TCL’s P80 Ultra sits at the top of the P80 lineup for imaging, pairing a 50MP main camera with a 50MP periscope telephoto capable of 3x optical zoom. In testing, the telephoto delivered its most convincing detail and brightness at that native 3x setting, while pushing toward the advertised 100x digital limit predictably introduced a painterly loss of detail.
The rear cameras are housed in a square, slightly raised module covered by a single sheet of protective glass. In daylight, the main camera produced generally natural colors without obvious oversaturation or overexposure, along with strong detail, texture and dynamic range. Close-up focusing was also a particular strength, and the phone can capture macro images.
- Main camera: 50MP, 1/1.56-inch sensor, f/1.88 aperture, optical image stabilization and electronic image stabilization.
- Periscope telephoto: 50MP, f/2.4 aperture, 3x optical zoom, up to 100x digital zoom, optical image stabilization and electronic image stabilization.
- Ultra-wide camera: 8MP, autofocus, 112-degree field of view, 1/4.0-inch sensor and f/2.2 aperture.
- Front camera: 32MP, f/2.0 aperture, 28mm equivalent field of view, HDR and 2K video.
The ultra-wide camera showed the expected trade-offs against the main sensor: darker rendering and more visible distortion toward the edges. The front camera captured crisp, detailed selfies and handled bright backgrounds well in the test, although HDR could be less consistent in darker areas. Portrait separation was generally accurate.
Video and low-light performance
Rear-camera video is available at up to 4K at 30fps, alongside 1080p recording at 30fps or 60fps. The 4K mode produced detailed footage from a stable position, while 1080p at 30fps provided more effective stabilization during walking shots. The camera app also offers Night, Motion, Video, Photo and Portrait modes, with portrait focal-length options at 1x, 2x, 3x and 6x.
- Pro mode, Light Trace, Panorama, Path, Time Lapse and Horizon Lock.
- Movie, Slow Motion, Stage and Google Lens.
- B&W, Negative, Slide and Street Documentary filters.
At night, the 3x optical setting again produced the most useful zoom results. Well-lit areas retained more detail, while subjects in motion could take on a ghosted appearance. The ultra-wide camera was more susceptible to visible movement during capture and stronger light halos after dark. Availability and pricing for the TCL P80 Ultra were not confirmed in the tested material.
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