Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs TCL 50 XL 5G
If you're after the best, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the flagship option that crushes the TCL 50 XL 5G in camera quality and performance. With a stunning 200MP camera and a custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, it's designed for those who want top-tier functionality. So what does this mean for you? If you're considering an upgrade or just a new phone in 2026, let's break down the key differences and see which fits your needs best.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

TCL 50 XL 5G
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+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: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs TCL 50 XL 5G

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

TCL 50 XL 5G
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | TCL 50 XL 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,332)Best Buy | ★4.1(19)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates | 1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 15) and 2 years of security updates |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core) |
Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno 740 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
RAM | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5X | 6GB (Plus up to 6GB Virtual RAM Expansion) |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0) | 128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 2TB) |
Display Size | 6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.78" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display | IPS LCD, 120Hz, NXTVISION Technology |
Resolution | 3088 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 500 ppi | 2460 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1,750 nits (Peak) | 500 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (HBM) |
Main Camera | 200MP Wide (f/1.7, 85° FOV), Laser AF, OIS | 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF (1/2.76" sensor) |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | 5MP, f/2.2, 115-degree FOV |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4) + 10MP Periscope (10x optical, f/4.9); OIS | No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Depth Sensor f/2.4 |
Optical Zoom | 3x, 10x Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 100x Space Zoom | Up to 10x |
Video Recording | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps | 1080p @ 30fps |
Front Camera | 12MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), Dual Pixel AF | 8MP, f/2.0, 1080p @ 30fps |
Battery | 5,000 mAh (Typical) | 5,010mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Up to 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 (Adapter sold separately) | 18W Fast Charging (Charger included in box) |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP68 (Water resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | No official IP rating |
Dimensions | 6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm) | 6.60 x 2.97 x 0.32 in (167.6 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 8.25 oz (234 g) | 6.88 oz (195 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Integrated S Pen (2.8ms latency); Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox | Stereo speakers (DTS Sound), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot, 18W Charger included |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
✓ Pros:
- • Class-leading 200MP main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom
- • Custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy provides top-tier performance
- • Excellent battery life with 5,000mAh capacity
- • Integrated S Pen adds unique productivity features
- • Premium build with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and IP68 rating
✗ Cons:
- • Slow charging speed (45W) compared to competitors
- • Large and heavy (8.25 oz) form factor is difficult for one-handed use
- • Expensive starting price
- • No microSD card slot for expandable storage
- • Included USB cable is only USB 2.0 despite port supporting 3.2
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

TCL 50 XL 5G
✓ 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.
Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the better buy for most people - its 200MP camera crushes the TCL 50 XL 5G's 50MP. That said, grab the TCL 50 XL 5G if you want to save money - it's significantly lighter at 6.88oz and offers excellent value for casual users.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra if: you want the best camera for photography, need top performance for gaming, or appreciate premium build quality. (6.8" display, 5000 mAh battery)
Choose the TCL 50 XL 5G if: you need a massive display for media consumption, prefer a budget-friendly option, or want expandable storage with a microSD card. (6.78" display, 5010 mAh battery)
Conclusion
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and TCL 50 XL 5G are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra excels if you value class-leading 200mp main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom. 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
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.
