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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple iPhone 17 Pro vs TCL 50 XL 5G
In real-world use, the decision often comes down to whether you need that premium experience or can live with a solid budget model. The Apple iPhone 17 Pro boasts a stunning 6.3-inch display with a peak brightness of 3000 nits, perfect for outdoor use. On the flip side, the TCL 50 XL 5G features a larger 6.78-inch FHD+ display, but it only hits 550 nits, making it less effective in direct sunlight. You'll appreciate the vibrant visuals of the iPhone if you consume a lot of media outdoors.
📱 Display: 6.3" vs 6.78"🔋 Battery: 4252 mAh vs 5010 mAh⚖️ Weight: 7.27 oz vs 6.88 oz
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro
★4.8
(108)•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 A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine; hardware-accelerated ray tracing)
Graphics:Apple 6-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro)
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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 17 Pro
TCL 50 XL 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
6.3" (6.27" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
TCL 50 XL 5G
6.78"Winner
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display
TCL 50 XL 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine; hardware-accelerated ray tracing)
TCL 50 XL 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
RAMKey
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
12 GB (LPDDR5X)Winner
TCL 50 XL 5G
6GB (Plus up to 6GB Virtual RAM Expansion)
Storage
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB (NVMe)Winner
TCL 50 XL 5G
128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 2TB)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
48MP Fusion Main (24 mm, f/1.6), second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP)
TCL 50 XL 5G
50MP, f/1.8, PDAF (1/2.76" sensor)Winner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
48MP Fusion Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), Hybrid Focus Pixels, 48MP macro photography
TCL 50 XL 5G
5MP, f/2.2, 115-degree FOV
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
4252 mAh (Li-ion, eSIM model); Up to 33 hours video playback (30 hours streamed)
TCL 50 XL 5G
5,010mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W; Qi up to 7.5W
TCL 50 XL 5G
No (Not supported)
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
7.27 oz (206 g)
TCL 50 XL 5G
6.88 oz (195 g)Winner
Dimensions
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
5.89" x 2.81" x 0.32" (149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25 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 17 Pro
iOS
TCL 50 XL 5G
Android
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 6.0; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; 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 17 Pro vs TCL 50 XL 5G
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
★4.8(108)Best Buy
TCL 50 XL 5G
★4.1(19)Amazon
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 17 Pro | TCL 50 XL 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(108)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 A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine; hardware-accelerated ray tracing) | MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core) |
Graphics | Apple 6-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro) | Mali-G57 MC2 |
RAM | 12 GB (LPDDR5X) | 6GB (Plus up to 6GB Virtual RAM Expansion) |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB (NVMe) | 128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 2TB) |
Display Size | 6.3" (6.27" 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 | 2622 x 1206 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); 3000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum | 500 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (HBM) |
Main Camera | 48MP Fusion Main (24 mm, f/1.6), second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) | 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF (1/2.76" sensor) |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), Hybrid Focus Pixels, 48MP macro photography | 5MP, f/2.2, 115-degree FOV |
Telephoto Camera | 48MP Fusion Telephoto (100 mm, 4x, f/2.8), tetraprism design, 3D sensor-shift OIS, autofocus; enables 12MP optical-quality 8x zoom (200 mm equivalent) | No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Depth Sensor f/2.4 |
Optical Zoom | 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x optical-quality zoom steps (16x optical zoom range) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 40x | Up to 10x |
Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60/100/120 fps (Fusion Main); ProRes up to 4K at 120 fps with external recording; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps | 1080p @ 30fps |
Front Camera | 18MP Center Stage (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps | 8MP, f/2.0, 1080p @ 30fps |
Battery | 4252 mAh (Li-ion, eSIM model); Up to 33 hours video playback (30 hours streamed) | 5,010mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~20 minutes with 40W adapter or higher | 18W Fast Charging (Charger included in box) |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W; Qi up to 7.5W | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 6.0; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB-C connector with USB 3 speeds (up to 10 Gb/s); Native DisplayPort output | USB Type-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield 2 front; Ceramic Shield back; Aerospace-grade aluminum unibody (with internal vapor chamber) | No official IP rating |
Dimensions | 5.89" x 2.81" x 0.32" (149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25 mm) | 6.60 x 2.97 x 0.32 in (167.6 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 7.27 oz (206 g) | 6.88 oz (195 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite | Stereo speakers (DTS Sound), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot, 18W Charger included |
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Rating:★4.8(108)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 A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine; hardware-accelerated ray tracing)
Graphics:Apple 6-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro)
RAM:12 GB (LPDDR5X)
Storage:256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB (NVMe)
Display Size:6.3" (6.27" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution:2622 x 1206 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); 3000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum
Main Camera:48MP Fusion Main (24 mm, f/1.6), second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP)
Ultra-Wide Camera:48MP Fusion Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), Hybrid Focus Pixels, 48MP macro photography
Telephoto Camera:48MP Fusion Telephoto (100 mm, 4x, f/2.8), tetraprism design, 3D sensor-shift OIS, autofocus; enables 12MP optical-quality 8x zoom (200 mm equivalent)
Optical Zoom:0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x optical-quality zoom steps (16x optical zoom range)
Digital Zoom:Up to 40x
Video Recording:4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60/100/120 fps (Fusion Main); ProRes up to 4K at 120 fps with external recording; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps
Front Camera:18MP Center Stage (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps
Battery:4252 mAh (Li-ion, eSIM model); Up to 33 hours video playback (30 hours streamed)
Wired Charging:USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~20 minutes with 40W adapter or higher
Wireless Charging:MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W; Qi up to 7.5W
Connectivity:5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 6.0; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode
USB:USB-C connector with USB 3 speeds (up to 10 Gb/s); Native DisplayPort output
Durability:IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield 2 front; Ceramic Shield back; Aerospace-grade aluminum unibody (with internal vapor chamber)
Dimensions:5.89" x 2.81" x 0.32" (149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25 mm)
Weight:7.27 oz (206 g)
Biometrics:Face ID
Extras:Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite
✓ Pros:
- • Brightest 6.3-inch display ever (3000 nits peak outdoor)
- • Triple 48MP camera system with new 4x tetraprism telephoto
- • A19 Pro chip with 12GB RAM and vapor chamber cooling
- • Excellent battery life (up to 33 hours video playback)
- • Fast 40W wired charging and 25W wireless charging
✗ Cons:
- • Charging requires purchasing a 40W+ adapter separately for max speed
- • No physical SIM tray (eSIM only in US models)
- • Telephoto aperture (f/2.8) is narrower than the main lens, impacting low-light zoom
- • Heavier than the standard iPhone 17
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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 Apple iPhone 17 Pro is the better buy for most people - its 3000 nits peak brightness crushes the TCL 50 XL 5G's 550 nits.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 17 Pro if: you need the brightest display at 3000 nits for outdoor use, you take a lot of photos with its triple 48MP camera system, or you want a premium build quality.
Choose the TCL 50 XL 5G if: you want a huge 6.78-inch display for gaming, you need a budget-friendly option that includes a charger, or you prefer expandable storage with microSD support.
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple iPhone 17 Pro excels if you value brightest 6.3-inch display ever (3000 nits peak outdoor). 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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