TCL 501 BLACK

I've been on the look out for a cheap phone to use a remote control. Not only is this Android 14 (note it is the Go edition, which has some limitations) but it's at the price point of other Chinese cheap phones that don't work, where this one actually does! It is a bit sluggish and your not going to playing many games at a high FPS but for a remote control for Tuya, Roku etc... It's the perfect device at under £50! Screen is bright and viewing angels are great. Love the idea of a removable battery so it's replaceable if it degrades. Cheap cheerful and functional phone, oh and as a bonus it supports 5G!

I’ve had a terrible experience with this phone. After just three months of light use, it completely stopped working. The build quality feels poor, and I’m now unable to charge it or even wake it up. To make things worse, I haven’t been able to reach anyone for support or arrange a return. Overall, I’m very disappointed and would not recommend this phone. Dont waste time !

Good

Purchased for my husband to replace a Doro clam shell phone. He likes basics & not bothered with all the social media malarkey! Great starter phone for his needs to get him used to swiping instead of pressing buttons numerous times for a basic text message,as I said old school! He now has access to what's app,which makes it easier for friends & family (some live abroad). He only wanted to be able to access whats app, get online, basic txt ect. For the cost of this phone it's definitely worth it. I'd definitely consider for a basic smart phone back up myself especially for the cost. My hubby is well pleased & it's opened up more access for him too when he travels i.e Google wallet. It runs on a paired down version of android. I'd say it's a great entry level smart phone for younger kids too. UPDATE, 28.3.25- coming up to 6 months usage now and still working fine (fingers crossed & you touch wood).

This phone no NFC feature. But why preload the Google wallet? It's very tricky. Do not upload the card details. Price for this phone and quality are acceptable. But no charger and protect rubber case attached.

I check my phone a handful of times a day and I have become fed up of the unnecessary additions to high-end phones. This phone has a good processor (MediaTek G36) and Android version 14 Go for all apps needed. The camera does not produce high quality image or video so avoid if this is necessary. A removable battery and a headphone jack are very nice features for a modern phone, you can easily replace the battery if there is a fault and are not forced to go wireless for audio use. The battery life is exceptional, the phone is operating off one charge since first boot (phone arrived with half charge so fully charge it before booting). Overall you will not find a better value phone for today's needs if you do not want to be glued to your phone.

brought this as a work phone 5 months ago because i'm sick of breaking expencive phones on the job. its held up well until now its a very tough and durable phone. the battery life is pretty terrible and its slow but it does everything you need from a phone started having an issue a few days ago. it displays a message saying has a verity curruption error and now the phone constantly restarts every time you use it for more then 5 mins making it nearly unusable. For people looking to buy a tcl 501 it is worth getting if you need a temporary budget phone but thats about all it is a cheap temp

Fast seller, it works and it is relatively fast. It just gets a bit warmer if heavily used for some time. Overall it is fine and expected to be so. Thanks