The BLU G71 and TCL 30 SE represent the fiercely competitive sub-$200 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The G71 focuses on simplicity, while the 30 SE leverages a more modern, albeit still entry-level, chipset. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing slightly better performance and faster charging, the TCL 30 SE is the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, with its higher clocked cores, offers a noticeable advantage in everyday tasks and light gaming, and the 15W charging is a welcome improvement over the G71's 10W.
| 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 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | 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, February 19. Released 2021, February 19 | 2022, February 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, April 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.35 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 | 194 g (6.84 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 (~80.7% 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 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
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 | 13 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 | 4.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (6165H/6165H1 only) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/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 | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green, Red | Atlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue |
| Models | - | 6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S |
| Price | About 80 EUR | - |
BLU G71
- Potentially lower price point.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Reliable for basic communication tasks.
- Slower processor performance.
- Slower 10W charging.
- Likely limited multitasking capabilities.
TCL 30 SE
- Faster processor with higher clocked cores.
- Faster 15W charging.
- Improved efficiency with the 12nm Helio G25.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Still an entry-level chipset, not suitable for demanding tasks.
- Camera performance likely similar to the G71.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on internal specs, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The absence of information regarding resolution or refresh rate suggests both are standard 720p displays. Bezels are likely substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a budget. Color accuracy will likely be typical for this segment – adequate for everyday use but not ideal for color-critical work.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera systems geared towards casual photography. The absence of any mention of OIS or advanced features suggests image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. Given the price point, both will likely include a primary sensor alongside depth or macro lenses of limited utility. The TCL 30 SE’s chipset may offer slightly better image processing capabilities due to its more modern architecture.
Performance
The TCL 30 SE’s Mediatek Helio G25 chipset is the key differentiator here. While both phones utilize Cortex-A53 cores, the G25’s octa-core configuration is split into 4x2.0 GHz and 4x1.5 GHz cores, offering a performance boost over the BLU G71’s consistently clocked 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 setup. This means the TCL 30 SE will exhibit snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The 12nm process node of the Helio G25 also contributes to improved efficiency compared to the likely larger node process used in the G71. While neither is a gaming powerhouse, the G25 will handle less demanding titles with greater ease.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, the TCL 30 SE’s 15W wired charging is a significant advantage over the BLU G71’s 10W charging. This translates to a faster 0-100% charge time, reducing downtime. Even with a similar battery capacity, the Helio G25’s improved efficiency could contribute to slightly longer battery life during moderate usage. The slower charging speed of the G71 will be noticeable for users accustomed to faster charging technologies.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU G71 if you need a supremely basic smartphone for calls, texts, and minimal app usage, and prioritize a lower initial cost above all else. Buy the TCL 30 SE if you prefer a phone that can handle a bit more multitasking, occasional gaming, and benefits from a faster charging experience, even if it means spending a little more upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the TCL 30 SE be able to run popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio G25 chipset in the TCL 30 SE is capable of running popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram without significant lag. The higher clocked cores provide a noticeable performance boost over the BLU G71, ensuring a smoother user experience for these common applications.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the BLU G71 with its 10W charging?
Given the 10W charging speed of the BLU G71, a full charge from 0% to 100% will likely take between 3 to 4 hours, depending on battery capacity. This is considerably slower than the TCL 30 SE’s 15W charging, which will significantly reduce charging time.
❓ Can the TCL 30 SE handle basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
The TCL 30 SE should handle basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers without issue. The Helio G25 chipset provides sufficient processing power for these less demanding titles, offering a playable experience. However, don't expect high frame rates or graphics settings on more intensive games.
