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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro vs TCL 50 XL 5G
In real-world use, it excels with its advanced Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, making it a no-brainer for gaming enthusiasts who crave high performance. Its camera setup falls short, especially with a low-resolution 5MP ultrawide that can't compete with the ROG's telephoto capabilities. So, what does this mean for your daily use?
⚡ Refresh: 165 Hz vs 120 Hz🔋 Battery: 5500 mAh vs 5010 mAh⚖️ Weight: 7.94 oz vs 6.88 oz
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ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
★4.7
(63)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Graphics:Adreno 750
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TCL 50 XL 5G
★4.1
(19)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 15) and 2 years of security updates
Processor:MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
Graphics:Mali-G57 MC2
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
TCL 50 XL 5G
Display1 specs
Refresh Rate
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
1Hz–120Hz (Adaptive); 165Hz (Gaming mode)Winner
TCL 50 XL 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
TCL 50 XL 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
RAMKey
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB)Winner
TCL 50 XL 5G
6GB (Plus up to 6GB Virtual RAM Expansion)
Storage
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB)Winner
TCL 50 XL 5G
128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 2TB)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.9, 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0
TCL 50 XL 5G
50MP, f/1.8, PDAF (1/2.76" sensor)
Ultra-Wide Camera
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Free-form lens
TCL 50 XL 5G
5MP, f/2.2, 115-degree FOV
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
5,500mAh (Dual-cell)Winner
TCL 50 XL 5G
5,010mAh (Typical)
Wireless Charging
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
15W Qi 1.3 Wireless Charging
TCL 50 XL 5G
No (Not supported)
Design2 specs
Weight
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
7.94 oz (225 g)
TCL 50 XL 5G
6.88 oz (195 g)Winner
Dimensions
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in (163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm)
TCL 50 XL 5G
6.60 x 2.97 x 0.32 in (167.6 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC
TCL 50 XL 5G
5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro vs TCL 50 XL 5G
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
★4.7(63)Best Buy
TCL 50 XL 5G
★4.1(19)Amazon
| Criterion | ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro | TCL 50 XL 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(63)Best Buy | ★4.1(19)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates | 1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 15) and 2 years of security updates |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650) | MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core) |
Graphics | Adreno 750 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB) | 6GB (Plus up to 6GB Virtual RAM Expansion) |
Storage | 512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB) | 128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 2TB) |
Display Size | 6.78" | 6.78" |
Screen Type | Samsung E6 Flexible AMOLED, LTPO, 1,600 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, NXTVISION Technology |
Resolution | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) | 2460 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 1Hz–120Hz (Adaptive); 165Hz (Gaming mode) | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 2,500 nits | 500 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (HBM) |
Main Camera | 50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.9, 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0 | 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF (1/2.76" sensor) |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Free-form lens | 5MP, f/2.2, 115-degree FOV |
Telephoto Camera | 32MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom (Not periscope) | No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Depth Sensor f/2.4 |
Optical Zoom | 3x Optical | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x (Hyper Clarity AI up to 10x) | Up to 10x |
Video Recording | 8K UHD @ 24fps; 4K UHD @ 30/60fps; HDR10+ | 1080p @ 30fps |
Front Camera | 32MP RGBW, f/2.5, 90-degree FOV (Bins to 8MP) | 8MP, f/2.0, 1080p @ 30fps |
Battery | 5,500mAh (Dual-cell) | 5,010mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | 65W HyperCharge (Adapter included) | 18W Fast Charging (Charger included in box) |
Wireless Charging | 15W Qi 1.3 Wireless Charging | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | Side: USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort 1.4); Bottom: USB-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front) | No official IP rating |
Dimensions | 6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in (163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm) | 6.60 x 2.97 x 0.32 in (167.6 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 7.94 oz (225 g) | 6.88 oz (195 g) |
Biometrics | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | AniMe Vision (341 Mini-LEDs on back), AirTrigger buttons, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual USB-C ports | Stereo speakers (DTS Sound), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot, 18W Charger included |
