TCL 950 (2016)
The manufacturer offers this phone with a 5.5 inch AMOLED display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 MSM8996 SoC, and 4 GB of RAM.
Will it prove its worth? I aim to reveal that by the end of my review.
Table of Contents
- TCL 950 specifications
- Weight, dimensions, colors
- System, chipset, performance
- Display type, size, resolution
- Memory, storage
- Cameras, flash
- Connectivity, network, wireless
- Battery type, capacity, charger
- Features, sensors, specials
- Verdict, pros and cons
This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the TCL 950 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device.
TCL 950 specifications
| Brand | TCL |
|---|---|
| Name | 950 |
| Model | TCL950 |
| Release date | 2016 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
| Weight | 5.82 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.05 x 2.97 x 0.28 inch |
| Colors | black |
| SIM type | Nano SIM |
The weight of TCL 950 is about 5.82 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a small chipcard for a subscriber identity module (SIM).
System, chipset, performance
| OS version | Android OS v6.0 (Marshmallow) |
|---|---|
| SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 MSM8996 |
| CPU | Quad-core, Dual-core 2.15 GHz Kryo, Dual-core 1.6 GHz Kryo |
| GPU | Adreno 530 |
The TCL 950 comes with Android OS v6.0 (Marshmallow) out of the box. The Android operating system uses the Linux kernel as its foundation. It includes a user interface, middleware, and many pre-installed applications. The mid-range CPU can deliver fast, efficient performance for many tasks. Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors work with Adreno GPUs. The processors are designed for the GPUs.
Display type, size, resolution
| Display type | AMOLED |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 5.5 inch |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 px |
| Multitouch support | yes |
The 5.5 inch phone comes with AMOLED display. Smartphones use the AMOLED, which is a type of OLED display. The 5.5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.
Memory, storage
| RAM | 4 GB |
|---|---|
| Internal storage | 64 GB |
| Memory card slot | microSD |
The TCL 950 comes with 4 GB of RAM, which is considered to be sufficient for most users' needs. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services we use. 64 GB of storage is usually seen as good for a smartphone. It should be enough for most users. We can expand the internal storage (64 GB) with a compatible microSD card.
Cameras, flash
| Main camera | 21 MP, 5344 x 4016 px, autofocus |
|---|---|
| Flash | Dual LED |
| Selfie camera | 8 MP |
This single camera can be enough for many smartphone users, it depends on their photography needs and preferences. The 950 comes with a basic camera setup and lacks any advanced features.
Connectivity, network, wireless
| GSM 2G bands | 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
|---|---|
| Network coverage | 2G / 3G / 4G |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | v4.2, A2DP |
| GPS | A-GPS |
| NFC | yes |
| FM radio | yes |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 |
| Headphone | 3.5 mm jack |
Worldwide, people use 4G networks. They have become the standard for mobile networks in many countries. This phone like all modern smartphones, is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The 950 smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS. The 950 has a built-in NFC chip, which allows it to support various NFC applications and services. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows us to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.
Battery type, capacity, charger
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable |
|---|
The Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The battery of 950 isn't removable without voiding the warranty.
Features, sensors, specials
| Sensors | accelerometer, compass, fingerprint, gyroscope, light, proximity |
|---|---|
| Specials | Dual SIM |
Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The 950 smartphone has an accelerometer. The 950 phone has a fingerprint scanner. The light sensor detects the level of light in the environment. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use.
Verdict, pros and cons
Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this TCL phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.
Pros
- AMOLED display
- adequate memory
- microSD slot
- Dual SIM support
Cons
- limited-size screen
- single camera setup
- no OIS function
- no 5G support
- no Type-C USB port
- low-capacity battery
Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.
I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.