Spoiler: The device is unsuitable if you wish to use it for watching content and playing games.

Do you wish to know what’s so unique about my review? I mean, why should you read my piece rather than those from CNet, Gadgets 360, GSMArena, etc.?  

Well, the answer is simple, I am sharing my first-hand experience after using TCL L7 for more than nine months.

Before reviewing various aspects of the device, I will quickly elaborate on why I zeroed in on the phone. 

I was already using the Redmi 8A as my primary handset. So, I wanted to buy a secondary device. Preferably a smaller one that can fit in my pocket. My budget was around $70 (Rs 5,200).

The best options I had back then were Samsung Galaxy M01 Core ($70/Rs 5,199), TCL L7 ($65/Rs 4,999), and itel A23 ($52/Rs 4,040). Then, I shortlisted TCL L7 and Samsung Galaxy M01 Core due to the camera and battery. 

Now, getting back to TCL L7 (Jio version) review 

OS

The OS is Android Oreo 10.0 (Go Edition). You don’t get the option to upgrade the same to 11.0 as of now. The operating system works in favor of the device that has 32GB ROM and 2GB RAM.

Yes, you guessed it right. The Play store automatically displays the trimmed version of apps that use very little hardware space. Developers make minor tweaks to make apps available for devices running Go Edition OS. Most applications, including Instagram and Twitter, do not lack any crucial features. Fortunately, both my banks offer compatible apps for my device.

By the way, the Jio Phone Next 4G also runs on a slightly Indianized version of Go, known as Pragati OS. 

Cameras: 

The device has an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front one. Unfortunately, the selfie camera is poor, and the rear one is just about fine considering the gadget price. 

Processor

TCL L7 has a 1.3 GHz QM215 Processor. But I am satisfied with the application loading time. I hardly remember any app crashes or freezes. I ensure I have the latest version of every application I use daily. 

Battery 

First, I wish to clarify that my phone’s Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth remain off. I won’t hesitate to say that TCL L7’s 3000mAh battery performance disappoints. The unit is removable, but a replacement battery is unavailable in India. 

A total of one hour and nine minutes of screentime, including ten minutes of Instagram, 15 minutes of Twitter, and roughly 21 minutes of WhatsApp usage, can drain more than 80 percent of the fully charged battery. It drains even quicker if I use it to create a Wi-Fi hotspot for my PC. 

At times, five minutes of Instagram usage overheats the phone. However, the device temperature remains normal while using other apps. I guess some Insta Influencers are too hot to handle for my phone. 

Locked to JIO for data in India 

You can use Wi-Fi or a Jio SIM for data connectivity. TCL L7 supports 2 SIMs (4G JIO+4G/2G ANY NETWORK). However, it is crucial to note that you cannot use the device without a JIO SIM card. 

(TCL L7 handsets sold in India are locked with JIO Network)

Display 

The device has a 13.97 cm (5.5 inches) HD Display. However, I am unhappy with the brightness and the intensity of various colors. Adjusting the level of brightness does not help much. 

I find this just about good enough to quickly check emails, tweets and read the news while on the public transport bus. Moreover, it’s superb to scan codes and make payments using G-Pay while on the go. 

It fits in my pocket perfectly. I feel safe carrying it as no one will try to steal such a small, invaluable device. 

Most physical and digital stores, including Reliance Digital, have replaced this device with JioPhone Next 4G, now available for Rs 4,500 without the easy installments option. Yet, the JioPhone Next (JPN) also comes with a disappointing 3500 mAh battery. The only noteworthy distinction point between TCL L7 and JPN is the latter’s camera (13 MP rear/8 MP front).

Currently, you can buy TCL L7 on Amazon or Flipkart in India for around Rs 4,500.

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