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ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Rating:★4.7(63)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Graphics:Adreno 750
RAM:16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB)
Storage:512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB)
Display Size:6.78"
Screen Type:Samsung E6 Flexible AMOLED, LTPO, 1,600 nits (HBM)
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:1Hz–120Hz (Adaptive); 165Hz (Gaming mode)
Peak Brightness:2,500 nits
Main Camera:50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.9, 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Free-form lens
Telephoto Camera:32MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom (Not periscope)
Optical Zoom:3x Optical
Digital Zoom:Up to 30x (Hyper Clarity AI up to 10x)
Video Recording:8K UHD @ 24fps; 4K UHD @ 30/60fps; HDR10+
Front Camera:32MP RGBW, f/2.5, 90-degree FOV (Bins to 8MP)
Battery:5,500mAh (Dual-cell)
Wired Charging:65W HyperCharge (Adapter included)
Wireless Charging:15W Qi 1.3 Wireless Charging
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC
USB:Side: USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort 1.4); Bottom: USB-C 2.0
Durability:IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front)
Dimensions:6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in (163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:7.94 oz (225 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:AniMe Vision (341 Mini-LEDs on back), AirTrigger buttons, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual USB-C ports
✓ Pros:
- • First ROG phone with IP68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens
- • Incredible performance with advanced thermal management features
- • Brightest-in-class 165Hz LTPO AMOLED display (2,500 nits peak)
- • Includes 65W charger, case, and braided cable in the box
- • Retains enthusiast features: 3.5mm jack, notification LEDs, and AirTriggers
✗ Cons:
- • Software support (2 OS updates) lags behind Samsung/Google flagships
- • Battery capacity reduced (5,500mAh) compared to previous generation (6,000mAh)
- • Cameras, while improved, still trail top-tier photography flagships
- • Thermal throttling can occur earlier than previous bulky models without the cooler
- • No dedicated macro mode (uses Ultrawide) unlike previous iterations
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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TCL 50 XL 5G
Rating:★4.1(19)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 15) and 2 years of security updates
Processor:MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
Graphics:Mali-G57 MC2
RAM:6GB (Plus up to 6GB Virtual RAM Expansion)
Storage:128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 2TB)
Display Size:6.78"
Screen Type:IPS LCD, 120Hz, NXTVISION Technology
Resolution:2460 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:500 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (HBM)
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, PDAF (1/2.76" sensor)
Ultra-Wide Camera:5MP, f/2.2, 115-degree FOV
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Depth Sensor f/2.4
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
Video Recording:1080p @ 30fps
Front Camera:8MP, f/2.0, 1080p @ 30fps
Battery:5,010mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:18W Fast Charging (Charger included in box)
Wireless Charging:No (Not supported)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 2.0
Durability:No official IP rating
Dimensions:6.60 x 2.97 x 0.32 in (167.6 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm)
Weight:6.88 oz (195 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers (DTS Sound), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot, 18W Charger included
✓ Pros:
- • Huge 6.78-inch FHD+ 120Hz display is rare for this price
- • Includes 18W charger, cable, and sometimes a case in the box
- • 6GB real RAM + 128GB storage is generous for the budget tier
- • Features NFC for contactless payments (often cut in budget phones)
- • Retains user-favorite 3.5mm jack and microSD expansion
✗ Cons:
- • Ultrawide camera is low resolution (5MP) and muddy
- • No official IP rating for water or dust resistance
- • Software support is minimal (only 1 OS update guaranteed)
- • Display brightness struggles in direct sunlight (~500 nits)
- • Video recording capped at 1080p (No 4K support)
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Which one is better?
The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is the better buy for most people - its 165Hz display crushes the TCL 50 XL 5G’s 120Hz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro if: you game frequently on your phone, need a high-refresh display for smooth visuals, or want a versatile camera setup with optical zoom. (165 Hz refresh, 5500 mAh battery)
Choose the TCL 50 XL 5G if: you want a large display for watching videos, need a budget-friendly option, or prefer a lighter device for everyday use. (120 Hz refresh, 5010 mAh battery)
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro excels if you value first rog phone with ip68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens. TCL 50 XL 5G is better if you prioritize huge 6.78-inch fhd+ 120hz display is rare for this price. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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