TCL
TCL Brings Two NXTPAPER Phones to US Carriers
After several years of promoting its NXTPAPER matte-display technology, TCL has finally landed two different NXTPAPER phone models with US carriers. Spectrum Mobile is now offering the TCL 50 XE NXTPAPER 5G for $150, while regional carrier C Spire is now offering the TCL 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G for $200. Verizon already offers the glossy-screen version of the 50 XE, and Metro offers the glossy-screen version of the 50 XL. The NXTPAPER versions are identical, save the display technology. Both models have a 50 megapixel camera, MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ 5G chipset, 5,010 mAh battery, and NFC. The XL model differs mostly in having a larger 6.8-inch display with FHD+ resolution, and more RAM (6 GB instead of 4). According to TCL, "NXTPAPER 3.0 display technology ... provides enhanced eye comfort while preserving vibrant colors. Both smartphones perfectly balance high refresh rate performance and a comfortable viewing experience".
Hands On with the TCL 50 XE NXTPAPER 5G
TCL has been showing off prototype phones with its "NXTPAPER" matte-display technology for a while now, but now one is actually going on sale in the US. The TCL 50 XE 5G comes in two flavors: with or without the NXTPAPER display. The display is the only difference, so this hands-on also applies to the TCL 50 XE 5G. The model with the regular display was just launched on Verizon Prepaid, while the NXTPAPER version is sold unlocked by TCL. So, what's the phone like in person? What's the NXTPAPER display like? Read on for our impressions.
Verizon Prepaid Intros Another 5G Phone Under $100
The TCL 50 XE 5G is now available on Verizon Prepaid, the second 5G phone available from Verizon Prepaid for under $100, following the Motorola moto g 5G (2024). The 50 XE has a 6.6-inch display with 90 Hz refresh, 5,010 mAh battery, 18-watt fast charging (charger included), 50 megapixel camera, NFC, and a fingerprint reader. It's powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset with 4 GB RAM and 128 GB storage (expandable). TCL will also be offering the 50 XE 5G unlocked in the US in a NXTPAPER edition with its unique matte display technology. Verizon Prepaid also recently added the TCL 50 LE, a 4G entry-level phone for just $80.
TCL Previews 2024 Phones, Including Two with Matte Displays
TCL today announced its 50 series of devices, including five new phones for the US. The TCL 50 XE 5G and TCL 50 XL 5G are mid-range 5G phones with 6.6- and 6.8-inch displays, respectively. Both have a 5,010 mAh battery, 50 megapixel triple-camera system, and dual speakers. They come with 128 GB storage and 4–8 GB of RAM. Both are available with either a standard LCD display or TCL's NXTPAPER display technology with a matte finish and a number of other eye-comfort features. Those variants are dubbed the TCL 50 XE NXTPAPER 5G and TCL 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G. Finally, the TCL 50 LE is a more affordable 4G phone destined for prepaid carriers in the US. It has a 6.6-inch display, 4,000 mAh battery, 13 megapixel camera, and dual speakers. It comes with 64 GB of storage and 4–8 GB RAM. TCL is previewing the phones at CES this week, but will reveal more details at the MWC trade show in a few weeks.
TCL Brings NXTPAPER Display Tech to Phones
TCL has announced a new line of phones that employ NXTPAPER, the company's unique display technology that attempts to offer a "full color paper-like visual experience". Most obviously, the displays have an anti-reflective matte finish. A total of ten extra layers provide various benefits, including reducing disruptive blue light. NXTPAPER has been available in tablets and laptops, but these are the first phones to use the technology. TCL showed off a prototype NXTPAPER phone at this year's CES trade show. (We published a hands-on report.) The two NXTPAPER phones just announced are the 4G TCL 40 NXTPAPER and the TCL 40 NXTPAPER 5G. The 5G model has a 6.6-inch HD+ display, 50 megapixel main camera, MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset, 6 GB RAM, 256 GB of storage, 5,000 mAh battery, and NFC. The 4G model, while cheaper, has upgraded specs in some areas, including 8 GB RAM, 6.78-inch FHD+ display, faster fast charging, and a better (32MP) front camera. An optional stylus and stylus case are also available. Both models are launching in Europe over the next two months. According to TCL, "details on U.S. availability will be shared in early 2024."
