Exploring the Upcoming TCL 50 Series: Specs, Expected Price in Kenyan Shillings, and More

The TCL 50 Series, announced at MWC 2024 and launched globally in early 2025, is a diverse lineup of budget to mid-range 5G smartphones from TCL, a Chinese manufacturer known for affordable, feature-rich devices. The series includes models like the TCL 50 SE, TCL 50 XL 5G, TCL 50 XE 5G, TCL 50 LE, TCL 505, and TCL 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G, each catering to different user needs with varying specs and price points. With a Kenyan rollout expected in Q3 2025 (July–September), the TCL 50 Series competes with devices like the Infinix Hot 50 Pro, Realme 14 5G, and ZTE Nubia Neo 3 5G in Kenya’s budget to mid-range market. This article focuses on the TCL 50 SE and TCL 50 XL 5G as key models, providing their specifications, expected prices in Kenyan Shillings, target audience, and their strongest and weakest features, based on verified sources and market trends.

Specifications of the TCL 50 Series

The TCL 50 Series offers a range of models, with the TCL 50 SE and TCL 50 XL 5G being prominent for their affordability and 5G connectivity. Below are their confirmed specifications, compiled from sources like Smartprix, Bajaj Finserv, and GSMArena:

TCL 50 SE

• Display: 6.78-inch HD+ IPS LCD (720x1612px, ~269ppi), 90Hz refresh rate, 500 nits peak brightness, 20:9 aspect ratio.
• Processor: MediaTek Helio G88 (12nm), Octa-core (2×2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6×1.8 GHz Cortex-A55), Mali-G52 MC2 GPU.
• RAM and Storage: 4GB/128GB or 6GB/256GB (LPDDR4X RAM, eMMC 5.1 storage), expandable via microSDXC (up to 2TB, dedicated slot).
• Camera System:
• Rear: Triple setup with 50MP main (f/1.8, wide, PDAF), 2MP macro (f/2.4), 2MP depth (f/2.4).
• Front: 8MP selfie camera (f/2.0).
• Features AI enhancements (AI Portrait, Night Mode), 1080p@30fps video recording.
• Battery: 5010mAh (non-removable Li-Po), 33W fast charging (50% in ~30 minutes).
• Operating System: Android 14 with TCL UI, 2 years of OS updates (up to Android 16), 3 years of security patches.
• Durability: No official IP rating, plastic frame, plastic back, drop-resistant design.
• Connectivity: 4G LTE (no 5G), Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, USB-C 2.0, 3.5mm headphone jack, dual SIM (Nano+Nano).
• Design: Lightweight design, available in Midnight Blue and Space Grey, dimensions 168.4×76.5×8.3mm, weight 195g.
• Additional Features: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, single speaker, face unlock, sensors (accelerometer, proximity, compass).

TCL 50 XL 5G

• Display: 6.78-inch FHD+ IPS LCD (1080x2432px, ~396ppi), 120Hz refresh rate, 950 nits peak brightness, Widevine L1 support.
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm), Octa-core (2×2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55), Mali-G57 MC2 GPU.
• RAM and Storage: 6GB/128GB or 8GB/256GB (LPDDR4X RAM, UFS 2.2 storage), expandable via microSDXC (up to 2TB, dedicated slot).
• Camera System:
• Rear: Triple setup with 50MP main (f/1.8, wide, PDAF), 5MP ultrawide (f/2.2, 115° FOV), 2MP macro (f/2.4).
• Front: 8MP selfie camera (f/2.0).
• Features AI enhancements (AI Scene Detection, Night Mode), 1080p@30fps video recording.
• Battery: 5010mAh (non-removable Li-Po), 33W fast charging (50% in ~30 minutes).
• Operating System: Android 14 with TCL UI, 2 years of OS updates (up to Android 16), 3 years of security patches.
• Durability: No official IP rating, plastic frame, plastic back, drop-resistant design.
• Connectivity: 5G (multiple bands), Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C 2.0, 3.5mm headphone jack, dual SIM (Nano+Nano).
• Design: Sleek design, available in Celestial Blue and Dark Grey, dimensions 164.1×75.4×8.8mm, weight 195g.
• Additional Features: Hybrid Dual DTS speakers, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, face unlock, sensors (accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass).

Note: Other models like the TCL 50 LE (4G, ~$166 USD, Helio G88, 6.6-inch IPS LCD) and TCL 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G (NXTPAPER display, ~$229 USD) offer similar specs but differ in display tech or connectivity. The TCL 50 SE and 50 XL 5G are highlighted here as they represent the core of the series.

Expected Price in Kenyan Shillings

In India, the TCL 50 SE is priced at ₹10,999–₹13,999 (~$131–$166 USD) for the 4GB/128GB variant, while the TCL 50 XL 5G is priced at ₹19,990 (~$238 USD) for the 6GB/128GB variant, as per Smartprix and Bajaj Finserv. In Nigeria, the TCL 50 LE is listed at ~$138 USD, indicating regional price variations. In Kenya, smartphone prices include import duties, taxes, and retailer margins, inflating costs. Based on the current exchange rate (1 USD ≈ 130 KES as of June 2025) and local market trends, the expected retail prices in Kenya are:

• TCL 50 SE: KES 17,000–22,000 (4GB/128GB) and KES 20,000–25,000 (6GB/256GB).
• TCL 50 XL 5G: KES 28,000–35,000 (6GB/128GB) and KES 32,000–40,000 (8GB/256GB).

These prices position the TCL 50 Series against budget competitors like the Infinix Hot 50 Pro (KES ~20,000) and mid-range devices like the Realme 14 5G (KES ~30,000). Availability in Kenya is expected in Q3 2025 via retailers like Jumia Kenya, Safaricom shops, or TCL Kenya’s official stores (e.g., tclkenya.co.ke), with potential offers like free accessories or EMI options through partners like Bajaj Finserv.

