ChoiceWise
TCL 501

TCL 501

Key Features

Display
6.0 inches
540×1092 pixels
Camera
5 MP
Memory
2GB
LPDDR4X
Battery
3000 mAh
Release date
April 2024
Storage
32GB
eMMC 5.1

Colour

£41.44

What Customers Say

ChoiceWise Review: 56 Out Of 100
Performance
55
Camera
64
Battery
39
Display
64
TypeIPS LCD
Size6.0 inches
Resolution540×1092 pixels
PPI203
Screen-to-body ratio78.7 %
Display featuresCapacitive Touchscreen Multi-touch screen
ChipsetMediaTek Helio G36
CPU cores8
Fabrication Technology12 nm
CPU max frequency2.2
CPU Architecture64-bit
Microarchitecture4x 2.2 GHz – Cortex-A53 4x 1.8 GHz – Cortex-A53
Memory typeLPDDR4X
GPUIMG PowerVR GE8320
RAM2GB
Storage32GB
Storage TypeeMMC 5.1
Expandable StoragemicroSDXC
Operating SystemAndroid 14 (Upside Down Cake)
Matrix5 MP
Video Resolution1080p @ 30 fps
Lenses5 MP, ƒ/2.2
FlashLED Flash
Matrix2 MP
Lenses2 MP, ƒ/2.8
Video Resolution720p @ 30 fps
AnnouncedMonday, 26 February 2024
ReleasedMonday, 01 April 2024
Capacity3000 mAh
Wired charging power10W
Wireless charging supportno
Fast charging supportno
Browsing11:53 hh:mm
Video watching7:21 hh:mm
Playing games6:59 hh:mm
Height156.5 mm
Width74.9 mm
Thickness9.7 mm
Resistance certificateno
SIM cardsDual SIM
Network Type supportLTE, HSPA
Network_4G bandsLTE: b1 (2100), b3 (1800), b5 (850), b7 (2600), b8 (900), b20 (800), b28 (700), b38 (2600), b40 (2300), b41 (2500 MHz)
Network_3G bandsHSPA: 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz
Network_2G bandsGSM: 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz
WiFi supportYes ( Wi-Fi 5 )
Bluetooth supportYes, v5.1
USB portsUSB Type-C,
USB connectivityUSB charging, USB Mass storage device
GPS supportYes
GPS featuresBDS, GALILEO, GLONASS, GPS
NFC supportNo
Wi-Fi standards802.11/a/b/g/n/ac
Wi-Fi featuresDual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
LoudspeakerYes
Headphone jackYes

Expert Opinion

Overall Assessment and Positioning

The TCL 501 is a mid-range Android smartphone that offers a balance of features, performance, and affordability. Its release in April 2024 positions it as a competitor in the crowded mid-range market, where devices from brands like Xiaomi, Realme, and Samsung are already established. The TCL 501's pricing strategy will be crucial in differentiating it from the competition, as it needs to strike a balance between offering a compelling set of features and maintaining profitability. In terms of positioning, the TCL 501 appears to be targeting users who want a reliable, feature-packed smartphone without breaking the bank.

Key Strengths and Standout Features

The TCL 501 boasts several notable features that make it stand out in the mid-range category. The 6.0-inch IPS LCD display offers a decent resolution and a relatively high screen-to-body ratio, making it a good choice for those who value a immersive visual experience. The MediaTek Helio G36 chipset, although not the most powerful, provides adequate performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The device's 5MP primary camera and 2MP selfie camera, while not exceptional, should suffice for casual photography enthusiasts. The battery life, although not spectacular, should be sufficient for moderate use. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, and a USB Type-C port make it a well-connected device.

Value Proposition and Target Audience

The TCL 501's value proposition lies in its affordability and balance of features. It is best suited for users who want a reliable, feature-packed smartphone without spending a premium. This could include budget-conscious individuals, first-time smartphone buyers, or those who want an upgrade from a feature phone. The TCL 501's target audience may also include users who prioritize battery life, as its 3000mAh battery should provide decent endurance. However, for power users, gamers, or those who require advanced camera capabilities, the TCL 501 may not be the best choice. Ultimately, the TCL 501's success will depend on its pricing strategy, marketing efforts, and the quality of its after-sales support.

Frequently Asked Questions