TCL 20 R 5G vs TCL 501
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TCL 20 R 5G
Starting at
£89.00
TCL 501
Starting at
£57.99What's the difference between the TCL 20 R 5G and TCL 501?
TCL 20 R 5G vs 501 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the TCL 501 starts at £57.99, £31.01 less than the TCL 20 R 5G. The TCL 501 is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
- Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 700 MT6833V/ZA (7 nm) on the TCL 20 R 5G, Mediatek Helio G36 on the TCL 501.
- The TCL 20 R 5G has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
- The TCL 20 R 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
TCL 20 R 5G vs TCL 501 specs
The TCL 20 R 5G and TCL 501 differ in ways that suit different users. The TCL 20 R 5G offers a larger battery, more RAM, higher resolution screen, and stronger cameras, making it a good choice for those who want more power, longer usage, and clearer photos. The TCL 20 R 5G supports 5G networks, while the TCL 501 is 4G only. Storage options and network features also vary, helping you pick based on your priorities for performance, screen, and connectivity.
TCL 20 R 5G vs TCL 501 price
Colour
- GreySold out
- BlackSold out
Storage
- 64GBSold out
- 32GBSold out
TCL 20 R 5G vs TCL 501 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software support, and basic physical features.
Battery Capacity
The TCL 20 R 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, which provides more capacity for longer use between charges. This suits users who need extended usage for work or entertainment. The TCL 501 has a 3000 mAh battery, which still supports everyday use but with less total battery capacity.
Battery
Foldable
Year of release
TCL 20 R 5G vs TCL 501 performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage. These affect how smoothly apps run and how much data you can keep on your phone.
Processor and Memory
The TCL 20 R 5G uses a MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset with 4 GB of RAM, offering more multitasking ability and better suited for more demanding apps or keeping several apps open. The TCL 501 has a MediaTek Helio G36 chipset with 2 GB of RAM, fitting users with lighter everyday tasks.
Storage Options
The TCL 20 R 5G comes with 64 GB of storage, which is helpful if you keep many photos, videos, or apps. The TCL 501 offers 32 GB of storage, which may suit users with simpler storage needs or those who use cloud services.
Chipset
RAM
TCL 20 R 5G vs TCL 501 screen
Screen quality shapes your viewing experience for videos, browsing, and reading. Size and resolution influence how sharp and spacious the display feels.
Screen Size
The TCL 20 R 5G has a 6.52 inch screen, which is larger and provides more space for watching videos or multitasking. The TCL 501's 6.0 inch screen is more compact and easier to handle with one hand.
Screen Resolution
With a resolution of 720 x 1600, the TCL 20 R 5G offers clearer and more detailed images, beneficial for reading small text or viewing photos. The TCL 501 has a 540 x 1092 resolution, which suits users who prefer a simpler display experience.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
TCL 20 R 5G vs TCL 501 camera
Camera quality affects your photos and video calls. Front and main camera megapixels influence how much detail your images capture.
Front Camera
The TCL 20 R 5G has an 8 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail in selfies and video calls. The TCL 501's 2 megapixel front camera suits basic video chatting and casual selfies.
Main Camera
The TCL 20 R 5G includes a 13 megapixel main camera, better for capturing detailed photos and sharper images. The TCL 501 offers a 5 megapixel main camera, fitting those who want simple snapshots.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
TCL 20 R 5G vs TCL 501 size and design
This section includes network, size, weight, and other practical features that affect everyday usability and connectivity.
Network Compatibility
The TCL 20 R 5G supports 5G networks, making it suitable for users wanting faster mobile data speeds where 5G is available. The TCL 501 works on 4G networks, which are widely available and reliable for everyday use.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The TCL 20 R 5G is 164.3 mm tall, 75 mm wide, and weighs 186 g. This larger size fits users who prefer a bigger phone. The TCL 501 is 156 mm tall, 75 mm wide, and lighter at 179 g, making it more comfortable to hold for those who want a lighter, more compact device.
SIM and Storage Expansion
Both phones use dual physical SIM cards and support microSDXC cards, allowing flexible network use and storage expansion.
Connector Type
The TCL 20 R 5G includes a USB-C connector, while the TCL 501 uses USB Type-C. Both support common charging and data transfer methods.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
TCL 20 R 5G or TCL 501: which should you buy?
Buy the TCL 20 R 5G if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4500 mAh vs 3000 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (13 megapixels vs 5 megapixels)
Buy the TCL 501 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £57.99, £31.01 less than the TCL 20 R 5G
- you want a lighter build (179 g vs 186 g)
TCL 20 R 5G vs TCL 501 FAQs
TCL 20 R 5G vs 501 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 700 MT6833V/ZA (7 nm) on the TCL 20 R 5G, Mediatek Helio G36 on the TCL 501. The TCL 20 R 5G has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
The TCL 501 is cheaper refurbished, from £57.99 compared with £89 for the TCL 20 R 5G.
The TCL 20 R 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
The TCL 20 R 5G has a higher-resolution main camera: 13 megapixels vs 5 megapixels.
The TCL 501 adds a lighter build (179 g vs 186 g). Refurbished, it costs £31.01 less (from £57.99 vs £89).
Refurbished, the TCL 20 R 5G comes in 64GB, and the TCL 501 in 32GB.