Hands On with TCL's $120 5G Phone
TCL has a new affordable 5G phone for Verizon, and it's very, very affordable (as 5G phones go) at just $120. We spent some time with that phone: the TCL 40 XE. Check out our hands-on report to learn a little more about what $120 buys you in a 5G phone this year.
The TCL 40 XE Offers 5G for Just $120
Verizon has launched the TCL 40 XE 5G for prepaid customers. The phone is notable for including 5G at a price point of $120, a new level of affordability for 5G in the US. The next-cheapest 5G phone offered by Verizon prepaid is the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G, which Verizon sells for $200. The TCL 40 XE 5G sports a 6.56-inch HD+ display with 90 Hz refresh, 5,000 mAh battery, and 18W fast charging. It has a 13 megapixel main camera, 2 megapixel macro camera, and 8 megapixel front camera. It's powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage (expandable). It also has a fingerprint reader embedded in the lock button on the side.
TCL's Newest 5G Phone for US is Most Affordable Yet
TCL this week took the wraps off three new affordable Android phones coming to the US next quarter. All three share a similar "minimalist" design and will sell for under $200.
- The TCL 40 XE 5G is TCL's most affordable 5G phone to date at just $169. It's powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset paired with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage. Its 6.56-inch HD+ display has 90 Hz refresh and TCL's NXTVISION display technology. The main camera is 13 megapixel.
- The TCL 40 X 5G is basically the same phone but with a better, 50 megapixel main camera. It will sell for $199.
- The TCL 40 XL is only 4G (using a MediaTek G37 chipset) but thanks to that trade-off, it offers a few upgrades for an even lower price. It has a larger screen at 6.75 inches, it has more built-in storage at 128 GB, it has a 50 megapixel camera like the 40 X, and it has stereo speakers. Yet it will sell for just $149.
Metro's Latest Entry-Level Phone is the TCL ION X
This Thursday, Metro by T-Mobile will start selling the TCL ION X for $119 (for new customers). This entry-level 4G phone has a 13 megapixel camera with automatic scene recognition. It also has a 6-inch display, 3,000 mAh battery, and a headset jack. The MediaTek Helio G25 chipset is paired with 3 GB of RAM. The 32 GB of internal storage can be augmented with up to 512 GB of additional storage via memory card. TCL also recently launched the ION Z with Cricket and US Cellular. The ION Z has even lower-end specs.
TCL's Newest Concept Phone has a Matte Screen
TCL is showing off a concept phone at CES that it calls the NXTPAPER Phone, a phone that implements the paper-like display technology the company has put in some of its recents tablets. Unlike almost all other phones on the market today, the display surface has a matte finish, somewhat like paper, instead of the usual glossy glass. So how does it feel, how does it work, and how does it look in person? We break it down for you in this hands-on. Read on for our impressions.
Hands On with the TCL 30 5G
TCL continues to build out its lineup of affordable 5G phones with this new model that might come to T-Mobile later this year. While the TCL 30 XE 5G was truly entry-level, this model is a notable step up, with specs closer to the 30 V 5G that the company brought to Verizon earlier this year. Headline specs of this model include a 50 megapixel main camera, 6.7-inch full-HD display, huge 5,010 mAh battery, and NFC. The design is visibly quite different, though. What's it like in person? We checked it out. Read on for our first impressions.
Hands On with the TCL Stylus 5G
Now that LG is no longer making its Stylo phones, TCL isn't content to let Motorola have all the fun in the popular affordable-stylus segment of the US market. Enter the TCL Stylus 5G, an entirely new foray for TCL. It delivers exactly what you would expect from a phone competing with the moto g stylus series, but at a very impressive price. What's it like in person? Read on for our hands-on report and first impressions.
