The BLU G51 Plus and TCL 30 SE represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The TCL 30 SE leverages a Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, while the BLU G51 Plus opts for an unspecified octa-core processor based on the Cortex-A55 architecture. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic functionality and slightly better performance, the TCL 30 SE emerges as the winner. Its Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, while not a powerhouse, offers a more robust CPU configuration than the BLU G51 Plus’s Cortex-A55 based processor, translating to a smoother experience in everyday tasks. The 15W charging is also a small but noticeable advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APAC |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, May 22. Released 2021, May 22 | 2022, February 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, April 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165 x 76.5 x 9.3 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.37 in) | 165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 13 MP
0.3 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (6165H/6165H1 only) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red, Green | Atlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue |
| Models | - | 6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S |
| Price | About 110 EUR | - |
BLU G51 Plus
- Potentially lower price point
- May offer longer standby time due to less powerful processor
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly slower performance compared to the TCL 30 SE
- Likely limited multitasking capabilities
- Unspecified processor details raise concerns about long-term software support
TCL 30 SE
- More powerful Mediatek Helio G25 chipset
- Faster 15W wired charging
- Better multitasking and app loading speeds
- May have slightly shorter battery life under heavy load
- Potentially higher price compared to the BLU G51 Plus
- Software experience may include pre-installed bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. However, the TCL 30 SE’s chipset may allow for slightly better display rendering performance. Without specific brightness or color gamut data, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but TCL’s broader display manufacturing experience suggests a potentially more refined visual experience, even if only marginally.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature basic camera systems geared towards casual photography. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both rely on primary sensors with modest resolutions. The absence of OIS on either device means image stabilization will be primarily software-based. Given the focus on cost reduction, image quality will likely be similar, with performance heavily reliant on software processing. We can expect both to struggle in low-light conditions.
Performance
The TCL 30 SE’s Mediatek Helio G25 chipset is the clear performance leader. Its octa-core configuration, featuring four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and four at 1.5 GHz, significantly outperforms the BLU G51 Plus’s octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. The Cortex-A53 cores in the Helio G25, despite being an older architecture, are clocked higher and offer a more substantial performance boost for multitasking and app loading. The G25’s 12nm process node also suggests better power efficiency compared to the likely larger node used in the G51 Plus’s processor. This translates to a smoother user experience, especially when switching between apps.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While the BLU G51 Plus’s battery capacity is unknown, the TCL 30 SE’s 15W wired charging provides a tangible advantage. Faster charging reduces downtime and ensures the device is ready to go when needed. The Helio G25’s 12nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any capacity difference between the two devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU G51 Plus if you need a phone primarily for extremely light tasks like calls, texts, and occasional social media browsing, and are willing to accept potentially slower performance. Buy the TCL 30 SE if you prefer a device capable of handling a wider range of apps, multitasking, and light gaming without significant lag, and value the convenience of faster charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the TCL 30 SE struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the Helio G25 isn't a high-end processor, it's capable of running apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly. You might experience some slowdown with multiple apps open simultaneously, but for typical social media usage, it should be sufficient.
❓ Is the BLU G51 Plus a good choice for someone who primarily makes phone calls and sends texts?
Yes, the BLU G51 Plus is a viable option for basic communication. Its Cortex-A55 processor is adequate for calls and texts, and its simplicity may appeal to users who prioritize ease of use over advanced features.
❓ Can the TCL 30 SE handle light gaming, like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
The TCL 30 SE can handle light gaming like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers, but don't expect high frame rates or demanding graphics settings. The Helio G25's integrated GPU is sufficient for casual games, but it will struggle with more graphically intensive titles.
❓ What kind of storage options are available on these phones?
Storage options are typically limited on phones in this price range. Both the BLU G51 Plus and TCL 30 SE likely offer 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, with microSD card support for expansion. Check the specific model you're considering to confirm the storage capacity.
