TCL 20 SEFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 48 mentions across 13 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment56%
PROS 56%
CONS 44%

Rank based on 48 mentions across 13 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a large-screen, media-friendly phone on a tight budget
  • You value strong battery life and loud dual speakers over camera quality
  • You prefer a durable plastic build over fragile glass backs

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need a sharp, high-resolution display for photos and video
  • You rely heavily on the front or rear camera for photography
  • You want frequent OS updates and long-term smooth performance

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choiceBest value
1Budget
Massive 7000mAh BatteryAffordable / Good ValuePremium Design for the PriceWeak CameraNo eSIM SupportShared SIM/SD Card Slot
Massive 7000mAh Battery
Affordable / Good Value
Premium Design for the Price
Weak Camera
No eSIM Support
Shared SIM/SD Card Slot
2Budget
Battery LifeValue For MoneyGaming PerformanceAverage CameraOverheatingRising Variant Pricing
Battery Life
Value For Money
Gaming Performance
Average Camera
Overheating
Rising Variant Pricing
3Budget
Strong battery life
Strong battery life
4Budget
Exceptional price-to-performance valueLarge battery with good screen featuresAds can be disabled easilyBaked-in MIUI ads and bloatwareLong-term hardware reliability concernsBattery drain issues reported by some users
Exceptional price-to-performance value
Large battery with good screen features
Ads can be disabled easily
Baked-in MIUI ads and bloatware
Long-term hardware reliability concerns
Battery drain issues reported by some users
5Budget
Great value for the priceReliable, smooth everyday performanceGood fit for basic or backup phone useDisappointing camera qualityRAM limitations on lower-end configurationBulkier, thicker design
Great value for the price
Reliable, smooth everyday performance
Good fit for basic or backup phone use
Disappointing camera quality
RAM limitations on lower-end configuration
Bulkier, thicker design
6Budget
AMOLED 120Hz DisplayExcellent Value for MoneyComplete Feature Set for the PriceInconsistent Night Mode Camera QualitySoftware Quirks and BugsBattery Degradation Over Time
AMOLED 120Hz Display
Excellent Value for Money
Complete Feature Set for the Price
Inconsistent Night Mode Camera Quality
Software Quirks and Bugs
Battery Degradation Over Time
7Budget
Excellent battery lifeStrong camera qualityGreat value for moneyInconsistent camera quality over time or vs rivalsLong-term reliability issuesPerformance decline after updates
Excellent battery life
Strong camera quality
Great value for money
Inconsistent camera quality over time or vs rivals
Long-term reliability issues
Performance decline after updates
8Budget
Huge battery lifeExceptional value for moneySharp Full HD+ displayNoticeable lag and stutterWeak camera systemReliability failures reported by some users
Huge battery life
Exceptional value for money
Sharp Full HD+ display
Noticeable lag and stutter
Weak camera system
Reliability failures reported by some users
9Budget
iPhone-like designFast 33W SuperVOOC chargingGood value for priceOutdated front camera and notchUnderpowered chipsetFalling behind on specs vs competitors
iPhone-like design
Fast 33W SuperVOOC charging
Good value for price
Outdated front camera and notch
Underpowered chipset
Falling behind on specs vs competitors
10Budget
Eye-friendly NXTPAPER displayGood for minimalist/reading useLong battery life in ink/B&W modeNot suited for gaming or heavy tasksLag and glitching in normal useLimited availability by region
Eye-friendly NXTPAPER display
Good for minimalist/reading use
Long battery life in ink/B&W mode
Not suited for gaming or heavy tasks
Lag and glitching in normal use
Limited availability by region
You are here
31Budget
TCL 20 SE
Excellent value for priceGood dual speakers and soundLarge, enjoyable display for mediaMissing features some expectWeak camera qualityLow 720p resolution on large screen
TCL 20 SE
Excellent value for price
Good dual speakers and sound
Large, enjoyable display for media
Missing features some expect
Weak camera quality
Low 720p resolution on large screen

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Exceptional value dominates first impressions of the TCL 20 SE. Commenters consistently point to the low price -- ranging from $119 to $200 depending on region and deals -- as the phone's biggest strength, often comparing it favorably to pricier Samsung models. Several buyers mention pairing it with cheap or free carrier plans, calling it 'amazing for the price.' The large 6.82in screen and included case add to the sense of getting more than expected for the money, even though a few note missing features like NFC on non-European units.

Battery life and audio consistently impress daily users. Multiple commenters highlight all-day battery performance with no issues, plus surprisingly capable dual speakers that pump out good sound for a budget device. Some specifically hope TCL continues including stereo speakers in future models. Fast charging is mentioned positively as well. These strengths make the phone well suited to media consumption, video watching, and casual gaming, reinforcing its reputation as a solid entry-level multimedia device despite its lower-end processor.

Screen resolution and camera quality generate the most divided opinions. The 720p resolution stretched across a large 6.82in display splits users -- some call it a dealbreaker on such a big screen, while others argue it helps games run smoother and preserves battery. The camera, especially the front-facing portrait mode, draws frequent complaints as 'rubbish' or 'a joke,' alongside recurring reports of red blotches appearing on dark photos and videos that users can't resolve.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?