The TCL ION Z review defines how this compact device can suit people with basic and ordinary life activities. It explains straight to the point to make you understand it.
The TCL ION Z smartphone was released in October 2022. It has become one of the budget smartphone considerations. Affordable phones always have a special place in our hearts if the device can conveniently fulfill our daily needs.
The device comes compact with only a 5.5-inch display screen and full HD screen quality. Having a low price means there are some compromising features. It shows the device’s battery size and camera resolution.
This article review will explore the TCL ION Z’s smartphone. Who knows, maybe you will find some minors that need to pay attention. We advise you to read it carefully before you place an order.
Key Specs
TCL ION Z key specifications:
| Weight | 195g |
| Dimensions | 146 x 72 x 10.2mm |
| OS | Android 12 |
| Screen size | 5.5-inch |
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 |
| Processor | Mediatek Helio A22 (MT6761V) |
| CPU | Quad-core (4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| RAM | 3GB |
| Storage | 32GB |
| Battery | 3,000mAh, Removable |
| Rear camera | 5MP |
| Front camera | 2MP |
| Features | Water Resistant IPX2, Face Unlock |
Design
We are not pleased to look at the TCL ION Z smartphone. It is average-looking and applies the old design. The dimensions are 146 x 72 x 10.2mm, weighing 195g. Makes the device sturdy yet bulky build. This phone also has a stiff rectangular shape with little rounded accents on the edges.
Right off the bat, the front area of this phone packs up a 5.5-inch display screen with bezels surrounding it. The thick top and bottom bezels are a real deal-breaker since they are outdated. The front camera still applies at the top bezel, while most smartphones already use a punch hole and teardrop design.
On the back, the Prime Black color shows masculinity. Moreover, it comes with dots textures which makes it look cheap, but it gives comfort while you are gripping the device. It is also minimalist-looking, showing only the rear camera at the top left and the TCL logo at the bottom right.
Display
The TCL ION Z smartphone features a 5.5-inch display screen to let users play around with the screen. It is compact but fairly enough for users to manage their daily activities. Some plenty of room can be used to engage with the screen.
This compact screen has a 720 x 1440 pixel resolution, meaning the least quality you can get from this device is an HD+. The quality is enough for that much of the size to deliver colorful and high-detailed content.
This 720p screen comes with a 293 PPI screen density and an aspect ratio of 18:9. These combined will give you a mesmerizing experience while doing entertaining activities like watching movies because the quality will be great, bright, and accurate.
Camera
The camera aspect of the TCL ION Z smartphone is left far behind. The camera setup is even below the standard of an entry-level smartphone. How come today’s smartphones only get two camera setups, and neither doesn’t even deliver good quality?
The first camera is on its back with only a 5MP resolution. In this era, this megapixel is not enough, especially for everyone who loves to share their moment on social media. It can still take a couple of shots, but to impress anyone? Not really.
However, we give the TCL ION Z extra stars for its mindful camera features. First, it comes together with an LED flash to take brighter pictures in the dark. The other features are portrait, long exposure, panorama, and Google Lens.
The second camera of the TCL ION Z smartphone is on the front. It works for taking selfies, but the quality is not good. It only comes with a 2MP camera which is considerably low even for an entry-level smartphone.
Read also: TCL ION X Review (Metro by T-Mobile)
Storage
Here comes the great storage of the TCL ION Z smartphone. As budget-friendly, this phone has a generous 32GB of internal storage inside. With this capacity, you will surely get more chances to save more files and install as many apps as you want.
For those of you who see this size is not enough, there is a trick you can do. Go buy yourself a MicroSD card, put it into the phone’s external slot, and you will see how it can make a change! For your information, you can put the card up to 512GB, which is large enough.
Performance
The TCL ION Z smartphone’s performance consists of a 2GHz Quad-core MediaTek Helio A22. It is a popular chipset that can be found in most entry-level smartphones. The chipset focuses on being well-efficient rather than delivering blazingly speed performance. After all, it doesn’t show any significant problems while accessing some lightweight apps.
As for their RAM (Random Access Memory), the TCL ION Z also generously offers us a big capacity of 3GB RAM. It obviously becomes an incredible move since we, as a user, can experience optimal performance. We are surprised to see this RAM size on a budget phone.
The results of those specs combined are with the TCL ION Z, you will experience a very comfortable operation while accessing some tasks beyond your daily essentials. Multitasking is possible, opening apps simultaneously is smooth, and access to intense games is bearable. Just make sure not to over-force your device because it will get exhausted.
The TCL ION Z features Android 12. This may not be the latest Android version, but the features inside are still up-to-date and dependable to do most of your job and make it easier. For those of you who didn’t know, this operating system is known for its signature ‘most personal OS ever.’
Android 12 has a dynamic color capability feature that allows you to transform the whole experience based on your chosen wallpaper. It means this version has a better and more user interface than its predecessors. Moreover, it offers a powerful privacy feature that gives you full control over who can see your data and when.
Instead of a fingerprint reader, the TCL ION Z is equipped with face recognition to easily unlock the device. The face unlocks more securely and is convenient to use. Other than that, this device also has some default sensors to make your journey with the device easier and more comfortable. Those are G-Sensor, P-Sensor, L-Sensor, and Barometer sensor.
Connectivity
The TCL ION Z utilizes 4G LTE technology for calls and the internet. This technology ensures faster internet connections that are readable in almost the entire world. If you are using the device for calling, it will also ensure you can hear opponents’ voices very clearly.
Wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi) is also available along with that network. The VoWiFi comes straight into your device as well. With this, you can enjoy a free network and call. What a plus point, right?
To connect with other devices, the TCL ION Z relies on Bluetooth and USB Type-C. The difference between these two is that you can share any files you want wirelessly with Bluetooth. Meanwhile, with USB Type-C, you can only share files into a computer with the wire.
Battery
The TCL ION Z smartphone has a dependable 3,000mAh battery capacity embedded into the device. It is a decent size for any entry-level smartphone. This device promises to have a long-lasting day with estimated 30 days in standby time and up to 24 hours at max in talk time.
This phone still uses an old removable battery type, which is quite a burden for us. Today, most smartphones already use a non-removable battery. Charging time is typical. It does not feature fast charging, so it may take some time. For charging, you will use the USB Type-C cable.
Verdict
We ended this TCL ION Z review by pointing out its most impressive feature first; the striking display screen. Even with a small screen size, this phone has an HD+ display screen that can greatly pack up all of the device’s contents. Other than that, the generous RAM size that they offer is also very satisfying.
Above the features that we told, the TCL ION Z has a good deal of price promotions. You can get this smartphone for free if you subscribe to a Cricket provider for the first time. Are you interested?
TCL ION Z Pros:
- Great display quality
- Generous RAM size
TCL ION Z Cons:
- Outdated design
- Under-qualified camera