1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Oppo Find X3 Pro and TCL 50 SE, highlighting their practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Oppo Find X3 Pro | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 74 x 8.3 mm | 168.2 x 75.5 x 8.1 mm | TCL 50 SE is slightly taller and wider, may feel less comfortable in small hands. Oppo Find X3 Pro is slightly thicker, but the difference is negligible. |
| Weight | 193g | 195g | Both are relatively lightweight for their size, making them easy to handle for extended periods. Negligible difference in weight. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Screen) | Unknown | Oppo Find X3 Pro offers known screen protection from scratches and minor impacts, TCL 50 SE's screen durability is unknown. |
Display
| Feature | Oppo Find X3 Pro | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Very similar screen sizes; difference is barely noticeable in daily use. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3216 | 1080 x 2460 | Oppo Find X3 Pro's higher resolution means sharper text, images and videos, making it better for viewing detailed content. TCL 50 SE is less sharp but adequate for general use. |
| PPI | 525 | 396 | Oppo Find X3 Pro offers a crisper display, with smaller details appearing clearer. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Oppo Find X3 Pro provides deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors, enhancing the viewing experience. TCL 50 SE's IPS LCD has good color accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Oppo Find X3 Pro offers smoother scrolling and animations, particularly noticeable in games and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 900 nits | Oppo Find X3 Pro offers significantly better visibility in bright sunlight, making it easier to use outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | Oppo Find X3 Pro | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Helio G88 (12 nm) | Oppo Find X3 Pro provides significantly faster processing, better graphics performance, and improved AI capabilities. TCL 50 SE is adequate for basic usage. |
| AnTuTu Score | 876,500 | 250,000 | Oppo Find X3 Pro is much faster, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming experiences, especially for demanding apps. TCL 50 SE will have stutters in demanding use. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Oppo Find X3 Pro is better for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming and video editing. |
Camera
| Feature | Oppo Find X3 Pro | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766, 1.00 µm | 50MP, f/1.8, Unknown sensor, 0.64 µm | Both offer 50MP main cameras, but the Oppo has a larger sensor size and larger pixel size, likely resulting in better low-light performance and image quality, but TCL pixel size is smaller. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74", Sony IMX615, 0.80 µm | 8MP, f/2.0, Unknown sensor, 1.12 µm | Oppo has a higher resolution, resulting in more detail, but TCL's larger pixels and wider aperture may offer better low-light results |
| Telephoto Lens | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.4", Samsung S5K3M5, 1.00 µm | None | Oppo allows zoomed photos while keeping some quality which is not possible with TCL |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766, 1.00 µm | None | Oppo allows for wide angle photos for landscape and group photos. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, Unknown sensor, 1.75 µm | TCL allows for detailed macro shots of small objects while Oppo doesn't offer this |
| Video | Up to 4K @ 60fps with HDR, EIS, 1080p @ 240fps, Slow-motion: 480 fps | 1080p @ 30fps, Slow-motion: 30 fps | Oppo offers significantly better video quality and stability with features like 4K recording, HDR, and EIS and better slow-motion recording. |
| DxOMark | Overall: 128, Photo: 134, Video: 125 | Not Available | Oppo's camera performance is rated to be high quality with good quality for both pictures and videos. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | Digital zoom, Dual camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Oppo offers more advanced features, allowing for more control and creative options. |
Battery
| Feature | Oppo Find X3 Pro | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5010mAh | TCL 50 SE's larger battery may provide longer battery life between charges for daily use. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Oppo Find X3 Pro charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 30W wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging | None | Oppo offers wireless charging and reverse charging, making it versatile. TCL 50 SE does not have such features. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Oppo Find X3 Pro | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 14 | TCL 50 SE ships with a newer version of Android, potentially offering the latest features and security updates. Oppo Find X3 Pro will be upgradable to android 14, which is similar to TCL. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Oppo Find X3 Pro supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.1 | Oppo Find X3 Pro supports a newer version for improved speed and power efficiency, as well as higher quality audio codecs. |
| GPS | More satellite systems | Standard GPS | Oppo Find X3 Pro offers potentially more accurate and reliable location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM for using two numbers at the same time. |
Storage & Other
| Feature | Oppo Find X3 Pro | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | Oppo offers double the max storage capacity. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 4/6 GB | Oppo offers significantly more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking and better performance in demanding applications and games. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Oppo is slightly better with spatial sound, better audio separation and immersion. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | TCL has a more advanced and convenient fingerprint sensor. |
| Other Sensors | Compass, Gyroscope, Pedometer | None | Oppo can track compass direction, rotation, and steps more accurately. |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Oppo Find X3 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, AMOLED technology, 120Hz refresh rate, and greater brightness.
