TCL 50 SE

Tcl Apr 8, 2024

Overview

The TCL 50 SE is a 2024 smartphone from Tcl. It features a 6.78" LCD IPS display with 720 x 1600 px resolution (260 ppi pixel density), offering a smooth 90 Hz refresh rate and impressive peak brightness of 900 nits. The device is powered by the MediaTek Helio G88 (12 nm process), 4GB RAM and Arm Mali-G52 MC2 GPU. The camera system features a 50MP Standard main sensor with f/1.8 aperture, accompanied by 2MP Macro lens, plus a 8MP selfie camera. Power is provided by a 5010 mAh Li-Polymer battery with 33W fast charging. The phone runs on Android 14. Available in multiple configurations: 4GB RAM + 128GB storage, 6GB RAM + 256GB storage. Color options include Space Gray, Midnight Blue.

TCL 50 SE Review

TCL 50 SE Review

The TCL 50 SE, launched on April 8, 2024, is a mid-range smartphone offering a blend of features at a reasonable price point. It features a large display, a capable processor, and a substantial battery.

Key Features

  • Display: 6.78-inch IPS LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate and 1080 x 2460 resolution (396 ppi).
  • Processor: Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) Octa-core CPU with Mali-G52 MC2 GPU.
  • RAM/Storage: Available in 4GB/128GB and 6GB/256GB variants.
  • Cameras: 50MP primary, 2MP macro rear cameras; 8MP front-facing camera.
  • Battery: 5010 mAh with 33W fast charging.
  • Operating System: Android 14.
  • Connectivity: Dual SIM, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC.
  • Other: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers.

Pros & Cons

  • Pros:

    • Large, smooth 90Hz display.
    • Decent performance for everyday tasks and light gaming with the Helio G88.
    • Good battery life with 33W fast charging.
    • Stereo speakers for enhanced audio.
    • NFC support for mobile payments.
    • Android 14 out of the box.
  • Cons:

    • Macro camera is of limited use.
    • No expandable storage.
    • eMMC 5.1 storage is slower than UFS.
    • Plastic build may feel less premium.
    • No optical stabilization in the cameras.
    • Screen's peak brightness is 900 nits, but typical usage is at 450 nits.

User Experience

The TCL 50 SE offers a smooth user experience thanks to its 90Hz display. Navigation and scrolling are fluid, and the large screen makes media consumption enjoyable. The Helio G88 handles everyday tasks well, with some light gaming possible. However, demanding games may require lower graphic settings for optimal performance. The device runs Android 14, providing a clean and modern software experience. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable. The battery easily lasts a full day with moderate use.

Hardware & Design

The device measures 168.2 mm in height, 75.5 mm in width, and 8.1 mm in depth, weighing 195g. It's built with a plastic frame and back, which contributes to its lightweight feel. The design is simple, with a waterdrop notch on the display for the front-facing camera. The screen has a 2.5D curved glass and is scratch resistant, adding a touch of robustness. It features stereo speakers, enhancing the audio experience for media consumption. The device is available in Space Gray and Midnight Blue. The USB Type-C port supports USB 2.0 speeds. The fingerprint sensor is integrated into the power button.

Conclusion

The TCL 50 SE provides a good balance of features for its price. The combination of a large, smooth display, decent performance, a large battery with fast charging, and NFC makes it a practical choice for everyday users. While it has some drawbacks, like the macro camera and plastic build, its overall performance and features make it a compelling option in the mid-range market. Its price range makes it a budget-friendly device with essential capabilities.

Basic Information

TCL 50 SE
BrandTcl
ModelTCL 50 SE
Launch DateMonday, April 8, 2024
Release Year2024
Dimensions168.2 × 75.5 × 8.1 mm
Weight195 g
Volume102.86 cm³
Available Colors
  • Space Gray
  • Midnight Blue

TCL 50 SE was released on Monday, April 8, 2024. The phone measures 168.2 × 75.5 × 8.1 mm with a volume of 102.86 cm³ and weighs 195g. It features a 6.78" LCD IPS display with 720 x 1600 px resolution (260 ppi pixel density) and 90 HzHz refresh rate. The device is available in the following colors: Space Gray, Midnight Blue.

Display

Size6.78"
TypeLCD IPS
Resolution720 x 1600 px
Pixel Density260 ppi
Aspect Ratio20:9
Refresh Rate90 Hz
BrightnessPeak: 900 nits
Contrast Ratio1500:1
HDR SupportNo
ProtectionN/A
Additional Features
  • Water Drop Notch
  • Brightnes 450 cd/m² (typ)
  • TÜV Rheinland Eye Comfort Certification
  • DCI-P3
  • Scratch resistant
  • 2.5D curved glass screen
  • Capacitive
  • Multi-touch
  • Frameless

The TCL 50 SE features a 6.78" LCD IPS display with 720 x 1600 px resolution (260 ppi pixel density) in 20:9 aspect ratio. The display offers peak brightness of 900 nits. It delivers smooth 90 Hz refresh rate and impressive 1500:1 contrast ratio. User-centric features include water drop notch, multi-touch. Technical capabilities include brightnes 450 cd/m² (typ), tÜv rheinland eye comfort certification, dci-p3, 2.5d curved glass screen, capacitive, frameless. Additional protection features include scratch resistant.

