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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 16, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerTCL 50 XL 5G vs Apple iPhone 16
If you are torn between TCL 50 XL 5G and Apple iPhone 16, this breakdown is for you. We compare specs, pros, and cons so you can decide confidently.
Ratings: 4.1★ vs 4.8★
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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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Apple iPhone 16
★4.8
(219)•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 A18 (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU (A18)
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Comparison: TCL 50 XL 5G vs Apple iPhone 16
TCL 50 XL 5G
★4.1(19)Amazon
Apple iPhone 16
★4.8(219)Best Buy
| Criterion | TCL 50 XL 5G | Apple iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.1(19)Amazon | ★4.8(219)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | iOS |
Software Support | 1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 15) and 2 years of security updates | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades |
Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core) | Apple A18 (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) |
Graphics | Mali-G57 MC2 | Apple 5-core GPU (A18) |
RAM | 6GB (Plus up to 6GB Virtual RAM Expansion) | 8 GB |
Storage | 128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 2TB) | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe) |
Display Size | 6.78" | 6.1" (6.12" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) |
Screen Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, NXTVISION Technology | Super Retina XDR OLED |
Resolution | 2460 x 1080 (FHD+) | 2556 x 1179 pixels (460 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz (Adaptive) | 60 Hz |
Peak Brightness | 500 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (HBM) | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum |
Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF (1/2.76" sensor) | 48MP Fusion (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 5MP, f/2.2, 115-degree FOV | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), 100% Focus Pixels, Macro photography support |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Depth Sensor f/2.4 | No dedicated telephoto lens; 12MP 2x Telephoto enabled by 48MP Fusion sensor (52 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift OIS |
Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) | 0.5x, 1x, 2x optical-quality zoom steps (4x optical zoom range) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | Up to 10x |
Video Recording | 1080p @ 30fps | 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 |
Front Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1080p @ 30fps | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps |
Battery | 5,010mAh (Typical) | 3561 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback |
Wired Charging | 18W Fast Charging (Charger included in box) | USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher |
Wireless Charging | No (Not supported) | MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode |
USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB-C connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s); Native DisplayPort output |
Durability | No official IP rating | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front (latest generation); Aerospace-grade aluminum; Color-infused glass back |
Dimensions | 6.60 x 2.97 x 0.32 in (167.6 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm) | 5.81" x 2.82" x 0.31" (147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80 mm) |
Weight | 6.88 oz (195 g) | 6.00 oz (170 g) |
Biometrics | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock | Face ID |
Extras | Stereo speakers (DTS Sound), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot, 18W Charger included | Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite |
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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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Apple iPhone 16
Rating:★4.8(219)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 A18 (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU (A18)
RAM:8 GB
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe)
Display Size:6.1" (6.12" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution:2556 x 1179 pixels (460 ppi)
Refresh Rate:60 Hz
Peak Brightness:1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum
Main Camera:48MP Fusion (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP)
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), 100% Focus Pixels, Macro photography support
Telephoto Camera:No dedicated telephoto lens; 12MP 2x Telephoto enabled by 48MP Fusion sensor (52 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift OIS
Optical Zoom:0.5x, 1x, 2x optical-quality zoom steps (4x optical zoom range)
Digital Zoom: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
Front Camera:12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps
Battery:3561 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback
Wired Charging:USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher
Wireless Charging:MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 15W; 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 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode
USB:USB-C connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s); Native DisplayPort output
Durability:IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front (latest generation); Aerospace-grade aluminum; Color-infused glass back
Dimensions:5.81" x 2.82" x 0.31" (147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80 mm)
Weight:6.00 oz (170 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:
- • A18 chip with 8GB RAM specifically optimized for Apple Intelligence
- • 48MP Fusion camera enables optical-quality 2x telephoto crop
- • Added Macro photography support to the non-Pro lineup
- • MagSafe charging speed increased to 25W (requires 30W adapter)
- • New physical Camera Control and Action buttons added
✗ Cons:
- • Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion 120 Hz)
- • USB-C port limited to USB 2.0 data transfer speeds (480 Mb/s)
- • No dedicated telephoto lens (zoom beyond 2x is digital)
- • Always-On display feature is omitted
- • No physical SIM tray in US models (eSIM only)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
Based on ratings and feature balance, Apple iPhone 16 has a slight edge for overall satisfaction. TCL 50 XL 5G remains a strong alternative if its strengths match your needs.
Who should buy each?
For performance and polish: TCL 50 XL 5G (Huge 6.78-inch FHD+ 120Hz display is rare for this price, Includes 18W charger, cable, and sometimes a case in the box)
For value or versatility: Apple iPhone 16 (A18 chip with 8GB RAM specifically optimized for Apple Intelligence, 48MP Fusion camera enables optical-quality 2x telephoto crop)
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?
TCL 50 XL 5G excels if you value huge 6.78-inch fhd+ 120hz display is rare for this price. Apple iPhone 16 is better if you prioritize a18 chip with 8gb ram specifically optimized for apple intelligence. 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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