Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi 9T vs. TCL 50 SE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 9T | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-18 | 2024-04-08 | TCL 50 SE is significantly newer, potentially benefiting from more recent software and features. |
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 168.2 × 75.5 × 8.1 mm | TCL 50 SE is taller and thinner, Xiaomi Redmi 9T is wider and thicker; TCL is slightly more pocketable. |
| Weight | 198g | 195g | Both are virtually the same weight, meaning similar hand feel. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.78" | TCL 50 SE offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2460 | TCL 50 SE has slightly sharper screen, leading to a bit clearer images. |
| Pixel Density | 395 ppi | 396 ppi | Nearly identical sharpness for both phones, images will appear equally clear. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Similar color reproduction and viewing angles for both. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | TCL 50 SE will have a smoother scrolling and animation experience, particularly noticeable in menus and games. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | TCL 50 SE will be significantly more usable in bright sunlight due to its much higher peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | MediaTek Helio G88 (12 nm) | TCL 50 SE offers a more powerful chipset, which will translate to faster app loading times and smoother performance overall. |
| AnTuTu Score | 174,500 | 250,000 | The TCL 50 SE will feel noticeably snappier and perform better in demanding tasks like gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 | TCL 50 SE has a more powerful GPU, offering better graphics performance in games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5010mAh | Xiaomi Redmi 9T has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | TCL 50 SE will charge much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, 22.5W charger inbox | Non-removable | Xiaomi Redmi 9T can charge other devices (Reverse charging) and includes a faster charger than its own fast charging standard. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor, 0.8µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm pixels | TCL 50 SE has slightly higher resolution; Redmi has larger pixels leading to better low-light performance; Redmi has wider aperture for better low light photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm pixels | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm pixels | Both phones have identical selfie camera specifications. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" sensor, 1.12µm pixels | None | Xiaomi Redmi 9T has the flexibility of an additional wide-angle lens, capturing more of a scene. |
| Portrait (depth) Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi Redmi 9T can capture depth information for portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixels | Macro cameras are similar with different pixel sizes. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo 120fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo 30fps | Both record Full HD video at 30fps but, Redmi has more slow motion fps and features. |
| Camera Features | 4K video, Quadruple Camera, Digital Image Stabilization, Manual Focus | Dual Camera, Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) | Xiaomi Redmi 9T has a more versatile camera system with 4k video and digital image stabilization; TCL has faster autofocus with PDAF. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | TCL 50 SE has a much newer version of Android, offering access to the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band | Both phones support modern WiFi standards |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, EDR, LE | TCL 50 SE has a newer version of Bluetooth with EDR support, potentially offering faster and more stable connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both phones offer the same GPS capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM) | Both offer dual SIM capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | TCL 50 SE offers more internal storage, particularly at the higher-end configuration. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB | Both provide adequate RAM for most users. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows additional storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi Redmi 9T has better audio quality with Hi-Res audio playback. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both feature a convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi Redmi 9T has better screen protection, more resistance to scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic Proximity | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Xiaomi Redmi 9T has a compass and ultrasonic proximity, while TCL 50 SE has an additional gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi 9T Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery offers longer battery life than the TCL 50 SE. This is a clear benefit for users who need their phone to last all day without needing to charge it.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, adding extra value and acting like a power bank.
- Hi-Res Audio: Provides higher quality audio playback with better clarity and immersion.
- Wider Aperture on Main Camera: Better low-light performance, leading to less noisy photos.
- Additional Cameras: The presence of a wide-angle and depth sensor adds flexibility to the camera system.
- Screen Protection: It is known to have Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection, which the TCL does not state.
TCL 50 SE Advantages:
- Newer Phone & OS: Launched significantly later, with Android 14, offering the latest features and security updates. This gives the user access to updated applications, and more optimized software.
- Faster Performance: The MediaTek Helio G88 chipset provides higher AnTuTu scores, leading to a smoother experience in daily tasks and gaming.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging replenishes the battery much faster, reducing downtime.
- Brighter Display: 900 nits brightness is much better for outdoor visibility, meaning the screen will be clear and visible even in bright sunlight.
- Higher Resolution Screen: The 1080 x 2460 screen resolution means sharper images.
- Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid experience, especially in menus and scrolling.
