In a smartphone market dominated by premium flagships and mid-range powerhouses, finding a budget-friendly phone with a built-in stylus is like searching for a needle in a haystack. Enter the TCL Stylus 5G—a rare sub-$300 device that combines 5G connectivity with a stylus-equipped experience. Priced between $258 and $269, the TCL Stylus 5G seems to offer incredible value on paper: a 6.81-inch FHD+ display, Android 12, and stylus functionality, all while tapping into the next-gen speeds of 5G.
But can it truly compete in a market where even budget phones now offer impressive cameras, fluid displays, and long-term software support? Or does it fall into the trap of trying to do too much at too low a price?
Key Specs at a Glance
- Display: 6.81-inch FHD+ LCD (2460 x 1080)
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 700
- RAM & Storage: 4GB RAM / 128GB Storage (expandable via microSD)
- Cameras: 50MP Main, 5MP Ultra-Wide, 2MP Macro, 2MP Depth | 13MP Front Camera
- Battery: 4000mAh with 18W Fast Charging
- Operating System: Android 12
- Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC
- Price: $258–$269
Design and Build: Premium Looks, Budget Feel
At first glance, the TCL Stylus 5G carries a clean, almost premium aesthetic. The large display dominates the front, flanked by thin bezels, while the back sports a simple but modern finish. However, the plastic build becomes apparent in hand—offering durability but lacking the refined touch of glass or metal frames found in pricier devices.
Despite its 213g weight, the phone is well-balanced, making it manageable for one-handed use. The built-in stylus tucks neatly into the bottom-right corner, similar in style to Samsung’s Galaxy Note series—but make no mistake, the comparison ends there.
Display: Big but Basic
The 6.81-inch FHD+ LCD offers plenty of real estate, especially for note-takers, readers, and casual gamers. The 2460 x 1080 resolution delivers decent sharpness, though color vibrancy and contrast fall short compared to AMOLED panels commonly found in mid-range phones.
One major letdown is the 60Hz refresh rate, which feels sluggish in a market where 90Hz or 120Hz screens are increasingly standard—even on budget devices like the Moto G Power 2023. For casual users, this might not be a dealbreaker, but smoother scrolling and animations are hard to ignore once you’ve experienced them.
Stylus Experience: Functional, But Not Flawless
Let’s get straight to it: the stylus is passive—meaning it lacks Bluetooth functionality, pressure sensitivity, and advanced gesture controls. It’s more akin to a simple capacitive pen than the feature-packed S Pen found in Samsung devices.
That said, TCL includes pre-installed apps like Nebo for TCL (an AI-powered note-taking app) and MyScript Calculator 2, which lets you solve handwritten equations. The NXTVISION display enhancement software also improves image clarity and color in some stylus applications.
However, the passive nature of the stylus means certain apps may not fully recognize fine-tuned inputs, and there’s no palm rejection tech—making it less suitable for artists or anyone looking for precision tasks.
Pro Tip: If stylus performance is a priority, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) offers an active stylus and a smoother 120Hz display, albeit at a higher price point.
Performance: Solid for Basics, Weak for Power Users
The MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset powering the TCL Stylus 5G is a mixed bag. On paper, it offers solid 5G capabilities and can handle everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, and social media. In practice, the 4GB RAM becomes a bottleneck when juggling multiple apps or running heavier games.
Casual gaming (think Candy Crush or Clash Royale) runs fine, but demanding titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile result in frame drops and longer load times.
Geekbench 5 Scores:
- Single-Core: ~550
- Multi-Core: ~1700
These numbers place the TCL Stylus 5G below competitors like the OnePlus Nord N200 5G, which offers snappier performance at a similar price.
Camera System: More Lenses, But Not More Quality
In an era where even budget phones boast solid camera systems, the TCL Stylus 5G falls short.
- 50MP Main Sensor: While promising on paper, the images lack dynamic range and struggle in low light. Photos often come out soft, and the HDR effect can be hit-or-miss.
- 5MP Ultra-wide: Colors appear washed out, and edge distortion is noticeable.
- 2MP Macro & 2MP Depth Sensors: Largely filler and rarely produce usable shots.
- 13MP Front Camera: Good enough for selfies and video calls but fails to impress in mixed lighting.
Video recording tops out at 1080p at 30fps, a surprising limitation given many budget phones now offer 4K options.
Battery Life and Charging: Middling Endurance
The 4000mAh battery is just average for a phone this size. With light to moderate use—think social media scrolling, streaming, and light gaming—you’ll eke out a full day. Heavy 5G use or gaming, however, will have you reaching for the charger before dinner.