TCL Creates New Stylus Phone for US
TCL is entering a new category in the US phone market: affordable phones with a built-in stylus. The new TCL Stylus 5G is roughly similar to company's TCL 30 V 5G for Verizon, but with a stylus and going on sale today with T-Mobile and Metro. Motorola has found some success in recent years with affordable stylus-oriented phones in the US market; this new model from TCL is designed exclusively for the US market. The TCL Stylus 5G has a huge 6.8-inch FHD+ display, 50 megapixel camera, NFC, and is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 700 chip. It comes with 4 GB RAM, 128 GB storage, and accepts memory cards up to 2 TB. The 4,000 mAh battery supports 18-watt fast charging. Users can take notes by removing the stylus, without first waking the phone. Two specific third-party apps are included that make use of the stylus: Nebo, for handwriting recognition and taking notes, and MyScript Calculator 2, an app for math equations. There are also specific features for e-signing documents, and a magnifier function. TCL claims its stylus has 38% better latency compared to the competition. The TCL Stylus 5G is available now from T-Mobile and Metro, for $258 or $269 (respectively).
TCL's New Foldable Concept Swings Both Ways
In what has become something of an annual tradition, TCL has unveiled new, unique flexible-display concepts. The newest and most unique is the "360-Degree Ultra Flex", which has a 360º hinge that allows the device to be folded either inward or outward. This allows the display to be exposed in a traditional smartphone form factor, opened flat like an 8-inch tablet, or folded closed to protect 100% of the display surface. In its current form, the device is not ready (nor intended) for market, but it is a functional prototype. We spent a few moments hands-on with it. It wasn't lighting up at the time, but was working that morning (we have photos from both). We got close-ups of the hinge and explain a bit about how this unique hinge mechanism works in this hands-on report.
TCL's 30 XE 5G Launches This Week for Under $200
The recently-announced TCL 30 XE 5G will launch with T-Mobile this Friday for $198, and with Metro the same day for $199.99. The 30 XE has 90 Hz display refresh, fingerprint reader, and fast charging.
TCL 30 Series Headed to Verizon, T-Mobile
TCL has announced the first two models in its new 30 series for 2022, both of which are coming to major US carriers. Both models are affordable 5G phones.
- The TCL 30 XE 5G will come to T-Mobile and Metro first, followed by other carriers. It has a 6.5-inch HD+ display with 90 Hz refresh. It's powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 700 chip paired with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage. It has a 13 megapixel main camera plus macro and depth cameras, and an 8 megapixel front camera.
- The TCL 30 V 5G is a somewhat higher-end model coming to Verizon. It has a 6.7-inch Full HD+ display and is powered by a Snapdragon 480 chip paired with 4 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. It has a 50 megapixel main camera plus macro and 5 megapixel wide-angle cameras, and a 16 megapixel front camera. It supports both mmWave and C-band 5G.
Hands On with the TCL 20 XE and TCL 20 A 5G
TCL has two new affordable phones for the US market: the entry-level TCL 20 XE, and the $200, 5G-enabled TCL 20 A 5G. While the price is certainly right, are they truly a good value, or just cheap? US carriers have trusted TCL's affordable phones for many years (often under the Alcatel brand), so the company should know what it's doing. Read on for our hands-on report and first impressions, to find out how these models turned out.
TCL Intros Two New Affordable 5G and 4G Phones for US
TCL today announced the TCL 20 A 5G, a 5G phone for under $200 coming to Visible next month. The company also announced the TCL 20 XE, an entry-level 4G phone coming to Metro by T-Mobile tomorrow, and Boost next month.
- The TCL 20 A 5G is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 chip, paired with 4 GB RAM, and 64 GB storage (expandable). It supports sub-6 5G, including C-Band (band 77). The 6.52-inch display has HD+ resolution. The battery is rated 4,500 mAh and the phone supports 18-watt fast charging. The 16-megapixel main camera is joined by a 5 megapixel wide camera and 2 megapixel macro camera. A 13 megapixel selfie camera sits in the display notch on the front. It ships with Android 11 and also features a fingerprint reader, Bluetooth 5.1, dual-band Wi-Fi, a dedicated Google Assistant button, headset jack, and USB-C with OTG. It has a matte gray finish.
