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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple iPhone 13 vs TCL 50 XL 5G
Get the TCL 50 XL 5G unless you crave the Apple ecosystem. The Apple iPhone 13 is the more premium option, primarily due to its excellent build quality and IP68 rating for water resistance. However, you'll miss out on the smoother 120Hz refresh rate that TCL offers, making scrolling and gaming a delight. The trade-off?
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 6.78"⚡ Refresh: 60 Hz vs 120 Hz🔋 Battery: 3240 mAh vs 5010 mAh
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Apple iPhone 13
★4.8
(818)•Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
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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
Apple iPhone 13
TCL 50 XL 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple iPhone 13
6.1"
TCL 50 XL 5G
6.78"Winner
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone 13
60Hz
TCL 50 XL 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)Winner
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Apple iPhone 13
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
TCL 50 XL 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
RAMKey
Apple iPhone 13
4GB LPDDR4X
TCL 50 XL 5G
6GB (Plus up to 6GB Virtual RAM Expansion)Winner
Storage
Apple iPhone 13
128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe
TCL 50 XL 5G
128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 2TB)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Apple iPhone 13
12MP Wide, f/1.6, 26mm, 1.7µm, Sensor-shift OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
TCL 50 XL 5G
50MP, f/1.8, PDAF (1/2.76" sensor)Winner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Apple iPhone 13
12MP Ultrawide, f/2.4, 13mm, 120-degree FOV
TCL 50 XL 5G
5MP, f/2.2, 115-degree FOV
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone 13
3,240mAh (approximate)
TCL 50 XL 5G
5,010mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone 13
15W MagSafe Wireless / 7.5W Qi Wireless
TCL 50 XL 5G
No (Not supported)
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple iPhone 13
6.14 oz (174 g)Winner
TCL 50 XL 5G
6.88 oz (195 g)
Dimensions
Apple iPhone 13
5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 in (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm)
TCL 50 XL 5G
6.60 x 2.97 x 0.32 in (167.6 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Apple iPhone 13
iOS
TCL 50 XL 5G
Android
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple iPhone 13
5G (Sub-6 GHz & mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, UWB
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: Apple iPhone 13 vs TCL 50 XL 5G
Apple iPhone 13
★4.8(818)Best Buy
TCL 50 XL 5G
★4.1(19)Amazon
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 13 | TCL 50 XL 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(818)Best Buy | ★4.1(19)Amazon |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021) | 1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 15) and 2 years of security updates |
Processor | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core) |
Graphics | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Mali-G57 MC2 |
RAM | 4GB LPDDR4X | 6GB (Plus up to 6GB Virtual RAM Expansion) |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe | 128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 2TB) |
Display Size | 6.1" | 6.78" |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision | IPS LCD, 120Hz, NXTVISION Technology |
Resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi) | 2460 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 800 nits (Typical) / 1,200 nits (HDR Peak) | 500 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (HBM) |
Main Camera | 12MP Wide, f/1.6, 26mm, 1.7µm, Sensor-shift OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF | 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF (1/2.76" sensor) |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultrawide, f/2.4, 13mm, 120-degree FOV | 5MP, f/2.2, 115-degree FOV |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Depth Sensor f/2.4 |
Optical Zoom | 2x Optical Zoom Out (0.5x to 1x) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 5x | Up to 10x |
Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps (Dolby Vision HDR supported); Cinematic mode (1080p @ 30fps) | 1080p @ 30fps |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth, f/2.2, 23mm, SL 3D (Biometrics) | 8MP, f/2.0, 1080p @ 30fps |
Battery | 3,240mAh (approximate) | 5,010mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | 20W+ Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning | 18W Fast Charging (Charger included in box) |
Wireless Charging | 15W MagSafe Wireless / 7.5W Qi Wireless | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6 GHz & mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, UWB | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds) | USB Type-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP68 (Maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front | No official IP rating |
Dimensions | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 in (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm) | 6.60 x 2.97 x 0.32 in (167.6 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 6.14 oz (174 g) | 6.88 oz (195 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | MagSafe ecosystem support, Stereo speakers, Dual eSIM support | Stereo speakers (DTS Sound), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot, 18W Charger included |
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Apple iPhone 13
Rating:★4.8(818)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
RAM:4GB LPDDR4X
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe
Display Size:6.1"
Screen Type:Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision
Resolution:2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi)
Refresh Rate:60Hz
Peak Brightness:800 nits (Typical) / 1,200 nits (HDR Peak)
Main Camera:12MP Wide, f/1.6, 26mm, 1.7µm, Sensor-shift OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultrawide, f/2.4, 13mm, 120-degree FOV
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:2x Optical Zoom Out (0.5x to 1x)
Digital Zoom:Up to 5x
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps (Dolby Vision HDR supported); Cinematic mode (1080p @ 30fps)
Front Camera:12MP TrueDepth, f/2.2, 23mm, SL 3D (Biometrics)
Battery:3,240mAh (approximate)
Wired Charging:20W+ Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning
Wireless Charging:15W MagSafe Wireless / 7.5W Qi Wireless
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6 GHz & mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, UWB
USB:Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds)
Durability:IP68 (Maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front
Dimensions:5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 in (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm)
Weight:6.14 oz (174 g)
Biometrics:Face ID
Extras:MagSafe ecosystem support, Stereo speakers, Dual eSIM support
✓ Pros:
- • Excellent build quality with Ceramic Shield and IP68 rating
- • Strong battery life for its size (beat many Android competitors at launch)
- • A15 Bionic chip remains highly capable for everyday tasks and gaming
- • High-quality video recording with Dolby Vision HDR
- • Compact and lightweight 6.1-inch form factor
✗ Cons:
- • Stuck on 60Hz refresh rate (Competitors offer 120Hz)
- • Uses proprietary Lightning port instead of universal USB-C
- • Charging speed is relatively slow (Max ~20-23W)
- • No telephoto lens for optical zoom
- • Cinematic Mode video is limited to 1080p (Pro models support 4K)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
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?
Grab the iPhone 13 if you prioritize build quality and water resistance - it's lighter at 6.14oz and features Apple's renowned ecosystem.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 13 if: you need a compact design at 6.1", value a premium build with IP68 water resistance, or want long-term software support with 6+ years of updates.
Choose the TCL 50 XL 5G if: you watch videos for hours on end and need a 5,010mAh battery, love a huge 6.78" display for gaming, or want more RAM at 6GB for multitasking.
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?
Apple iPhone 13 excels if you value excellent build quality with ceramic shield and ip68 rating. 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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