Charging speeds cap at 18W, taking the phone from 0% to 100% in about 90 minutes. While that’s acceptable, it’s outpaced by budget competitors like the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G, which offers a larger 5000mAh battery with similar charging speeds.
Software and Updates: One and Done?
Out of the box, the TCL Stylus 5G runs Android 12 with a nearly stock experience—a welcome move that keeps bloatware to a minimum. TCL adds a few of its own stylus-centric apps but largely stays out of the way.
The downside? Only one major Android update is promised, meaning users will likely see Android 13 and no further. In contrast, brands like Samsung and Motorola offer 2-3 years of updates even on their budget devices.
How Does It Compare?
| Phone | Price | Display | Processor | Stylus | Battery | Updates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCL Stylus 5G | $269 | 6.81″ FHD+ LCD | MediaTek Dimensity 700 | Passive | 4000mAh | 1 Major Update |
| Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | $399 | 6.6″ FHD+ 120Hz | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 | Active | 5000mAh | 3 Years |
| Samsung Galaxy A14 5G | $199 | 6.6″ FHD+ 90Hz | Exynos 1330 | None | 5000mAh | 2 Years |
| OnePlus Nord N200 5G | $239 | 6.49″ FHD+ 90Hz | Snapdragon 480 | None | 5000mAh | 2 Years |
Final Thoughts: Who Is the TCL Stylus 5G For?
The TCL Stylus 5G is designed for a very specific user: someone who wants a large-screen phone with stylus functionality and 5G connectivity—without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for casual note-takers, students, or anyone who simply enjoys the precision of a stylus without needing flagship-level features.
However, if you’re expecting S Pen-level capabilities, long software support, or heavy-duty performance, this phone will likely disappoint. Alternatives like the Moto G Stylus 5G offer better specs and a smoother stylus experience—though at a higher cost.
Final Verdict: 3.2/5 ⭐
While the TCL Stylus 5G fills an interesting niche in the budget market, its compromises in display refresh rate, stylus sophistication, and software longevity make it a tough sell for power users. But if you’re after basic stylus functionality and solid 5G connectivity at a low price, it might just hit the sweet spot.
Key Takeaways
- Budget-friendly smartphone with stylus and large screen
- 5G connectivity and Android 12 at an accessible price point
- Stylus functionality may have limitations affecting user experience
Design and Build
The TCL Stylus 5G sports a large form factor with a focus on stylus functionality. Its design balances size and usability, aiming to provide a comfortable experience for note-taking and general use.
Body and Ergonomics
The TCL Stylus 5G measures 6.81 inches tall, making it a sizable device. Despite its large dimensions, it maintains a relatively slim profile. The phone’s weight is manageable for extended use.
A USB-C port is present for charging and data transfer. The device retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to users who prefer wired audio options.
The fingerprint sensor is conveniently placed for easy access and quick unlocking.
Display Quality
The TCL Stylus 5G features a 6.81-inch LCD screen. This big display offers ample space for content consumption and stylus use.
The screen boasts a 1080p resolution, ensuring crisp visuals for text, images, and videos. Brightness levels are adequate for most lighting conditions, though they may struggle in direct sunlight.
Color reproduction is satisfactory, providing a pleasant viewing experience for everyday tasks and media playback.
Stylus Integration
A key feature of the TCL Stylus 5G is its built-in stylus. The passive stylus slots neatly into the phone’s body when not in use.
The stylus is pressure-sensitive, allowing for varied line thickness when writing or drawing. It responds quickly to input, minimizing lag during use.
TCL has included stylus-specific software features to enhance productivity. These include note-taking apps and screen-off memo functionality.
The stylus integration makes the TCL Stylus 5G stand out in the budget smartphone market, offering pen input capabilities typically found on pricier devices.
Performance and Software
The TCL Stylus 5G delivers modest performance and runs on Android 12. It offers basic functionality for everyday tasks but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Hardware Specifications
The TCL Stylus 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G chipset. This mid-range processor provides adequate performance for basic tasks and light multitasking. The phone comes with 4GB of RAM, which can handle a few apps running simultaneously.
Internal storage is 128GB, expandable via microSD card. This allows users to store more photos, videos, and apps beyond the built-in capacity.
The Dimensity 700 supports 5G connectivity, enabling faster data speeds on compatible networks. However, the phone’s overall performance may lag behind higher-end devices when running resource-intensive apps or games.
Software Experience
The TCL Stylus 5G ships with Android 12 out of the box. The user interface is relatively clean, with minimal bloatware. TCL’s custom skin adds some useful features without overly complicating the Android experience.
