Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the OnePlus 10 Pro and the TCL 50 SE. It's a classic matchup of a former flagship versus a budget contender, and there are some serious differences to unpack. We’ll go beyond the spec sheet, focusing on how these differences translate into real-world usage.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a table breaking down the key specifications, along with real-world implications:
| Feature | OnePlus 10 Pro | TCL 50 SE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm, 201g | 168.2 x 75.5 x 8.1 mm, 195g | The TCL 50 SE is slightly taller and wider but thinner and lighter. The weight difference is negligible for most users. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown Screen Protection | OnePlus 10 Pro boasts superior screen protection against scratches and drops, offering more peace of mind. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Both phones have similar screen sizes, with only a minor 0.08" difference. Both should be comparable for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3216 (525 ppi) | 1080 x 2460 (396 ppi) | The OnePlus 10 Pro's higher resolution results in a much sharper, more detailed display, which is noticeable in text, images, and video. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | The TCL 50 SE uses IPS LCD, while no technology is mentioned for the OnePlus 10 Pro (likely AMOLED). The TCL has the upperhand here. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The OnePlus 10 Pro offers smoother scrolling and animations, which is particularly noticeable in gaming and fast-paced apps. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 900 nits | OnePlus 10 Pro is significantly brighter, making it much more usable in direct sunlight and offers a more vibrant viewing experience. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Mediatek Helio G88 | The OnePlus 10 Pro's flagship chip offers vastly superior performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps; it's leagues ahead in processing power. |
| AnTuTu Score | 900,491 | 250,000 | This benchmark score shows a massive difference in performance - The OnePlus 10 Pro is significantly faster across the board. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The OnePlus 10 Pro’s GPU is considerably more capable, offering much better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1.12µm, IMX789 | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm | The OnePlus 10 Pro's larger pixel size and high-end sensor should lead to better low-light performance and overall image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.0, 0.80µm, IMX615 | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | The OnePlus 10 Pro has a higher resolution and wider sensor, typically resulting in sharper, more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.4, 1.00µm, OV08A10 | None | The OnePlus 10 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, enabling clearer zoomed images, while the TCL 50 SE lacks this feature. |
| Wide-Angle Camera | 50MP, f/2.2, 0.64µm, S5KJN1 | None | OnePlus 10 Pro features a high-resolution ultra-wide camera with better image quality for expansive shots, the TCL 50 SE lacks this feature. |
| Macro Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | The TCL 50 SE has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, while the OnePlus 10 Pro lacks this. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@120fps | 1080p@30fps | OnePlus 10 Pro can record much higher quality and smoother videos, catering to enthusiasts and content creators. |
| DxOMark Score | 122 (Photo: 124, Video: 119) | N/A | The OnePlus 10 Pro's tested camera performance shows great results, while the TCL 50 SE's performance is unknown. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5010mAh | Both devices have similar battery capacities, expecting comparable battery life for typical usage. |
| Charging | 80W wired, 50W wireless | 33W wired | The OnePlus 10 Pro offers much faster charging, getting you back up and running quickly. |
| Charging Features | Reverse/Wireless Charging | None | OnePlus 10 Pro offers convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 14) | Android 14 | TCL 50 SE has a more recent OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wifi | Wifi 7, Wifi MiMO | Wifi 6 | The OnePlus 10 Pro supports a newer Wi-Fi standard for faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 with advanced codecs | 5.1 | The OnePlus 10 Pro offers a newer Bluetooth version with more features and better audio codec support. |
| Storage | |||
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 4GB/6GB | OnePlus 10 Pro’s more RAM means smoother multitasking and better performance for demanding applications. |
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 128GB/256GB | OnePlus 10 Pro has more storage variants, offering the option of 512GB for users with large storage needs. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage; users need to select the right storage capacity during the purchase. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Dolby Atmos, 3 Mics | Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 10 Pro features improved audio experience with Dolby Atmos and better noise cancellation. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus 10 Pro:
- Strengths: Flagship-level performance, superior display quality, versatile camera system with telephoto and wide-angle lenses, extremely fast charging (wired and wireless), more RAM for better multitasking, superior audio with Dolby Atmos, and faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Competitive Advantages: It's a performance powerhouse with a fantastic display, designed for users who demand the best in all areas. The camera system offers significant flexibility.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: It has an older OS, and there is no expandable storage.
TCL 50 SE:
- Strengths: Newer OS, macro camera, lighter, slightly taller screen, more affordable.
- Competitive Advantages: A more budget-friendly option focusing on essential features, appealing to users who don't need top-tier performance.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Significantly weaker performance, lower display resolution and brightness, inferior camera system, much slower charging, less RAM, older Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and the screen quality may not be as good.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
OnePlus 10 Pro:
- Ideal For: Power users, gamers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone who prioritizes performance, display quality, and fast charging.
- Use Cases: High-end gaming, professional photography, video editing, content creation, heavy multitasking, watching high-resolution media in bright sunlight, fast wireless charging.
TCL 50 SE:
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious users who need a decent phone for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and basic photography.
- Use Cases: Casual browsing, social media, occasional photography, video streaming, and calls with better battery life.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
How critical is performance and speed?
- If you need a phone that can handle intensive tasks, gaming, and multitasking without breaking a sweat, the OnePlus 10 Pro is the clear winner. If you just need a phone for basic tasks, the TCL 50 SE will work.
How important is camera quality and versatility?
- If you value having multiple lenses, a telephoto lens, and higher image quality, the OnePlus 10 Pro is your pick. If you only take pictures occasionally, the TCL will work for you.
What is your budget?
- If budget is the primary concern and your usage isn't demanding, the TCL 50 SE provides a much more budget-friendly option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: The TCL 50 SE is the better choice for basic needs.
- Performance Seeker: The OnePlus 10 Pro offers the performance, fast charging, and a good camera experience.
- Camera Enthusiast: The OnePlus 10 Pro’s versatility and higher image quality make it the better option.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the OnePlus 10 Pro. While the TCL 50 SE is a decent budget device, the OnePlus 10 Pro's significantly better performance, higher-quality display, more versatile camera system, and fast charging are worth the extra investment for me.
As a tech journalist, I'm always on the go, juggling multiple tasks, and I need a phone that can keep up without lagging. The better display is critical for consuming content. The OnePlus 10 Pro ticks all these boxes. Even though it is an older device compared to the TCL 50 SE, the power and features it brings makes it a device I can rely on. It's important to consider that while the TCL 50 SE has a newer version of Android, the OnePlus can still be updated to it.