- More Internal Storage Options: Offers up to 256GB, ideal for users with larger media libraries.
- Bluetooth 5.1 with EDR: Newer Bluetooth version with EDR support for improved connectivity.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Redmi 9T: Sacrifices performance and charging speed for longer battery life. Older software and less impressive screen brightness are also factors.
- TCL 50 SE: Sacrifices battery capacity and reverse charging capability for improved performance and faster charging. Does not have the wide-angle or depth sensors.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi 9T Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize long battery life above all else.
- Users who need the ability to charge other devices on the go.
- Users who enjoy high-quality audio playback and want a good listening experience.
- Users who want camera versatility, having access to standard, wide-angle, and depth sensors,
- Users on a tight budget who still want a reliable device with a good screen protection.
Specific Use Cases:
- Travelers or outdoor enthusiasts who need a phone to last through long trips.
- Users who frequently watch video or stream music for extended periods.
- Users who need a backup power source for their other devices.
- Users who are careful with their phones and do not want to replace screens often.
TCL 50 SE Ideal User:
- Users who value fast performance and smooth daily operation.
- Users who need to charge their phone quickly and do not want to wait long.
- Users who spend a lot of time outdoors and need a bright, clear display
- Users who need the latest Android version for security and feature updates.
- Users who have larger media libraries that need ample space for pictures and video.
Specific Use Cases:
- Gamers or those who frequently use apps that need processing power.
- Users who often forget to charge their phones and need fast charging.
- Users who take pictures and videos regularly in bright daylight.
- Users who want a modern operating system with up-to-date security features.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Redmi 9T offers great value if long battery life and versatile camera capabilities are the top priority. Its older chipset and software might be a point of compromise.
- The TCL 50 SE provides a good price-to-performance ratio, especially for those who need a snappier phone with a brighter display and newer OS. The tradeoff is a smaller battery, no reverse charging, and fewer cameras.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
What is your priority: battery life or performance?
- If battery life is paramount, choose the Redmi 9T. If performance and responsiveness are more important, choose the TCL 50 SE.
Do you need a bright display for outdoor use?
- If you frequently use your phone outdoors, the brighter display of the TCL 50 SE is a major advantage.
Do you need the latest software and features?
- If having the most recent version of Android and updated features are important, the TCL 50 SE is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Outdoor enthusiast, long trips:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi 9T - long battery, reverse charging capabilities are key, and the screen is good enough if not perfect in sunlight.
Scenario 2: Gamers and frequent app users:
- Recommendation: TCL 50 SE - better performance, 90Hz refresh rate, and fast charging are ideal for gaming.
Scenario 3: Someone looking for an all around experience
- Recommendation: TCL 50 SE - Newer features, brighter screen, faster charging and better performance should out-weigh the battery capacity of the Redmi 9T.
What I Would Choose and Why
Personally, I would choose the TCL 50 SE. While the Xiaomi Redmi 9T's impressive battery life and reverse charging are enticing, my preference is for a smoother, more responsive experience and an overall up-to-date device. Here's why:
- Performance and Responsiveness: The significantly higher AnTuTu score of the TCL 50 SE (250,000 vs 174,500) indicates a noticeable difference in daily performance. This is important for me as I do not enjoy delays while navigating my phone. The 90Hz refresh rate is a plus as well.
- Outdoor Visibility: I find myself using my phone outdoors frequently, so the 900 nits brightness of the TCL 50 SE is a major advantage over the Xiaomi’s unknown brightness. The screen is a must-have when it comes to comfort.
- Faster Charging: I am forgetful with charging so fast charging is a must-have to reduce downtime. I do not want to have to wait a long time for my phone to charge, therefore the 33W on the TCL 50 SE wins over the 18W of the Redmi 9T.
- Software: I want the most recent operating system to get the most out of my device, so the Android 14 of the TCL 50 SE over the Android 10 of the Xiaomi is key.
- Trade-Offs: While the larger battery and the reverse charging on the Xiaomi are nice to have, they are features I can give up for the overall better user experience the TCL 50 SE offers in my personal use case. I can always carry a battery bank if I happen to run out of power.
In conclusion, the TCL 50 SE better aligns with my priorities of performance, display quality, and overall responsiveness in a modern package, even if it means sacrificing battery capacity and a few extra camera features.