- The TCL 20 XE is a similar size, with the same 6.52-inch HD+ display, rear fingerprint reader, fast charging, headset jack, dual-band Wi-Fi, and Android 11. However, it's powered by a MediaTek Helio P22 chip with 3 GB RAM and 32 GB internal storage (also expandable). The battery is 5,000 mAh. The main camera is 13 megapixel, with a 2 megapixel macro camera, depth camera, and 5 megapixel front camera. It also has a matte gray finish. Metro is selling it for $160, while Boost will sell it for $120.
TCL Brings It Newest Flip Phone to Four US Carriers
Verizon today launched the TCL Flip Pro for prepaid customers. The same phone launched recently on US Cellular as the TCL Flip, and earlier this week as the Alcatel Go Flip 4 on T-Mobile. (Alcatel is a brand of TCL.) TCL says the Go Flip 4 is also coming to Metro by T-Mobile. The phone is an update to the Alcatel Go Flip 3, with a larger battery, new shortcut buttons on the keypad, and a modern USB-C connector. Other key features are similar, including KaiOS, which has its own app store and enables smartphone-like features such as Google Assistant and Google Maps. The phone also sports a 2-megapixel camera, memory card slot, headset jack, Wi-Fi, and a 1.44-inch color outer display. US Cellular and Metro sell the phone for $100, and T-Mobile for $96. Verizon sells it for $70 on prepaid and will bring it to their postpaid lineup "in the coming weeks".
Hands On with the TCL 20 Series
TCL just brought three new phones to the US market in its signature 20 series: the 20 Pro 5G, the 20 S, and the 20 SE. As you might guess from the "Pro" in the name, the 20 Pro 5G is the highest-end, filling the role of "affordable flagship". The 20 SE is the most affordable at just $190. Does that make the 20 S the Goldilocks of the group? What are they actually like in person? Read on for our impressions in this hands-on with all three phones.
TCL Launches 20 Series in US
TCL today revealed the US launch details for its new 20 series of phones: the TCL 20 Pro 5G, 20S, and 20 SE.
- The 20 Pro 5G is an affordable flagship phone with 5G for $500. It has a curved-edge TCL AMOLED display, satin glass back, 48 megapixel Sony-made main camera, 16 megapixel wide-angle camera, and wireless charging. It's powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G chip with 6 GB RAM, 256 GB storage, and a 4,500 mAh battery. It has excellent support for all 5G and 4G US networks, including Verizon. It's available in Moondust Gray and Marine Blue.
- The 20S has a 64 megapixel main camera, 8 megapixel wide camera, huge 5,000 mAh battery, and 18W fast charging. It also has a Snapdragon 665 processor and 4 GB RAM. It has excellent support for Verizon and T-Mobile 4G networks, and decent support for AT&T. It runs $250 and comes in Milky Way Black and Frosted Blue.
- The 20 SE is only $190 but comes with 48 megapixel main camera, wide camera, 4 GB RAM, and huge 5,000 mAh battery. It has basic support for AT&T and T-Mobile networks, and comes in Nuit Black and Aurora Green.
TCL's Newest Concept Phone is a Rollable and a Foldable
TCL's latest concept phone to use flexible-display technology is called the "Fold 'n Roll". Like the company's earlier double-hinge concept, the design attempts to create a device the size of a standard smartphone that transforms into a full-size tablet. The Fold 'n Roll replaces the second hinge with rollable technology to produce a device that's thinner when closed. The Fold 'n Roll is just a concept, but TCL is currently planning to launch a commercial device using flexible display technology by the end of 2021.
