TCL Ion X (2023)
In 2023, TCL unveiled the Ion X smartphone. This phone boasts a 6 inch IPS display, a Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, and 3 GB of RAM. The smartphone runs on the Android OS v12.0 operating system.
Will it prove its worth? I aim to reveal that by the end of my review.
Table of Contents
- TCL Ion X 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 Ion X smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device.
TCL Ion X specifications
| Brand | TCL |
|---|---|
| Name | Ion X |
| Model | IONX |
| Release date | 2023 |
| Price | $100 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
| Weight | 6.24 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.16 x 2.96 x 0.35 inch |
| Colors | black |
| SIM type | Nano SIM |
The weight of the TCL Ion X is still considered to be lightweight and portable. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.
System, chipset, performance
| OS version | Android OS v12.0 |
|---|---|
| SoC | Mediatek Helio G25 |
| CPU | Octa-core, Quad-core 2 GHz Cortex-A53, Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 |
| Performance | AnTuTu v9: 92560 |
The TCL Ion X comes with Android OS v12.0 out of the box. Android is an open-source operating system. This means users and developers have more control over the software. This CPU makes it ideal for running resource-intensive applications. Many consider PowerVR GPUs to highly compete with other leading mobile GPUs. AnTuTu measures and evaluates the performance of different hardware components of a device.
Display type, size, resolution
| Display type | IPS |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 6 inch |
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 px |
| Multitouch support | yes |
People know IPS for its wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction. The 6 inch display should be big enough for our needs. It will make viewing comfortable. This is true whether we're reading, browsing, or watching. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.
Memory, storage
| RAM | 3 GB |
|---|---|
| Internal storage | 32 GB |
| Memory card slot | microSD |
The smartphone has 3 GB of RAM. It can run many apps at once without much lag or slowness. More RAM lets us keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. Generally, a smartphone should have a minimum of 32 GB of internal storage. The Ion X has 32 GB. We can expand the internal storage of the Ion X (32 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.
Cameras, flash
| Main camera | 13 MP, 4160 x 3120 px, autofocus |
|---|---|
| Flash | LED |
| Selfie camera | 5 MP |
This single camera can be enough for many smartphone users, it depends on their photography needs and preferences. The main camera of Ion X smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones.
Connectivity, network, wireless
| GSM 2G bands | 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
|---|---|
| Network coverage | 2G / 3G / 4G |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | v5.1, A2DP |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS |
| NFC | no |
| FM radio | yes |
| USB | USB Type-C |
| Headphone | 3.5 mm jack |
The 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. This TCL phone can connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, at work, or in public places. We can use Bluetooth to connect our Ion X smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS receiver. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. 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 Ion X does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.
Features, sensors, specials
| Sensors | accelerometer, light, proximity |
|---|---|
| Specials | Dual SIM |
Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. The light sensor is a type of sensor in a smartphone. It lets the phone measure light intensity around the device. 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
- pocket-friendly price
- appropriate screen size
- microSD slot
- Dual SIM support
Cons
- weak performance
- single camera setup
- no OIS function
- no 5G support
- no NFC feature
- low-capacity battery
- no digital compass
- no fingerprint reader
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.