- Practical Impact: Visually richer and smoother experience, especially for multimedia consumption and outdoor use.
- Much Higher Performance: More powerful processor, GPU, and RAM.
- Practical Impact: Snappier multitasking, faster app loading, better gaming performance, more future-proof.
- Advanced Camera System: Additional telephoto and wide-angle lenses, higher resolution selfie, superior video recording quality.
- Practical Impact: More versatility, better zoom capabilities, high-quality photos and video.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 65W fast charging and wireless charging capabilities.
- Practical Impact: Less time plugged into a charger, more convenient charging options.
- Better Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
- Practical Impact: Faster network and peripheral speeds.
- More Storage: Offers a higher storage variant of 512 GB.
- Practical Impact: More internal space for media files, apps and games.
- More sensors: Provides a more complete sensor suite for advanced features.
- Practical Impact: Offers features such as compass direction, gyroscope based rotation tracking, and pedometer steps tracking.
TCL 50 SE Advantages:
- Larger Battery Capacity: 5010mAh versus 4500mAh.
- Practical Impact: Potentially longer battery life.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 14
- Practical Impact: Up-to-date software and features.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor:
- Practical Impact: More convenient access.
- Macro lens:
- Practical Impact: Detailed macro shots of small objects.
- Potentially lower price:
- Practical Impact: More affordable option.
Significant Trade-offs:
- TCL 50 SE: Significantly lower performance, poorer display quality, less versatile camera system, slower charging, older connectivity standards and less RAM.
- Oppo Find X3 Pro: Older operating system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Oppo Find X3 Pro is Ideal for:
- Power Users: Gamers, content creators, and those who multitask heavily.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who consume a lot of video, photos, and other high-resolution content.
- Photography/Videography lovers: Users who want a flexible and high quality camera system.
- Users who need Fast Charging: Those who need their phone charged quickly, either through wired or wireless options.
Users that want advanced features: Users who enjoy having the latest tech and sensors.
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming with high frame rates and smooth graphics.
- Editing videos and photos on the go.
- Watching HDR movies with vibrant colours and true blacks.
- Long trips with a need for high quality photo/video and fast charging.
TCL 50 SE is Ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users who are looking for an affordable phone for daily tasks.
- Users who prefer larger batteries: Users that value a longer battery life over high-performance features.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Individuals who mainly use their phone for calls, messages, and social media.
Macro Photography Enthusiasts: Users that need a macro camera for photographing small objects.
Specific Use Cases:
- Browsing social media, checking emails, making calls.
- Watching videos and movies occasionally.
- Long trips with a need for basic smartphone features.
- Capturing macro photos of small objects.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Oppo Find X3 Pro offers more advanced features and better performance, justifying a higher price tag.
- The TCL 50 SE is a more budget-friendly option but compromises on key features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance? If you use your phone for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or multitasking with multiple apps, the Oppo is the better choice.
- How important is display quality? If you value a sharp, vivid, and smooth display for watching videos, or for outdoor use, the Oppo has a superior display.
- How important is camera quality and versatility? If you want a wide range of features like Optical zoom and wide angle, or better low light performance, the Oppo is better than the TCL.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Buyer: If you need a basic smartphone for everyday use, the TCL 50 SE offers good battery life and adequate performance at a lower price point.
- Scenario 2: Performance-Oriented User: If you are a gamer, power user, or multimedia enthusiast, the Oppo Find X3 Pro provides a much better experience with its superior performance, display, and camera system.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If you want a versatile camera system with various features, the Oppo Find X3 Pro is the better choice with its telephoto and wide angle lens. If you want a macro lens, the TCL may be slightly better.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Oppo Find X3 Pro. While the TCL 50 SE offers a larger battery and a macro lens, the Oppo Find X3 Pro excels in almost every other aspect that I value in a smartphone. The significantly better display, far superior performance, more versatile camera system, faster charging, and enhanced connectivity are all significant advantages. As a user who values high quality content creation and gaming, I would prefer to trade the larger battery for the high quality features of the Oppo.