TCL Grows 20 Series with Two New Models for US
TCL today announced several new TCL-branded phones in its 20 series, including two models that will come to the US: the TCL 20 Pro 5G and the TCL 20S. The US launches will include major carrier partners. TCL has joined the Android Enterprise Recommended program, and all of its new 20-series phones are so verified. The TCL 20 Pro 5G is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G chip and comes with 6 GB RAM and 256 GB storage. The 4,500 mAh battery can be topped up with 18W wired charging or 15W wireless charging, a first in a TCL phone. The phone is similar to the well-received TCL 10 Pro, but with an upgraded Sony IMX582 main camera. That 48 megapixel camera has optical image stabilization (OIS), another first for TCL. The curved 6.67-inch AMOLED display has full-HD+ resolution and HDR10. The rear has a matching curved glass cover with no camera bump. The camera system also includes a 16 megapixel wide camera, 5 megapixel macro camera, and 32 megapixel front camera. The phone is capable of recording 4K video with both front and rear cameras, as well as video HDR. The phone has excellent support for all 4G and sub-6 5G networks in the US. Other features include Android 11, 3.5mm headset jack, memory card slot, NFC, Super Bluetooth, and in-display fingerprint reader. The TCL 20S is the US version of the new TCL 20L+. The 20S has a 5,000 mAh battery, 6.67-inch full-HD+ display, and a 64 megapixel main camera. Other cameras include an 8 megapixel wide camera, 2 megapixel macro camera, and 16 megapixel front camera. The display features circular polarization, making it compatible with polarized sunglasses. While the 20L+ will have a Snapdragon 662 processor, the 20S will have a different (but similar) processor, to be announced, one of the few differences between the two models. The 20S also has 6 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, Super Bluetooth, NFC, headset jack, and memory card slot. The fingerprint reader is located on the side, and the phone also has a dedicated Google Assistant button. Both phones will arrive in the US in "early summer", but pricing and other launch specifics are to be announced.
TCL 20 Series Includes $300 5G Model, Flex-Display Device Coming This Year
TCL today formally unveiled the TCL 20 Series, a lineup of five TCL-branded phones for 2021. The company provided details on the first two models launching this month — the TCL 20 5G and TCL 20 SE (shown) — and teased three additional models "coming soon": the TCL 20 Pro 5G, TCL 20L, and TCL 20S. The company also revealed that it will bring a device with a flexible display to market this year. The company has shown off several interesting prototypes of foldable and rollable phones over the past couple of years. LG teased a similar rollable device at its CES press conference earlier today.
- The TCL 20 5G is an affordable 5G phone already available in Italy for 299 euros. It features a 6.67-inch full-HD display with HDR10, 48 megapixel main camera, 8 megapixel wide-angle camera, macro camera, and 8 megapixel front camera. It's powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 chipset paired with 6 GB LPDDR4x RAM and 128 GB UFS 2.1 storage. Its 4,500 mAh battery supports 18W fast charging via Qualcomm Quick Charge 4.0+. Other features include a side-mounted fingerprint reader, memory card slot, NFC, and dual-band Wi-Fi. It also features "Super Bluetooth" which allows audio playback through up to four Bluetooth devices simultaneously.
- The TCL 20 SE offers a huge 6.82-inch display, 5,000 mAh battery, and 48-megapixel main camera for just 149 euros. It uses a Snapdragon 460 processor paired with 4 GB RAM.
Hands On with the TCL 10 5G UW for Verizon
In late 2020, the focus of the mobile world is still on 5G, but it's not on flagship phones; the hot race is who can offer the best $400 5G phone. Verizon's big bet in this race is on the TCL 10 5G UW, which stands out for including faster mmWave 5G, a feature that usually carries a price premium. And this phone has a number of other specs usually found only on much pricier phones. So what corners did TCL cut to reach this low price? Is the phone actually any good? We took it for a quick spin to find out. Here are our first impressions.
