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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerTCL 50 XL 5G vs Google Pixel 7a
You'd expect the TCL 50 XL 5G to dominate with its massive display, but the Google Pixel 7a’s camera and processing power change everything. TCL 50 XL 5G is the budget option here, offering a huge 6.78-inch 120Hz display, perfect for streaming and gaming, while the Pixel 7a’s 64MP camera crushes it for photography lovers. The Pixel 7a's 8GB RAM and powerful Tensor G2 chip bring flagship-level features that elevate its functionality, especially for those who rely on AI tools and superior camera tech. The choice hinges on whether you prioritize display size or photography prowess.
📱 Display: 6.78" vs 6.1"⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 90 Hz🔋 Battery: 5010 mAh vs 4385 mAh
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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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Google Pixel 7a
★4.5
(1,343)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028)
Processor:Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
Graphics:Mali-G710 MP7
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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
TCL 50 XL 5G
Google Pixel 7a
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
TCL 50 XL 5G
6.78"Winner
Google Pixel 7a
6.1"
Refresh Rate
TCL 50 XL 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)Winner
Google Pixel 7a
90Hz (Smooth Display)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
TCL 50 XL 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
Google Pixel 7a
Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
RAMKey
TCL 50 XL 5G
6GB (Plus up to 6GB Virtual RAM Expansion)
Google Pixel 7a
8GB LPDDR5Winner
Storage
TCL 50 XL 5G
128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 2TB)
Google Pixel 7a
128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
TCL 50 XL 5G
50MP, f/1.8, PDAF (1/2.76" sensor)
Google Pixel 7a
64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8xWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
TCL 50 XL 5G
5MP, f/2.2, 115-degree FOV
Google Pixel 7a
13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
TCL 50 XL 5G
5,010mAh (Typical)Winner
Google Pixel 7a
4,385mAh (Typical)
Wireless Charging
TCL 50 XL 5G
No (Not supported)
Google Pixel 7a
7.5W Qi Wireless Charging
Design2 specs
Weight
TCL 50 XL 5G
6.88 oz (195 g)
Google Pixel 7a
6.83 oz (193.5 g)Winner
Dimensions
TCL 50 XL 5G
6.60 x 2.97 x 0.32 in (167.6 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm)
Google Pixel 7a
6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
TCL 50 XL 5G
5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
Google Pixel 7a
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), 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: TCL 50 XL 5G vs Google Pixel 7a
TCL 50 XL 5G
★4.1(19)Amazon
Google Pixel 7a
★4.5(1,343)Best Buy
| Criterion | TCL 50 XL 5G | Google Pixel 7a |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.1(19)Amazon | ★4.5(1,343)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 15) and 2 years of security updates | 3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028) |
Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core) | Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor |
Graphics | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
RAM | 6GB (Plus up to 6GB Virtual RAM Expansion) | 8GB LPDDR5 |
Storage | 128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 2TB) | 128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.78" | 6.1" |
Screen Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, NXTVISION Technology | OLED, 90Hz, HDR |
Resolution | 2460 x 1080 (FHD+) | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 429 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz (Adaptive) | 90Hz (Smooth Display) |
Peak Brightness | 500 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (HBM) | 1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF (1/2.76" sensor) | 64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 5MP, f/2.2, 115-degree FOV | 13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Depth Sensor f/2.4 | No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom |
Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom) |
Video Recording | 1080p @ 30fps | 4K @ 30/60fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps |
Front Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1080p @ 30fps | 13MP, f/2.2, 95-degree Ultrawide FOV, 4K @ 30fps |
Battery | 5,010mAh (Typical) | 4,385mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | 18W Fast Charging (Charger included in box) | 18W Fast Charging (Charger NOT included) |
Wireless Charging | No (Not supported) | 7.5W Qi Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
Durability | No official IP rating | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) |
Dimensions | 6.60 x 2.97 x 0.32 in (167.6 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm) | 6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm) |
Weight | 6.88 oz (195 g) | 6.83 oz (193.5 g) |
Biometrics | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Stereo speakers (DTS Sound), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot, 18W Charger included | Stereo speakers, Now Playing, Call Screen, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, VPN by Google One |
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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.
Check Price on Amazon→
Google Pixel 7a
Rating:★4.5(1,343)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028)
Processor:Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
Graphics:Mali-G710 MP7
RAM:8GB LPDDR5
Storage:128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable)
Display Size:6.1"
Screen Type:OLED, 90Hz, HDR
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 429 ppi
Refresh Rate:90Hz (Smooth Display)
Peak Brightness:1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom)
Video Recording:4K @ 30/60fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps
Front Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 95-degree Ultrawide FOV, 4K @ 30fps
Battery:4,385mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:18W Fast Charging (Charger NOT included)
Wireless Charging:7.5W Qi Wireless Charging
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2
Durability:IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front)
Dimensions:6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm)
Weight:6.83 oz (193.5 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers, Now Playing, Call Screen, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, VPN by Google One
✓ Pros:
- • Class-leading still photography with 64MP sensor and Google computational magic
- • Tensor G2 chip brings flagship-level AI features (Voice Typing, Magic Eraser) to mid-range
- • 90Hz OLED display is a significant upgrade over previous A-series 60Hz panels
- • Includes wireless charging (7.5W), a rarity in this price segment
- • Compact, ergonomic size with IP67 water/dust resistance
✗ Cons:
- • Charging is slow (18W wired / 7.5W wireless) compared to competitors
- • Optical fingerprint sensor can be slower/less reliable than ultrasonic ones
- • Battery life is average; Tensor G2 can run warm under load
- • Large bezels relative to screen size compared to the Pixel 8a or Galaxy S23 FE
- • Only one storage option (128GB) with no microSD expansion
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Which one is better?
The Google Pixel 7a is the better buy for most people - its 64MP camera crushes the 50MP of the TCL 50 XL 5G.
Who should buy each?
Choose the TCL 50 XL 5G if: you want a massive 6.78" display for gaming, need a longer-lasting battery with 34 hours of video playback, or prefer expandable storage with microSD support.
Choose the Google Pixel 7a if: you prioritize top-notch photography with a 64MP camera, want a compact phone with 8GB RAM for multitasking, or appreciate features like wireless charging and water resistance.
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?
TCL 50 XL 5G excels if you value huge 6.78-inch fhd+ 120hz display is rare for this price. Google Pixel 7a is better if you prioritize class-leading still photography with 64mp sensor and google computational magic. 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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