A Stylo model was available at affordable prices when LG was still on the smartphone market. Motorola offered a MotoG Stylus device. Now, we have the TCL Stylus 5, which fills the gap left by LG. The new Galaxy Note is the Samsung Galaxy S22U. However, it starts at $1,075, although you might not want to spend more than four times as much for the ultimate experience.
Nebo’s handwriting recognition is quite remarkable.
TCL offers a few affordable options within the sub-$450 market and has had good results in the US with its smartphones. TCL Stylus 5G currently is available at Metro by T-Mobile starting at $269.99 or T-Mobile starting at $258. The TCL Stylus 5G, unlike other phones at this price point in the past, is a solid option and comes with excellent support from TCL.
There are some compromises at this low price point regarding performance and specifications. TCL offers a stock Android experience with an integrated stylus that allows you to take notes, navigate around the phone and convert handwritten scripts into text.
Hardware
TCL is well-known for its display technology. They continue to incorporate NXTVISION technology into their smartphones. TCL Stylus 5G features a 6.81-inch screen with a 90.2% screen-to-body ratio. The camera has a central hole punch and a viewable display around it. The camera’s front panel has no opening, making interactions possible on the entire surface. It is an LCD panel. However, it looks fantastic, and I have enjoyed watching a few movies on the large panel.
Two speakers are available to enjoy movies in landscape orientation. The bottom speaker plays the sound, and the headset speaker the audio. Although I could watch movies without headphones, there is a standard 3.5mm audio jack on the bottom.
The bottom edge also houses a USB-C port, microphone and bottom speaker. The bottom right corner of your phone houses the stylus silo. The top of the phone houses the microphone. The SIM card/microSD tray is on the top left, and the volume and power buttons are on the right. It also acts as a fingerprint sensor. This makes it quick and simple to unlock your phone using your thumb when you hold it in your right hand. I prefer the side fingerprint sensors to the ones under the display.
The stylus has a good feel and length. It works best when your fingers and other parts of your hands are not touching the display. Nothing will be visible under the stylus when your hand rests on the display. Your finger can be used in the same way as the stylus. It is a finger with a finer tip. My hand didn’t touch the screen most of the time, so the stylus was a pleasant experience. I have larger hands than most people, and my fingers are longer, so I find it difficult to touch the display with my other hand when using a stylus.
To help you grip the phone, the edges have a textured finish. The back is finished in matte black. The four cameras can be found along the left upper back section, with an LED flash at the bottom. Although the cameras can capture decent photos, they are not as good as flagship phones that cost four times more.
You can still shoot videos, photos, panoramas, and slow-motion videos. However, your results will depend on the lighting conditions and your ability to capture great photos. Low light shots can be difficult because there is no night mode.
Software
TCL Stylus 5G was the first TCL phone to launch with Android 12 & TCL UI Version 4. x. On March 5, 2022, you will find Android security updates on the review device. TCL announced that the phone will be upgraded from Android 11 to Android 13 and will receive two years’ worth of security updates.
TCL’s UI is fairly stock Android, with most TCL customizations found in the app launcher and pull-down shade. TCL’s display technology settings are also included. The app launcher allows you to sort by name, icon colour, usage, installation, or a new one. You can customize the drop-down shade with your favourite controls. There are also a variety of large and small tiles available. You will find settings that allow you to select the NXTVISION display technology and stylus options.
The phone has a few apps, including the Gallery, FM radio and Nebo for TCL. These apps allow you to use the features available on your phone. These two apps, which are stylus-focused, are very powerful. The handwriting recognition in Nebo can be quite impressive. My poor handwriting was recognized quickly with high accuracy.