TCL 503 Review: Features, Price, and Performance
TCL 503:
Network Technology:
- GSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch:
- Announced: February 26, 2024
- Released: October 2024
- Status: Available
Body:
- Dimensions: 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.35 in)
- Weight: 185.5 g (6.56 oz)
- Build: Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
- SIM: Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Display:
- Type: IPS LCD, 350 nits (typ)
- Size: 6.6 inches (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio)
- Resolution: 720 x 1612 pixels (~267 ppi density)
Platform:
- OS: Android 14 (Go edition)
- Chipset: Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm)
- CPU: Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55)
- GPU: PowerVR GE8322
Memory:
- Card Slot: microSDXC (dedicated slot)
- Internal: 64GB with 3GB RAM
- Storage: eMMC 5.1
Main Camera:
- Single: 8 MP (upscaled to 13 MP), f/2.0 (wide), AF, 1/4.0" sensor, 1.12µm
- Features: LED flash, HDR, panorama
- Video: 1080p@30fps
Selfie Camera:
- 5 MP (upscaled to 8 MP), f/2.2 (wide), 1/5.0" sensor, 1.12µm
- Video: 1080p@30fps
Sound:
- Loudspeaker: Yes
- 3.5mm Jack: Yes
Communications:
- WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
- Bluetooth: 4.2, A2DP
- GPS: Yes (with GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS)
- NFC: No
- Radio: Unspecified
- USB: USB Type-C 2.0
Features:
- Sensors: Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, virtual proximity sensing
Battery:
- Type: Li-Po 5000 mAh
- Charging: 10W wired
Colors:
- Space Gray, Midnight Blue
Models:
- T442M, T442A, T442J
Price:
- Around 100 EUR
Design and Display :
The TCL 503 features a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 267 pixels per inch (ppi). The screen delivers crisp, vibrant images suitable for a variety of everyday tasks, including browsing, video streaming, and social media interactions. The 20:9 aspect ratio gives the device a sleek, modern look and provides plenty of space for multitasking and viewing content. While it's not the brightest screen on the market, the 350 nits brightness is more than enough for typical indoor lighting conditions.
The TCL 503 has a glass front and plastic back and frame, and is lightweight, weighing 185.5 grams with dimensions of 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm. This makes it easy to hold and carry, making it ideal for users who prefer a more compact device. The smartphone is available in two stylish colors, Space Gray and Midnight Blue, allowing users to choose according to their preference.
Performance and Storage :
Inside the TCL 503 is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset. This octa-core processor consists of four 1.6GHz Cortex-A55 cores and four 1.2GHz Cortex-A55 cores that work together to handle basic tasks like web browsing, social media interaction, and light app usage. While the TCL 503 doesn't excel at intensive multitasking or gaming, it does offer plenty of performance for everyday smartphone use.
The device runs on Android 14 (Go Edition), a lightweight version of the Android operating system designed specifically for budget devices. Android Go optimizes storage and memory usage, ensuring that the phone runs efficiently even with lower specifications. The TCL 503 comes with 3GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, which is more than enough for light usage, apps, and media. Additionally, the phone comes with a dedicated microSDXC slot that supports up to 512GB of expandable storage, allowing users to store tons of photos, videos, music, and apps without worrying about running out of storage space.
Camera :
The TCL 503 comes with an 8MP rear camera that can be upscaled to 13MP, allowing users to capture clear and detailed images. The camera also supports 1080p video recording at 30 frames per second (fps), which is more than enough for everyday video content creation. Although it doesn't come with advanced features like a wide-angle lens or advanced image stabilization, the rear camera works well in bright conditions and produces good results for casual photography. The front of the device features a 5MP camera that can be expanded up to 8MP. This camera is suitable for selfies and video calling, and also supports 1080p video recording at 30 fps. The front camera is not designed for high-end selfie taking, but it is functional and perfect for users who value everyday video calling and simple selfies.
Battery and Charging :
One of the standout features of the TCL 503 is its 5,000mAh battery that can provide power for the entire day. With this capacity, users can expect to use the device all day without frequent charging, even if they are doing regular browsing, social media use, and video streaming. Whether you're watching content, sending text messages, or using a variety of apps, the large capacity battery will keep your device powered for a long time.
