TCL 20 Pro 5G test: a successful test run!

What surprises in the first place about this TCL 20 Pro 5G is its particularly successful design. The device is rather thin (9 mm), large with a beautiful curved screen, but above all sports photo sensors that are an integral part of the body of the device: no prominent islands and “wobbliness” when the device finds itself placed on a table. Ringed in metal, but with a polypropylene back, it attracts less fingerprints than its little friends. As on 95% of Xiaomi devices, we will find an infrared transmitter to transform the device into a universal remote control and a jack on the upper edge. At the bottom, the nano SIM card drawer also has a mixed slot where you can add storage space to the 256 GB already available. In the box, you will find a transparent shell and the 18 W charger. Please note that the TCL 20 Pro is not waterproof, but still offers IP54 protection against splashes and splashes. The device is equipped with an under-screen fingerprint sensor which is sometimes a bit temperamental.

A magnificent screen, but average performance

On the screen side, TCL was expected at the turn, which is one of the new leaders in the UHD TV market. First surprise, the refresh is only 60 Hz while many devices half the price offer 90 Hz. Second surprise, the curved screen does not display its pixels from edge to edge. It’s nice in the hand, but when you look closer, you realize that there are slight black bands on each side. For the rest it’s all good. The 6.67-inch (16.9 cm) screen offers impeccable reading with its AMOLED FHD+ technology. Stronger, TCL offers its NXT Vision technology which makes it possible to transform SDR content into HDR for striking contrasts.

The colorimetry is also configurable: Brilliant, Natural, Standard and even Advanced with three more settings (including Display P3) and an “à la carte” mode for tailor-made warmth. There’s even adaptive tone to change settings on the fly depending on the brightness. The screen is certainly one of the strengths of the device. To offer a 5G device with such a nice screen, TCL necessarily had to save money on the SoC. We will therefore not find a Qualcomm series 8, but a Snapdragon 750G which also equips the Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite or the OnePlus Nord CE: devices released at the end of 2020… With 6 GB of RAM, the device is therefore not a war lightning, but still very good in most uses. The latest 3D games with full settings won’t play, but otherwise it’s okay.

A convincing Sony photo sensor

When it comes to photography, we’re still skeptical about using depth-of-field and macro sensors since both of these gadgets can clearly be handled by the primary lens. We also see that the macro shots are mediocre (as often) and that the portraits are good, but nothing more. The ultra wide-angle gives very good results even if it will be necessary to avoid subjecting it to poor light conditions (as often, again). As for the main lens, it’s a 48-megapixel Sony IMX582 (f/1.79 aperture) with optical stabilization. TCL does not activate HDR by default and the rendering is rather natural without heavy post-processing. It is quite pleasing to the eye and good in all circumstances. Of course, in rare extreme cases there may be misfires (like in backlighting for example), but in optimal condition it is excellent. When the light is lacking, the shots pull a little towards the yellow, but really nothing unsightly.

Without a telephoto lens, the TCL 20 Pro 5G still offers an adjustable zoom. If from x2 to x5, the results are very satisfactory (thanks to the stabilization), beyond that it becomes a bit complicated to have a good shot because of the pixelation. The Super Night mode fulfills its function very well even if there are small problems with artificial light sources. Depending on the angle of view, you will notice slight halos. In the end we can say that this wide-angle sensor largely saves the bet on the photo part.

To end with this chapter, note that the front sensor for 32 MP selfies captures beautiful photos, but be careful with the orientation of the light sources… The TCL 20 Pro 5G does not allow you to take movies in 4K at 60 fps, but stops at 30. For better fluidity, Full HD is preferred.

A long-lasting battery, but not very fast charging

The battery of the TCL 20 Pro 5G prose a power of 4500 mAh which is more than enough to do more than a day and a half without going through a power outlet. On the other hand, the 18 W fast charge is not very disappointing when you know that the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro, which still costs much less, offers 67 W and that most entry-level devices are at 33 W in 2022… Count 1 hour 25 to pass the gauge from 6 to 100%. 15 W wireless charging is included, as is reverse charging. On the OS side, the TCL 20 Pro 5G was released under Android 11, but it upgraded to Android 12 last month with its TCL UI 4 overlay. No big upheaval for those used to stock versions of the system.

Our Verdict:

The Chinese firm arrived like a hair in the soup with its smartphones and in the end its TCL 20 Pro 5G does not really disappoint. Certainly the fast charge is lacking and the chip is a bit dated, but the screen is magnificent, the photo part is complete with a quality main lens and the design is really successful. And then Android 12 is in the game, which doesn’t spoil anything. Released at 550 €, it can now be found for much less. If you are seduced by its look…

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