TCL 10L review: Lag issues keep it from being a true Moto G Stylus rival

Chinese electronics giant TCL has made a name for itself in the US through its Roku TV offerings, which have impressive displays that punch well above their prices. But after years of trying to break into the phone industry through sub-brands such as Alcatel, Palm and BlackBerry, the company is trying again and using its own name.

TCL's budget phone goes big on value, but it comes with notable compromises.

Good value for price; Modern design;

Mono speaker is weak; NXTVision display tech doesn't add value; Lag issues;

TCL 10L Review

TCL makes plenty of budget-friendly phones for wireless carriers (typically bearing the carrier's name rather than TCL's), so the eponymous TCL 10L isn't far outside of its wheelhouse. At $249.99, it offers solid value for the price, with good processing power, above-average battery life, and a big, sharp display. But for the same price, the Motorola Moto G Power offers even longer battery life and a sleeker design, making it the better buy and our Editors' Choice.Design, Display, and Durability The TCL 10L isn't ugly by any means, but it lacks the level of refinement you get with the Moto G Power. The plastic back panel feels thin and would never be mistaken for glass. The camera stack is large and overbearing, and the black fingerprint sensor that sits right below it almost seems like an afterthought. They’re minor issues, but they add up. The phone measures 6.38 by 2.98 by 0.33 inches (HWD) and weighs 6.35 ounces. It’s light enough to hold for long periods of time, but the extr...

The TCL 10L offers plenty for the price, but not quite enough to stand out from the crowd of budget-friendly Android phones.

Good performance; Crisp LCD; Promised Android 11 update

Scratches easily; Poor audio quality; Unsightly camera bump