Sensors

Security Sensors
  • Fingerprint (side-mounted)
Motion Sensors
  • accelerometer
Environmental Sensors
  • proximity
  • compass
Health SensorsN/A

For security, the TCL 50 SE features fingerprint (side-mounted). Motion tracking is handled by accelerometer. Environmental monitoring includes proximity compass.

Battery

Capacity5010 mAh
TypeLi-Polymer
Fast Charging33W
Wireless ChargingN/A
Features
  • Non-removable
Additional InfoN/A

The TCL 50 SE is equipped with a 5010 mAh Li-Polymer battery. It features fast charging at 33W. The battery system includes non-removable.

Hardware

ChipsetMediaTek Helio G88
CPU
Processor Details
  • processor type: Octa-Core
  • production process: 12 nm
  • max freq: 2 GHz
  • 64-bit
GPUArm Mali-G52 MC2 @ 1000MHz
RAM & Storage4GB, 128GB eMMC 5.1 Storage
TCL 50 SE Versions:
  • 4GB RAM + 128GB Storage
  • 6GB RAM + 256GB Storage
AnTuTu Score250,000 (v10)
Additional FeaturesN/A
Sensors
  • Fingerprint
  • Proximity
  • Light sensor
  • Accelerometer
  • Gravity
Audio Features
  • Stereo Speakers
SD Card SlotNo
Battery5010 mAh

The TCL 50 SE is equipped with MediaTek Helio G88 built on 12 nm process technology with 64-bit architecture. Graphics processing is handled by Arm Mali-G52 MC2 running at 1000MHz. The device comes with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage (eMMC 5.1 Storage). In AnTuTu benchmark v10, it achieves 250,000 points. Audio capabilities include Stereo Speakers. Integrated sensors include Fingerprint, Proximity, Light sensor, Accelerometer. The device is powered by a 5010 mAh battery. The TCL 50 SE is available in 4GB RAM + 128GB storage, 6GB RAM + 256GB storage configurations.

Connectivity

WiFi
WiFi Standards
  • 802.11a
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
  • 802.11n 5GHz
  • 802.11ac
Other WiFi Features
  • Dual band
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Wi-Fi Direct
  • Wi-Fi Display
BluetoothBluetooth 5.1 LE Low energy consumption
Bluetooth Features
  • A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile)
  • EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
  • LE (Low Energy)
GPS
  • GPS
  • A-GPS
  • GLONASS
  • Beidou
  • Galileo
Network Bands
4G LTE

  • B1 (2100)
  • B3 (1800)
  • B5 (850)
  • B7 (2600)
  • B8 (900)
  • B13 (700)
  • B20 (800)
  • B28b (700)
  • B28a (700)
  • B38 (TDD 2600)
  • B40 (TDD 2300)
  • B41 (TDD 2500)

3G

  • B1 (2100)
  • B2 (1900)
  • B5 (850)
  • B8 (900)

2G

  • B2 (1900)
  • B3 (1800)
  • B5 (850)
  • B8 (900)
SIMDual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM)
USB
  • Charging
  • Mass Storage
  • USB OTG
  • USB Type-C
NFCYes

The TCL 50 SE supports 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac with features like Dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display. The TCL 50 SE comes with Bluetooth 5.1 LE Low energy consumption supporting A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), LE (Low Energy). For cellular connectivity, the TCL 50 SE uses Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM). The TCL 50 SE features Charging, Mass Storage, OTG, USB Type-C connectivity. The TCL 50 SE includes NFC support for contactless payments and quick device pairing. The TCL 50 SE supports 4G LTE bands, 3G bands, 2G bands.

Camera Features

Video Resolution
  • 1080p
Frame Rates
  • 30fps
Video FeaturesN/A

The TCL 50 SE features a 2-camera setup with a 50MP Standard main sensor (f/1.8) and 0.64 µm pixel size. The TCL 50 SE also includes a 2MP Macro lens (f/2.4). For selfies, the TCL 50 SE uses a 8MP front camera with f/2.0 aperture featuring 1.12 µm pixel size. The TCL 50 SE's camera system includes Digital zoom, Dual camera, Autofocus.

DxOMark Scores

No DxOMark scores available for this device.

Camera details

Rear Camera

Resolution: 50 MP
Aperture: f/1.8
Sensor Type: CMOS BSI
Pixel Size: 0.64 µm

Resolution: 2 MP
Aperture: f/2.4
Pixel Size: 1.75 µm

Selfie Camera

Resolution: 8 MP
Aperture: f/2.0
Pixel Size: 1.12 µm

Additional Features

Flash:
  • LED
Optical Stabilisation:
  • No
Slow Motion Video:
  • No, 30 fps
Features:
  • 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

Software

OSAndroid
OS Version14
Max OS Version

The TCL 50 SE runs on Android 14. It is powered by the MediaTek Helio G88 chipset .

Prices

Store Price Storage RAM
Amazon DE EUR 231.82
USD 251.20
256 GB 6 GB
Amazon UK GBP 163.88
USD 213.21
256 GB 6 GB
Amazon DE EUR 231.82
USD 251.20
256 GB 6 GB
Amazon UK GBP 163.88
USD 213.21
256 GB 6 GB