The TCL 10 5G UW Offers Full-Featured 5G on Verizon for $400
Getting a 5G phone for Verizon just got a lot more affordable with the introduction of the TCL 10 5G UW. The phone is notable for several reasons. First is the $400 price point, a full $150 lower than Verizon's cheapest 5G phones before today. The $400 price point matches T-Mobile's cheapest 5G phone, the REVVL 5G, which is also made by TCL. In fact, the two phones are closely related, sharing many specs and the same "T790" technical model number. The TCL 10 5G UW is also notable for including faster mmWave 5G, a feature that usually carries a price premium. No competing phone near this price point includes mmWave, and Verizon's 5G phones usually carry a $50-100 premium because Verizon requires that all of its 5G phones include mmWave. The 10 5G UW is also notable for being the first TCL-branded phone in the postpaid lineup of Verizon, the largest carrier in the US; this marks a major milestone for the TCL brand. Finally, the 10 5G UW includes several high-end specs one might not expect in such an affordable phone, such as a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G — a chip also found in some flagship-level phones — as well as 6 GB RAM, HDR10 display, and a 48-megapixel main camera. The premium design sports Gorilla Glass 3 on the front and 3D curved Gorilla Glass 5 on the back covering a subtle, dark prismatic crystal design. Additional specs include a 6.53-inch full-HD display, 128 GB storage plus memory card slot, 4,500 mAh battery, fast charging, and Super Bluetooth for connecting up to four audio devices simultaneously. It also has a wide-angle camera, macro camera, NFC, rear fingerprint reader, and a headset jack. It ships with Android 10 but TCL promises an update to Android 11 is on the way, along with at least two years of quarterly security updates. The TCL 10 5G UW will be available from Verizon starting this Thursday Oct. 29th.
TCL Launches Smartwatch for Seniors
TCL today announced the MoveTime Family Watch MT43A, a wrist-worn wearable device designed specifically for the needs of seniors, with a design similar to the Apple Watch. It includes an array of communication, health, and safety features. It has 4G and two-way voice and texting capability, including emoji and photos. It accepts voice commands for hands-free interaction. Health features include daily activity tracking with the built-in pedometer, sleep monitoring, medication reminders, and heart rate tracking that can alert the user to an unusually low or high heart rate. Other safety features include fall detection — which can send a message to designated emergency contacts with the wearer's precise location — and geo-fencing to alert when outside of a designated "safe zone". It also has a dedicated SOS button on the side. It's rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, and has an OELD touch display. TCL says its 600 mAh battery should provide two-day battery life. The software is proprietary and sports extra-large icons. The MoveTime is sold as a standalone device that can be added to a cellular plan like any other connected smartwatch. It's available in dark grey or black in the US starting this fall for $199. Earlier this year, Verizon launched a similar device, and Coolpad announced it is working on one as well.
TCL 10 5G Might be Verizon's First Sub-6-Only 5G Phone
The FCC has approved a version of the TCL 10 5G with a combination of frequency bands unique to Verizon's 4G and forthcoming sub-6 GHz 5G networks. Unlike all of Verizon's current 5G phones, it does not seem to support Verizon's existing mmWave 5G network. mmWave offers fast speeds but very limited coverage. mmWave also required special antennas in the phone, which is why Verizon's 5G phones to date have often been $50–100 more expensive than the the versions without mmWave offered by other carriers. No longer requiring mmWave will enable Verizon to offer more affordable 5G phones. Verizon is expected to launch its sub-6 GHz 5G network (with vastly greater coverage) in the coming months. TCL has already announced that the TCL 10 5G would come to a major US carrier by the end of the year, with TCL branding, for under $500.
T-Mobile's New REVVL Lineup Includes a 5G Phone for $400
T-Mobile today introduced three new models in its own-branded REVVL series: the REVVL 4, REVVL 4+, and REVVL 5G. The REVVL 5G will sell for $400 — or $200 with a new line of service — making it the most affordable 5G phone in the US to date. All three phones run Android 10 and have a fingerprint sensor.
- REVVL 5G: Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765 chip and a 4,500 mAh battery. Key specs include 6.53-inch full-HD display, 6 GB RAM, 128 GB storage, and triple rear cameras. The main camera has a 48 megapixel sensor, joined by an 8-megapixel wide camera and 5 megapixel macro camera. A 16 megapixel front camera sits behind a corner hole-punch in the display.
- REVVL 4+: Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 chip and a 4,000 mAh battery. Key specs include 6.52-inch HD display, 4 GB RAM, and 64 GB storage. The main camera has a 16 megapixel sensor. A 16-megapixel front camera is located in a display notch. It will sell for $192.
- REVVL 4: Powered by a MediaTek Helio A22 chip and a 3,500 mAh battery. Key specs include 6.22-inch full-HD display, 2 GB RAM, 32 GB storage, 13 megapixel main camera, and 5 megapixel front camera. It runs $120.
