choice for most users.