The stylus integration brings note-taking and drawing capabilities. Pre-installed apps like Nebo for handwriting recognition and MyScript Calculator 2 for solving handwritten equations enhance the stylus functionality.
General navigation and app launching are smooth, but users may notice some slowdowns when multitasking heavily or using demanding applications. The 4GB of RAM can become a limiting factor in these scenarios.
Security and Updates
TCL promises two years of security updates for the Stylus 5G. This commitment helps keep the device protected against known vulnerabilities for a reasonable period.
The likelihood of receiving a full Android version update (e.g., to Android 13) is uncertain. TCL’s track record with updates for budget devices has been inconsistent in the past.
The phone includes standard Android security features like device encryption and secure boot. A side-mounted fingerprint sensor provides biometric authentication for unlocking the device and authorizing purchases.
Camera and Multimedia
The TCL Stylus 5G offers a versatile camera setup and multimedia features. Its multi-lens rear array and front-facing camera aim to capture various photo styles, while TCL’s Nxtvision technology enhances the display experience.
Rear Cameras Specifications
The TCL Stylus 5G sports a quad-camera system on the back. The main shooter boasts a 50-megapixel sensor, providing high-resolution images in well-lit conditions. An ultra-wide lens with a 5-megapixel sensor allows for broader scene capture.
A 2-megapixel macro camera enables close-up shots of small subjects. The depth sensor assists in creating background blur effects for portrait mode photos. This combination offers users flexibility for different shooting scenarios.
Front Camera Quality
The front-facing camera features a 13-megapixel sensor. It’s designed for taking selfies and video calls. The camera performs adequately in good lighting conditions, producing clear self-portraits and group shots.
In low light, image quality may decrease. The front camera includes software enhancements to improve skin tones and apply beauty filters, which some users might find helpful for social media posts.
Nxtvision Technology
TCL’s Nxtvision technology plays a key role in the device’s display and multimedia experience. This feature aims to enhance color accuracy, contrast, and sharpness of on-screen content.
It applies real-time visual enhancements to both images and videos. Users can expect more vibrant colors and improved detail when viewing photos, streaming videos, or playing games. The technology also includes blue light reduction to help reduce eye strain during extended use.
Connectivity and Battery Life
The TCL Stylus 5G offers solid connectivity features and decent battery performance for its price point. These aspects are crucial for users who rely on their phones throughout the day.
Network and Communication
The TCL Stylus 5G supports 5G networks, enabling faster data speeds where available. This allows for quicker downloads and smoother streaming. The phone also includes Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.2 for local wireless connections.
Call quality on the Stylus 5G is generally clear and reliable. The device handles voice calls well in most conditions. For users who frequently make calls, this performance is a plus.
Charging and Power Management
A 4,000mAh battery powers the TCL Stylus 5G. This capacity is adequate for a full day of use for most people. Heavy users might need to recharge before the day ends.
The phone supports fast charging via its USB Type-C port. This feature helps to quickly top up the battery when needed. While not the fastest charging system available, it’s a welcome addition at this price point.
Battery life is rated for up to 16 hours of use. Real-world performance may vary based on individual usage patterns and settings. The device includes power-saving modes to extend battery life when necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
The TCL Stylus 5G offers several features at a budget-friendly price point. Here are answers to common questions about this device’s specifications, availability, and functionality.
What are the key specifications of the TCL Stylus 5G?
The TCL Stylus 5G boasts a large 6.81-inch screen with 1080p resolution. It includes 5G compatibility and runs on Android 12. The phone features four rear cameras and comes with a built-in stylus that fits into a slot at the bottom of the device.
How does the TCL Stylus 5G compare in price to similar models?
TCL Stylus 5G is priced at $258 for T-Mobile customers and $269 for Metro by T-Mobile users. This positions it as a sub-$300 option, making it one of the more affordable phones with stylus functionality and 5G capabilities in the market.
Where can one purchase the TCL Stylus 5G online?
The TCL Stylus 5G is available through T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile. Customers can purchase the device directly from these carriers’ websites or physical stores.
When was the TCL Stylus 5G officially released?
The TCL Stylus 5G was released on June 2, 2022. It initially launched for T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers.
Does the TCL Stylus 5G come with waterproof or water-resistant features?
The search results do not provide information about waterproof or water-resistant features for the TCL Stylus 5G. Potential buyers should check the official product specifications for details on water resistance.
Which version of Android does the TCL Stylus 5G operate on?
The TCL Stylus 5G runs on Android 12. This version offers a clean Android experience without heavy customizations, providing users with a familiar and user-friendly interface.