T-Mobile's REVVL 4+ Will Be Made by TCL
Regulatory filings for a new phone from TCL bear the name "REVVL 4+" and describe a phone supporting all of the network bands unique to the T-Mobile/Sprint network. Since 2017, T-Mobile has offered a series of white-label phones under its own "T-Mobile REVVL" brand. Most of the first and second generation REVVL phones were made by TCL. Last year's REVVLRY and REVVLRY+ were the third generation, and the first to be made by Motorola. The filings reveal very few details about the phone, except the FCC approval confirms it will have NFC, and the Bluetooth SIG approval confirms it will have Bluetooth 5.0. The Bluetooth approval for this phone is shared with the TCL 10L, indicating the REVVL 4+ may be based on the 10L. The TCL 10L is a mid-range Android phone with a Snapdragon 665 processor, 48 megapixel main camera, wide-angle camera, and "Super Bluetooth" supporting up to 4 simultaneous connections.
Qualcomm Brings 5G and Higher Performance to Snapdragon 6 Series
Qualcomm's newest and best 6-series Snapdragon chip for phones is the Snapdragon 690, which has 5G as well as high-end performance previously found only on the company's pricier 7- and 8-series chips. The 690, intended for mid-range phones, supports sub-6 5G, but not mmWave 5G. It includes several firsts for the 6 series, including support for 4K HDR video capture, 120 Hz display refresh, dual Wi-Fi antennas, and Qualcomm's Hexagon Tensor Accelerator for on-device AI. Compared to the Snapdragon 875 — the previous top-end chip in the 6 series — the 690 has 20% better CPU performance, 60% faster graphics rendering, and 70% better AI performance. The Snapdragon 690 also supports up cameras up to 192 megapixel, Quick Charge 4+, and Wi-Fi 6. The 690 is made using an 8nm manufacturing process. Phones based on the Snapdragon 690 are expected to ship in 2020. Nokia, LG, Motorola, and TCL announced plans to use the chip in their phones.
TCL-Branded Phones Launch in US on May 19
TCL Communication, maker of Alcatel-branded phones, is launching its first TCL-branded phones in the US. The TCL 10 Pro and TCL 10L will launch as unlocked phones. TCL also makes televisions and their own display panels. TCL phones use TCL displays.
- TCL 10 Pro: A mid-range phone with a flagship-level design, including a curved-edge OLED display and matte glass back. The 6.47-inch display sports full-HD resolution and Netflix-certified HDR10 color. The four rear cameras include a 64-megapixel main camera, 16-megapixel 123º wide-angle camera, macro camera, low-light camera, laser focusing, and separated dual LED flashes. The front camera is 24 megapixel. It's powered by a 4,500 mAh battery, Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 processor, and 6 GB of RAM. It has 128 GB of storage plus a memory card slot. Other features include Android 10, in-display fingerprint reader, 3.5mm headset jack, USB-C, and, unusually, an IR emitter. A fast charger and clear case are included. 4G LTE network support includes US bands 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, and 66. The only color option at launch in the US is Ember Gray. It will sell for $450.
- TCL 10L: A more affordable option at $250, the 10L has a 6.53-inch full-HD display, Snapdragon 665 processor, 6 GB of RAM, and a 4,000 mAh battery. It also has quad rear cameras like 10 Pro, including a 48-megapixel main camera, 8 megapixel, 118º wide camera, 2 megapixel macro camera, and depth camera. The front camera is 16 megapixel. It has a rear-mounted fingerprint reader and 64 GB of storage. Like the 10 Pro, it has a memory card slot, 3.5mm headset jack, USB-C, multi-stream Bluetooth, Android 10, and 4K video capture. It supports the same US LTE bands as the 10 Pro: 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, and 66. It will come in Mariana Blue with a "holographic finish on the back that reflects an iridescent shine."