The TCL 503 supports 10W wired charging, allowing users to charge their batteries in a reasonable amount of time. Although not as fast as high-end devices, this charging speed is typical for budget smartphones and ensures that users on the go can charge their batteries efficiently.
The TCL 503 has several key connectivity features, including 4G LTE support, allowing users to enjoy fast mobile internet speeds for browsing, streaming, and communication. It also comes with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, and GPS capabilities, satisfying the most basic connectivity needs of any smartphone user.
For security reasons, the TCL 503 comes with a fingerprint sensor on the back, allowing you to unlock your device safely and conveniently. It also supports face unlock, allowing users to easily access their phone with minimal effort.
Conclusion :
To sum up, the TCL 503 is a great choice for users looking for an affordable and functional smartphone that meets their basic needs. Its 6.6-inch display, long-lasting 5,000mAh battery, expandable storage, and entry-level performance make it a solid choice for users who primarily use their smartphone for everyday tasks like social media, web browsing, video streaming, etc. With 1080p video recording and basic photography capabilities, the TCL 503 is also a great choice for users who want a simple phone with a great camera.
Inside the TCL 503 is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset. This octa-core processor consists of four 1.6GHz Cortex-A55 cores and four 1.2GHz Cortex-A55 cores that work together to handle basic tasks like web browsing, social media interaction, and light app usage. While the TCL 503 doesn't excel at intensive multitasking or gaming, it does offer plenty of performance for everyday smartphone use.
The device runs on Android 14 (Go Edition), a lightweight version of the Android operating system designed specifically for budget devices. Android Go optimizes storage and memory usage, ensuring that the phone runs efficiently even with lower specifications. The TCL 503 comes with 3GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, which is more than enough for light usage, apps, and media. Additionally, the phone comes with a dedicated microSDXC slot that supports up to 512GB of expandable storage, allowing users to store tons of photos, videos, music, and apps without worrying about running out of storage space.
Camera :
The TCL 503 comes with an 8MP rear camera that can be upscaled to 13MP, allowing users to capture clear and detailed images. The camera also supports 1080p video recording at 30 frames per second (fps), which is more than enough for everyday video content creation. Although it doesn't come with advanced features like a wide-angle lens or advanced image stabilization, the rear camera works well in bright conditions and produces good results for casual photography. The front of the device features a 5MP camera that can be expanded up to 8MP. This camera is suitable for selfies and video calling, and also supports 1080p video recording at 30 fps. The front camera is not designed for high-end selfie taking, but it is functional and perfect for users who value everyday video calling and simple selfies.
Battery and Charging :
One of the standout features of the TCL 503 is its 5,000mAh battery that can provide power for the entire day. With this capacity, users can expect to use the device all day without frequent charging, even if they are doing regular browsing, social media use, and video streaming. Whether you're watching content, sending text messages, or using a variety of apps, the large capacity battery will keep your device powered for a long time.
The TCL 503 supports 10W wired charging, allowing users to charge their batteries in a reasonable amount of time. Although not as fast as high-end devices, this charging speed is typical for budget smartphones and ensures that users on the go can charge their batteries efficiently.
Connectivity and Additional Features :
The TCL 503 has several key connectivity features, including 4G LTE support, allowing users to enjoy fast mobile internet speeds for browsing, streaming, and communication. It also comes with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, and GPS capabilities, satisfying the most basic connectivity needs of any smartphone user.
For security reasons, the TCL 503 comes with a fingerprint sensor on the back, allowing you to unlock your device safely and conveniently. It also supports face unlock, allowing users to easily access their phone with minimal effort.
Conclusion :
To sum up, the TCL 503 is a great choice for users looking for an affordable and functional smartphone that meets their basic needs. Its 6.6-inch display, long-lasting 5,000mAh battery, expandable storage, and entry-level performance make it a solid choice for users who primarily use their smartphone for everyday tasks like social media, web browsing, video streaming, etc. With 1080p video recording and basic photography capabilities, the TCL 503 is also a great choice for users who want a simple phone with a great camera.
