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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple iPhone 14 Pro Max vs TCL 50 XL 5G
If you're torn between the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max and the TCL 50 XL 5G, the iPhone wins for serious photography and video recording with 4K capabilities. In real-world usage, the iPhone 14 Pro Max's superior camera and performance shine through, especially with its 48MP main sensor and A16 Bionic chip.
📱 Display: 6.7" vs 6.78"🔋 Battery: 4323 mAh vs 5010 mAh⚖️ Weight: 8.47 oz vs 6.88 oz
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Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
★4.4
(250)•Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A16 Bionic chip (4nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic)
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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 14 Pro Max
TCL 50 XL 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
6.7" (6.69" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
TCL 50 XL 5G
6.78"Winner
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display
TCL 50 XL 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Apple A16 Bionic chip (4nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
TCL 50 XL 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
RAMKey
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
6 GB (LPDDR5)
TCL 50 XL 5G
6GB (Plus up to 6GB Virtual RAM Expansion)
Storage
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe)
TCL 50 XL 5G
128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 2TB)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
48MP Main (24 mm, f/1.78), second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels
TCL 50 XL 5G
50MP, f/1.8, PDAF (1/2.76" sensor)Winner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), 100% Focus Pixels, Macro photography support
TCL 50 XL 5G
5MP, f/2.2, 115-degree FOV
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
4323 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 29 hours video playback (25 hours streamed)
TCL 50 XL 5G
5,010mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
MagSafe up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W
TCL 50 XL 5G
No (Not supported)
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
8.47 oz (240 g)
TCL 50 XL 5G
6.88 oz (195 g)Winner
Dimensions
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
6.33" x 3.06" x 0.31" (160.7 x 77.6 x 7.85 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 14 Pro Max
iOS
TCL 50 XL 5G
Android
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (First-generation); NFC with reader mode
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 14 Pro Max vs TCL 50 XL 5G
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
★4.4(250)Best Buy
TCL 50 XL 5G
★4.1(19)Amazon
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max | TCL 50 XL 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(250)Best Buy | ★4.1(19)Amazon |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades | 1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 15) and 2 years of security updates |
Processor | Apple A16 Bionic chip (4nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core) |
Graphics | Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic) | Mali-G57 MC2 |
RAM | 6 GB (LPDDR5) | 6GB (Plus up to 6GB Virtual RAM Expansion) |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe) | 128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 2TB) |
Display Size | 6.7" (6.69" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) | 6.78" |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | IPS LCD, 120Hz, NXTVISION Technology |
Resolution | 2796 x 1290 pixels (460 ppi) | 2460 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor) | 500 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (HBM) |
Main Camera | 48MP Main (24 mm, f/1.78), second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels | 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF (1/2.76" sensor) |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), 100% Focus Pixels, Macro photography support | 5MP, f/2.2, 115-degree FOV |
Telephoto Camera | 12MP 3x Telephoto (77 mm, f/2.8), optical image stabilization, 6-element lens | No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Depth Sensor f/2.4 |
Optical Zoom | 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 3x optical zoom steps (6x optical zoom range) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 15x | Up to 10x |
Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps; ProRes video recording up to 4K at 30 fps (1080p at 30 fps for 128GB storage) | 1080p @ 30fps |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps | 8MP, f/2.0, 1080p @ 30fps |
Battery | 4323 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 29 hours video playback (25 hours streamed) | 5,010mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Lightning; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher | 18W Fast Charging (Charger included in box) |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (First-generation); NFC with reader mode | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | Lightning connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s) | USB Type-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front; Surgical-grade stainless steel; Textured matte glass back | No official IP rating |
Dimensions | 6.33" x 3.06" x 0.31" (160.7 x 77.6 x 7.85 mm) | 6.60 x 2.97 x 0.32 in (167.6 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 8.47 oz (240 g) | 6.88 oz (195 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Dynamic Island; Always-On display; LiDAR Scanner; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Ring/Silent switch | Stereo speakers (DTS Sound), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot, 18W Charger included |
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Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Rating:★4.4(250)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A16 Bionic chip (4nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic)
RAM:6 GB (LPDDR5)
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe)
Display Size:6.7" (6.69" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution:2796 x 1290 pixels (460 ppi)
Refresh Rate:Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display
Peak Brightness:1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor)
Main Camera:48MP Main (24 mm, f/1.78), second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), 100% Focus Pixels, Macro photography support
Telephoto Camera:12MP 3x Telephoto (77 mm, f/2.8), optical image stabilization, 6-element lens
Optical Zoom:0.5x, 1x, 2x, 3x optical zoom steps (6x optical zoom range)
Digital Zoom:Up to 15x
Video Recording:4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps; ProRes video recording up to 4K at 30 fps (1080p at 30 fps for 128GB storage)
Front Camera:12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps
Battery:4323 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 29 hours video playback (25 hours streamed)
Wired Charging:Lightning; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher
Wireless Charging:MagSafe up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W
Connectivity:5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (First-generation); NFC with reader mode
USB:Lightning connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s)
Durability:IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front; Surgical-grade stainless steel; Textured matte glass back
Dimensions:6.33" x 3.06" x 0.31" (160.7 x 77.6 x 7.85 mm)
Weight:8.47 oz (240 g)
Biometrics:Face ID
Extras:Dynamic Island; Always-On display; LiDAR Scanner; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Ring/Silent switch
✓ Pros:
- • First iPhone to introduce the Dynamic Island interface
- • Excellent battery life (4323 mAh), still competitive with newer models
- • Bright 120Hz ProMotion display with Always-On functionality
- • Premium stainless steel build feels more substantial than aluminum models
- • Versatile camera system with 3x optical zoom and macro mode
✗ Cons:
- • Uses the obsolete Lightning port instead of USB-C
- • Significantly heavier (240 g) than the newer Titanium 'Pro Max' models
- • Wi-Fi 6 is slower than the Wi-Fi 6E/7 found in newer iPhones
- • No support for newer Qi2 wireless charging standard (limited to 7.5W on generic Qi)
- • Repair costs for the back glass are higher compared to iPhone 15/16 series
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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 Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is the better buy for most people - its 4K video recording capability crushes the TCL 50 XL 5G's 1080p limit. That said, grab the TCL 50 XL 5G if you want to save money.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max if: you shoot high-quality videos in 4K, need a versatile camera setup with a 48MP sensor, or want a robust ecosystem with long software support.
Choose the TCL 50 XL 5G if: you want a huge display for streaming media, prefer a budget-friendly price, or need a battery that lasts over a day. (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?
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max excels if you value first iphone to introduce the dynamic island interface. 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.
Affiliate disclosure
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