TCL Sets Pricing, Timeframe for 10 Series Launch in US
TCL has announced select launch details for its first proper lineup of TCL-branded phones: the TCL 10 5G, 10 Pro, and 10L. The 10 5G will come to a "major" US carrier "later this year". Pricing of the 5G model in the US is yet to be determined, but it will sell for €399 overseas. Both the TCL 10 Pro and 10L will be available unlocked in the US in May, for $449 and $249, respectively. The 10 5G has a 6.53-inch full-HD LCD display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 765 chipset, 6 GB of RAM, four rear cameras, memory card slot, and a 4,500 mAh battery. The 10 Pro has similar specs except it has a 6.47-inch curved AMOLED display, an in-display fingerprint reader, and a Snapdragon 675 chipset. The affordable 10L has specs similar to the 10 5G except for a Snapdragon 665 chipset and a 4,000 mAh battery. We published additional details and a hands-on report in January.
Hands On with TCL's New Flex-Screen Concepts
TCL has a new batch of concept phones to show off in 2020 that use flexible-display technology in interesting ways. Two are foldables, including a unique "tri-fold" design with two different hinges allowing it to reach full tablet size when open. An even more unique design offers all the screen-expanding advantages of a foldable without the thickness penalty. It looks like a standard smartphone, but magically "stretches" sideways to turn into a tablet. We had hands-on time with all three concepts at three different events in recent weeks. Here are our impressions, with photos and a video.
Hands-On with TCL's Newest Foldable Concept
TCL has put out a few folding-screen concepts in the past year, and now they have a new one to show off at CES. It's a little more polished and functional than previous concepts, but it's also definitely not market-ready. The device resembles a small Android tablet when open, but is smaller than a phone when closed. In an interview with Phone Scoop, TCL spokesperson Jason Gerdon said that TCL currently plans to bring a foldable phone to market in 2020, but isn't trying to "rush it"; the company won't hesitate to delay their first foldable if the software and/or market isn't ready. We had some time with the concept model. Read on for our impressions and thoughts.
TCL's New 10 Series Phones Include 5G Model Under $500 (Hands-On)
After "soft-launching" with the Plex phone last year, TCL is now previewing its first widely-available lineup of own-brand phones: the 10 series, all of which offer premium features for under $500. TCL officially announced very few details of the three phones, but shared more with Phone Scoop in a hands-on session. All three models offer four rear cameras. The TCL 10 5G offers sub-6 GHz 5G powered by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 765 chip and an extra-large battery. It also has a large display with a "hole punch" for the selfie camera in the top-left corner. A fingerprint reader is located on the back. The 10 Pro has a premium design with a curved-edge AMOLED display, in-display fingerprint reader, matte glass back with reflective gradient effect, and metal frame. It will be available in black and green. The 10L (L for Lite) is similar in design to the 10 5G, but thinner and lighter. The 10L and 10 Pro will be available in the US unlocked for under $500 in the second quarter. TCL did not announce launch details for the 10 5G, but said it would also be priced starting under $500. Further details on the 10 series will be announced at the MWC trade show in late February. Read on for more details and our hands-on impressions.
TCL Launches First TCL-Branded Phone
TCL Communication — the company behind Alcatel, BlackBerry, and Palm phones — is branching out with a new line of phones under its own TCL brand. The first model is called the Plex and is higher-end than most Alcatel-branded phones. TCL will also introduce 5G and folding phones under the TCL brand next year, making it a decidedly higher-end brand for the company. The Plex has a full-HD+ 6.53-inch display on the front and triple rear cameras. The display is a "Dotch" LCD panel made in-house by TCL; it achieves 90% screen-to-body ratio thanks to a hole-punch design for the selfie camera. The display also automatically adjusts to ambient light color. The main camera is a 48-megapixel Sony sensor. It's assisted by a dedicated 2-megapixel (1080p) low-light sensor for video. The third camera is a 16-megapixel wide-angle camera. The unique dual flash design puts a separate LED on each side of the camera lenses. The Plex is powered by a 3,820 mAh battery, Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 processor, 6 GB of RAM, and comes with 128 GB of storage plus a memory card slot. It also has a fingerprint reader on the back, headphone jack, and USB-C connector supporting Quick Charge 3.0. The version announced today features Cat. 6 LTE supporting European frequency bands. It will launch by the end of this year "starting with select markets" in Europe at a recommended retail price of €329.
