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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 8a vs TCL 50 XL 5G
Get the Google Pixel 8a unless you need a budget option. This mid-range phone shines with a stunning 6.1" Actua OLED display at 2,000 nits peak brightness, making it perfect for photography enthusiasts. In real-world use, the TCL 50 XL 5G's massive 6.78" display offers impressive visuals, but the Pixel 8a's superior camera and 7-year software support make it the smarter buy for most users. The lack of software updates and a mediocre camera could leave you wanting more in the long run.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 6.78"🔋 Battery: 4492 mAh vs 5010 mAh⚖️ Weight: 6.63 oz vs 6.88 oz
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Google Pixel 8a
★4.4
(1,570)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G3
Graphics:Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10
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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
Google Pixel 8a
TCL 50 XL 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel 8a
6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
TCL 50 XL 5G
6.78"Winner
Refresh Rate
Google Pixel 8a
60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
TCL 50 XL 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Google Pixel 8a
Google Tensor G3
TCL 50 XL 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
RAMKey
Google Pixel 8a
8GB LPDDR5XWinner
TCL 50 XL 5G
6GB (Plus up to 6GB Virtual RAM Expansion)
Storage
Google Pixel 8a
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
TCL 50 XL 5G
128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 2TB)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Google Pixel 8a
64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OISWinner
TCL 50 XL 5G
50MP, f/1.8, PDAF (1/2.76" sensor)
Ultra-Wide Camera
Google Pixel 8a
13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
TCL 50 XL 5G
5MP, f/2.2, 115-degree FOV
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel 8a
4,492 mAh (Typical)
TCL 50 XL 5G
5,010mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 8a
Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W)
TCL 50 XL 5G
No (Not supported)
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel 8a
6.6 oz (188 g)Winner
TCL 50 XL 5G
6.88 oz (195 g)
Dimensions
Google Pixel 8a
6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 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
Google Pixel 8a
5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; 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: Google Pixel 8a vs TCL 50 XL 5G
Google Pixel 8a
★4.4(1,570)Amazon
TCL 50 XL 5G
★4.1(19)Amazon
| Criterion | Google Pixel 8a | TCL 50 XL 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,570)Amazon | ★4.1(19)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates | 1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 15) and 2 years of security updates |
Processor | Google Tensor G3 | MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core) |
Graphics | Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR5X | 6GB (Plus up to 6GB Virtual RAM Expansion) |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 2TB) |
Display Size | 6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.78" |
Screen Type | Actua OLED Display | IPS LCD, 120Hz, NXTVISION Technology |
Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+), 430 ppi | 2460 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 60–120Hz (Smooth Display) | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak) | 500 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (HBM) |
Main Camera | 64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS | 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF (1/2.76" sensor) |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | 5MP, f/2.2, 115-degree FOV |
Telephoto Camera | N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens) | No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Depth Sensor f/2.4 |
Optical Zoom | N/A (Optical quality at 0.5x and 1x via sensor crop) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 8x Super Res Zoom | Up to 10x |
Video Recording | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p @ 30fps |
Front Camera | 13MP Front (f/2.2, 96.5° FOV), Fixed Focus | 8MP, f/2.0, 1080p @ 30fps |
Battery | 4,492 mAh (Typical) | 5,010mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Up to 18W (Adapter sold separately) | 18W Fast Charging (Charger included in box) |
Wireless Charging | Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W) | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP67 (Dust and water resistant up to 1m); Gorilla Glass 3 (front); Matte composite back; Aluminum frame | No official IP rating |
Dimensions | 6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm) | 6.60 x 2.97 x 0.32 in (167.6 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 6.6 oz (188 g) | 6.88 oz (195 g) |
Biometrics | Under-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | VPN by Google One; Titan M2 security; Gemini AI integrated; Audio Magic Eraser | Stereo speakers (DTS Sound), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot, 18W Charger included |
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Google Pixel 8a
Rating:★4.4(1,570)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G3
Graphics:Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10
RAM:8GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Actua OLED Display
Resolution:1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+), 430 ppi
Refresh Rate:60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
Peak Brightness:1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Telephoto Camera:N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens)
Optical Zoom:N/A (Optical quality at 0.5x and 1x via sensor crop)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x Super Res Zoom
Video Recording:4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Front Camera:13MP Front (f/2.2, 96.5° FOV), Fixed Focus
Battery:4,492 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 18W (Adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W)
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP67 (Dust and water resistant up to 1m); Gorilla Glass 3 (front); Matte composite back; Aluminum frame
Dimensions:6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:6.6 oz (188 g)
Biometrics:Under-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock
Extras:VPN by Google One; Titan M2 security; Gemini AI integrated; Audio Magic Eraser
✓ Pros:
- • Unmatched 7-year software support commitment in the mid-range segment
- • Bright 120Hz Actua OLED display (2,000 nits peak)
- • Flagship-grade Tensor G3 processor brings premium AI features (Magic Editor, Audio Magic Eraser)
- • Compact and comfortable design with a durable matte finish
- • Includes wireless charging (rare at this price point)
✗ Cons:
- • Charging is slow (18W wired / 7.5W wireless) compared to competitors
- • Large bezels surround the display, looking dated compared to the Pixel 8
- • Uses older Gorilla Glass 3 for screen protection
- • Optical fingerprint sensor can be slower than ultrasonic alternatives
- • Gets warm under heavy load due to Tensor G3 efficiency
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)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Which one is better?
The Google Pixel 8a is the better buy for most people - its 64MP camera crushes the TCL 50 XL 5G’s 50MP.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel 8a if: you prioritize a superior camera for photography, want longer software support with 7 years of updates, or value a premium display experience.
Choose the TCL 50 XL 5G if: you need a larger screen for gaming, prefer extended battery life for all-day usage, or want a budget-friendly device with basic features. (6.78" display, 5010 mAh battery)
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Google Pixel 8a excels if you value unmatched 7-year software support commitment in the mid-range segment. 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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