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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) vs TCL 50 XL 5G
The showdown between Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) and TCL 50 XL 5G is eye-opening, particularly when it comes to display size: 6.78" vs 4.7". The TCL 50 XL 5G is clearly the better choice for media consumption and gaming, thanks to its massive screen and 120Hz refresh rate, making everything from scrolling to gaming feel incredibly smooth. The Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) may be your ticket into the Apple ecosystem,. What's more, the TCL includes an 18W charger right in the box, adding extra value to your purchase.
📱 Display: 4.7" vs 6.78"⚡ Refresh: 60 Hz vs 120 Hz🔋 Battery: 2018 mAh vs 5010 mAh
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
★4.5
(225)•Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
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 SE (3rd Gen)
TCL 50 XL 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
4.7"
TCL 50 XL 5G
6.78"Winner
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
60Hz
TCL 50 XL 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)Winner
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
TCL 50 XL 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
RAMKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
4GB
TCL 50 XL 5G
6GB (Plus up to 6GB Virtual RAM Expansion)Winner
Storage
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
TCL 50 XL 5G
128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 2TB)Winner
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x
TCL 50 XL 5G
50MP, f/1.8, PDAF (1/2.76" sensor)Winner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
No (Not supported)
TCL 50 XL 5G
5MP, f/2.2, 115-degree FOV
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
2,018mAh (Approximate)
TCL 50 XL 5G
5,010mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment)
TCL 50 XL 5G
No (Not supported)
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5.09 oz (144 g)Winner
TCL 50 XL 5G
6.88 oz (195 g)
Dimensions
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 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 SE (3rd Gen)
iOS
TCL 50 XL 5G
Android
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, 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: Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) vs TCL 50 XL 5G
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
★4.5(225)Best Buy
TCL 50 XL 5G
★4.1(19)Amazon
| Criterion | Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) | TCL 50 XL 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(225)Best Buy | ★4.1(19)Amazon |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022) | 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 | 6GB (Plus up to 6GB Virtual RAM Expansion) |
Storage | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe | 128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 2TB) |
Display Size | 4.7" | 6.78" |
Screen Type | Retina HD LCD (IPS) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, NXTVISION Technology |
Resolution | 1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi) | 2460 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 625 nits (Typical) | 500 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (HBM) |
Main Camera | 12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x | 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF (1/2.76" sensor) |
Ultra-Wide Camera | No (Not supported) | 5MP, f/2.2, 115-degree FOV |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Depth Sensor f/2.4 |
Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 5x | Up to 10x |
Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps | 1080p @ 30fps |
Front Camera | 7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps | 8MP, f/2.0, 1080p @ 30fps |
Battery | 2,018mAh (Approximate) | 5,010mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | 20W Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning | 18W Fast Charging (Charger included in box) |
Wireless Charging | 7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment) | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC | 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 | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass | No official IP rating |
Dimensions | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm) | 6.60 x 2.97 x 0.32 in (167.6 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 5.09 oz (144 g) | 6.88 oz (195 g) |
Biometrics | Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button) | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support | Stereo speakers (DTS Sound), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot, 18W Charger included |
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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Rating:★4.5(225)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
RAM:4GB
Storage:64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Display Size:4.7"
Screen Type:Retina HD LCD (IPS)
Resolution:1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi)
Refresh Rate:60Hz
Peak Brightness:625 nits (Typical)
Main Camera:12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x
Ultra-Wide Camera:No (Not supported)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 5x
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps
Front Camera:7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps
Battery:2,018mAh (Approximate)
Wired Charging:20W Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning
Wireless Charging:7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
USB:Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds)
Durability:IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass
Dimensions:5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm)
Weight:5.09 oz (144 g)
Biometrics:Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button)
Extras:Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support
✓ Pros:
- • Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem
- • Compact and lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
- • A15 Bionic chip provides flagship-level performance for the price
- • Retains the classic Touch ID Home button (preferred by some users)
- • IP67 water resistance rating is rare in the budget category
✗ Cons:
- • Dated design with thick top and bottom bezels
- • Small 4.7-inch LCD screen lacks the vibrancy of OLED competitors
- • Base storage starts at a low 64GB
- • No Night Mode for the camera (struggles in low light)
- • Lacks 5G mmWave support (Sub-6 GHz only) unlike main iPhone models
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.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The TCL 50 XL 5G is the better buy for most people - its massive 6.78" display crushes the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen). That said, grab the iPhone SE if you prefer iOS and want a compact phone weighing just 5.09 oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) if: you want a lightweight phone at 5.09 oz, you prefer iOS and the Apple ecosystem, or you value the classic Touch ID design.
Choose the TCL 50 XL 5G if: you need a huge 6.78" display for gaming, you want a longer-lasting 5010mAh battery, or you appreciate 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 SE (3rd Gen) excels if you value most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem. 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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