TCL 50 XL 5G: Is the Cheapest Metro Phone Worth Buying?

The TCL 50 XL 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers impressive features at an unbeatable price of $160.

With its large 6.78-inch 120Hz display, 6GB of RAM, and a 5,010mAh battery, it is a strong contender in the budget segment. However, it also comes with some compromises, such as limited software support and inconsistent cameras.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the phone’s pros and cons to help you decide if it’s worth the investment.

Pros

1. Large Display: The TCL 50 XL 5G features a large 6.78-inch 120Hz display, making it ideal for watching videos and playing games.
2. Affordable: At $160, it is one of the most affordable 5G-capable phones available in the market.
3. NFC and Contactless Payments: The phone includes NFC for contactless payments, making it convenient for users who prefer this method.
4. Expandable Storage: The phone has a microSD memory card slot, allowing users to expand storage up to 2TB.
5. Decent Performance: The MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus processor and 6GB of memory provide decent performance for basic tasks.

Cons

1. Limited Software Support: The TCL 50 XL 5G will only receive one major software update to Android 15 and two years of security update support.
2. Inconsistent Cameras: The camera hardware is unimpressive, with photos lacking detail and exhibiting washed-out colors.
3. Battery Life: The phone’s battery life is mediocre, draining quickly compared to similar phones.
4. Carrier Locked: The TCL 50 XL 5G is currently exclusive to T-Mobile, limiting its availability to users on this carrier.

Should You Buy TCL 50 XL 5G?

The TCL 50 XL 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers impressive features at an unbeatable price. While it has some compromises, such as limited software support and inconsistent cameras, it is still a solid option for those who prioritize a large display and 5G capabilities.

If you are a T-Mobile customer or planning to switch, the TCL 50 XL 5G is worth considering. However, if you are looking for a phone with extended software support and better camera quality, you may want to explore other options.