Who Is the TCL 50 Series Best For?

The TCL 50 Series targets budget-conscious users seeking affordable 5G (or 4G for the 50 SE) smartphones with reliable performance and modern features. The target audience includes:

• Students and Young Users: The 90Hz (50 SE) or 120Hz (50 XL 5G) displays and 5G connectivity (50 XL 5G) are ideal for streaming, social media, and casual gaming on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, appealing to Kenya’s Gen Z.
• Casual Gamers: The MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (50 XL 5G) or Helio G88 (50 SE) supports casual gaming titles like Free Fire or Call of Duty: Mobile at medium settings, suitable for budget gamers.
• Social Media Enthusiasts: The 50MP main camera delivers decent daylight photos for Instagram or WhatsApp, catering to casual content creators.
• Multimedia Consumers: The large AMOLED (50 XL 5G) or IPS LCD (50 SE) displays and Widevine L1 support (50 XL 5G) ensure a good experience for Netflix or YouTube, with the 3.5mm headphone jack adding convenience.
• Budget and Mid-Range Buyers: Kenyan consumers in the KES 17,000–40,000 range seeking expandable storage, large batteries, and 5G (50 XL 5G) will find these devices compelling alternatives to Infinix, Realme, or Tecno.

The TCL 50 Series is particularly appealing to Kenyan youth, first-time smartphone buyers, and cost-conscious professionals prioritizing affordability and practical features.

Strongest Features

1. Large Battery and Fast Charging: The 5010mAh battery in both models lasts up to 1.5–2 days for moderate use, with 33W fast charging (50% in ~30 minutes), outpacing rivals like the Realme 14 5G (18W).
2. Expandable Storage: A dedicated microSDXC slot (up to 2TB) provides flexibility for media-heavy users, a feature absent in competitors like the Infinix Zero 50 5G.
3. Affordable 5G Connectivity (50 XL 5G): The Dimensity 6100+ chipset supports 5G, ensuring future-proof connectivity in Kenya’s growing 5G network, a standout feature under KES 40,000.
4. Vibrant Display (50 XL 5G): The 6.78-inch FHD+ IPS LCD with 120Hz refresh rate and 950 nits brightness offers smooth scrolling and clear visuals, ideal for gaming and streaming, surpassing the HD+ display of the TCL 50 SE.
5. Clean Software: Android 14 with TCL UI and 2 years of OS updates provides a user-friendly experience with minimal bloatware, competitive in the budget segment.

Weakest Features

1. Average Camera Performance: The 50MP main camera performs well in daylight but struggles in low light, and the 2MP macro/depth (50 SE) or 5MP ultrawide (50 XL 5G) add limited value, trailing rivals like the Tecno Pova 6 Pro with better secondary cameras.
2. Plastic Build and No IP Rating: Both models use plastic frames and backs without an official IP rating, reducing durability compared to the IP65-rated Honor X9c or IP64-rated Lava Agni 3.
3. Modest Performance (50 SE): The Helio G88 (AnTuTu ~260,000) is underpowered for heavy multitasking or gaming, and even the Dimensity 6100+ (AnTuTu ~450,000) in the 50 XL 5G lags behind the Dimensity 7300 in the Infinix Note 50x 5G.
4. Limited Software Updates: The 2-year OS update promise (to Android 16) is shorter than Samsung’s 7 years or Honor’s 5 years, limiting long-term value.
5. Single Speaker (50 SE): The 50 SE’s single speaker limits audio immersion compared to the hybrid dual DTS speakers in the 50 XL 5G or stereo speakers in the Lava Agni 3.

Addressing the “Upcoming TCL 50 Series” Query

The TCL 50 Series, launched globally in early 2025, includes models like the TCL 50 SE, 50 XL 5G, and others, as announced at MWC 2024. Some sources, like Bajaj Finserv, inaccurately list the TCL 50 SE as non-5G (correct) and the TCL 50 XL 5G with a 6.67-inch AMOLED (it’s an IPS LCD), while others mention a 4500mAh battery, which contradicts the confirmed 5010mAh. The series builds on TCL’s reputation for value-driven smartphones, as noted in posts on X praising their affordability and NXTPAPER display variants. No new TCL 50 Series models are confirmed for late 2025, but the current lineup remains relevant for Kenya’s budget market.

Conclusion

The TCL 50 Series, launched in early 2025 with a Kenyan rollout expected in Q3 2025, offers budget to mid-range smartphones priced at KES 17,000–40,000. The TCL 50 SE (4G) and TCL 50 XL 5G feature 6.78-inch displays, 5010mAh batteries with 33W charging, and expandable storage up to 2TB, making them ideal for students, casual gamers, and social media enthusiasts. The 50 XL 5G’s 5G connectivity and 120Hz FHD+ display enhance its appeal for Kenyan youth seeking value-driven devices.

However, their average camera performance, plastic builds without IP ratings, modest processors, limited software updates, and single speaker (50 SE) may deter users prioritizing photography, durability, or high-end performance. Compared to rivals like the Infinix Hot 50 Pro or Realme 14 5G, the TCL 50 Series excels in battery life and expandable storage but lags in camera versatility and processing power. Kenyan consumers can expect these devices at retailers like Jumia, Safaricom, or TCL Kenya’s official stores in mid-2025, with potential offers like free accessories or EMI options boosting their value in the KES 17,000–40,000 segment.

Sources: Information compiled from GSMArena, Smartprix, Bajaj Finserv, NotebookCheck, and posts on X, with Kenyan pricing estimated based on Indian and Nigerian pricing and local market trends.

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