TCL 20Y vs TCL 501
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TCL 20Y
Starting at
£79.00
TCL 501
Starting at
£57.99What's the difference between the TCL 20Y and TCL 501?
TCL 20Y vs 501 comes down to the RAM, screen size and main camera. Refurbished, the TCL 501 starts at £57.99, £21.01 less than the TCL 20Y. The TCL 501 is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Main camera
Front camera
Weight
- The TCL 20Y has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
- Screen size: 6,5 inch on the TCL 20Y, 6.0 inch on the TCL 501.
- The TCL 20Y has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 5 megapixels.
TCL 20Y vs TCL 501 specs
The TCL 20Y and TCL 501 offer different strengths suited to different needs. The TCL 20Y provides more memory and storage, a larger higher-resolution screen, and more detailed cameras, making it a good choice if you want a roomier display and sharper photos. The TCL 501 has less memory and storage but benefits from a lighter weight, a more compact screen, and a dual physical SIM slot, which suits users who prefer a smaller device and need to manage two SIM cards. Both are unlocked and support 4G, so network compatibility is flexible.
TCL 20Y vs TCL 501 price
Colour
- BlueSold out
- BlackSold out
Storage
- 64GBSold out
- 32GBSold out
TCL 20Y vs TCL 501 battery life and software updates
Durability touches on how these devices handle daily use and their build features. Both phones are not foldable and come from different release years.
Release Year
The TCL 20Y was released in 2021 while the TCL 501 came out in 2024. This difference in release year can help you place each model in its own timeframe.
Battery
Foldable
Year of release
TCL 20Y vs TCL 501 performance
Chipset
RAM
TCL 20Y vs TCL 501 screen
Screen quality is important for viewing comfort and clarity. Here, differences in size and resolution shape the experience for each device.
Screen Size
The TCL 20Y has a 6.5 inch screen, offering a larger display area that is well suited for watching videos or reading. The TCL 501 has a smaller 6.0 inch screen, which makes it more compact and easier to handle with one hand.
Screen Resolution
With a resolution of 720 by 1600 pixels, the TCL 20Y provides sharper images and text, which benefits anyone who values screen detail and clarity. The TCL 501's resolution of 540 by 1092 pixels suits users who prioritise a simpler viewing experience and a smaller file size for visual content.
Screen Type
Both devices use IPS LCD screens, delivering consistent colour and good viewing angles. This means you can expect similar screen technology quality from either device.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
TCL 20Y vs TCL 501 camera
Camera quality and front-facing features vary substantially between these models, affecting photo detail and video calls.
Front Camera
The TCL 20Y features an 8 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail for selfies and video chats. This makes it a good choice if you use the front camera frequently and want clearer images. The TCL 501 has a 2 megapixel front camera, which works well for simpler video calls or basic selfies.
Main Camera
With a 48 megapixel main camera, the TCL 20Y is designed to capture highly detailed photos, suitable for users who want sharper images and better clarity. The TCL 501 has a 5 megapixel main camera, which suits everyday photo needs where simplicity and quick shots are preferred.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
TCL 20Y vs TCL 501 size and design
Other features include network options, connectors, and physical attributes that affect daily convenience and connectivity.
Connector Type
The TCL 20Y uses a Micro-USB connector paired with a 3.5mm headphone jack, supporting traditional accessories and chargers. The TCL 501 has a USB-C connector, which is commonly used for faster connections and modern accessories.
SIM Card Slots
The TCL 20Y supports a single physical SIM card, which suits users with one mobile line. The TCL 501 offers dual physical SIM slots, ideal for those who need to manage two phone numbers or plans on one device.
Weight
Weighing 194 grams, the TCL 20Y is a bit heavier, which can feel more substantial in the hand. The TCL 501 is lighter at 179 grams, making it easier to carry and hold for long periods.
Storage Options
The TCL 20Y comes with 64GB of storage, giving more room for apps, photos, and files. The TCL 501 offers 32GB, which suits users who prefer a simpler setup or use cloud storage.
Carrier Compatibility and Network
Both devices are unlocked and support 4G networks, so you can use them with a wide range of mobile carriers without restriction.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
TCL 20Y or TCL 501: which should you buy?
Buy the TCL 20Y if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 5 megapixels)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (8 megapixels vs 2 megapixels)
Buy the TCL 501 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £57.99, £21.01 less than the TCL 20Y
- you want a lighter build (179 g vs 194 g)
TCL 20Y vs TCL 501 FAQs
TCL 20Y vs 501 comes down to the RAM, screen size and main camera. The TCL 20Y has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB. Screen size: 6,5 inch on the TCL 20Y, 6.0 inch on the TCL 501.
The TCL 501 is cheaper refurbished, from £57.99 compared with £79 for the TCL 20Y.
The TCL 20Y has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 5 megapixels.
The TCL 501 adds a lighter build (179 g vs 194 g). Refurbished, it costs £21.01 less (from £57.99 vs £79).
Refurbished, the TCL 20Y comes in 64GB, and the TCL 501 in 32GB.
