TCL is now dipping its toes into the smartphone waters with the 10L and 10 Pro. Two budget-oriented smartphones that look surprisingly compelling.
TCL, still better known for mid-range TVs, is now dipping its toes into the smartphone waters with the 10L and 10 Pro — two budget-oriented smartphones that look surprisingly compelling.
Originally showcased at CES 2020, these are part of TCL’s grand plans to become a mainstay in the Android space. Although both are budget devices, they are distinctly different, thanks to sizeable price disparity. They join the budget TCL Plex that was released in selected markets earlier this year, too.
The TCL 10L comes in at a manageable $249, while the 10 Pro doesn’t break the bank at $449. From the outset, you get quite a good helping of “modern smartphone” for both of those relatively low entry fees.
With that in mind, if you are shopping for a new smartphone on a restricted budget, the TCL 10 series might be grabbing your attention from the get-go. We’ve spent a few short days with both handsets to give you our first impressions.
The TCL 10L and 10 Pro share plenty of traits, but it’s the more expensive Pro model that catches the eye. It comes with a fit and finish that is often expected of more “premium” devices. The curved FHD+ 6.47-inch AMOLED display is bright, vibrant, and stretches from edge-to-edge.
It feels slightly out of place when you consider the price, as my initial impressions are that this is a fantastic display so far. As for the 10L, it is more modest. The 6.53-inch LCD display is obviously not quite as vibrant, but being flat rather than curved, it’s more comfortable to use without the potential for phantom touches and taps.
