The BLU G71+ and TCL 30 SE represent the fiercely competitive sub-$200 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, they take different approaches to achieving this. The G71+ leans on a Cortex-A75 based octa-core CPU, while the TCL 30 SE utilizes the Mediatek Helio G25. This comparison will dissect the implications of these choices, focusing on real-world performance and user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness in everyday tasks, the BLU G71+ emerges as the better choice. Its Cortex-A75 core offers a noticeable performance advantage over the TCL 30 SE’s Helio G25, despite the latter’s slightly higher clock speed on some cores. While the TCL 30 SE offers 15W charging, the G71+'s superior processing power provides a smoother overall experience.
| 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 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28, 66 | 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 | 2022, January | 2022, February 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January | Available. Released 2022, April 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 160.2 x 76.7 x 9 mm (6.31 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 | 175 g (6.17 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 (~83.0% 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-A75 | 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 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide)
2 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 | 13 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 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 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 4900 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Bronze, Blue, Green, White | Atlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue |
| Models | - | 6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S |
BLU G71+
- More powerful CPU architecture (Cortex-A75)
- Potentially better power efficiency
- Smoother multitasking experience
- Likely lacks fast charging
- Unknown battery capacity
TCL 30 SE
- 15W wired charging for faster top-ups
- Potentially longer battery life with efficient chipset (depending on capacity)
- More affordable (potentially)
- Less powerful CPU architecture (Helio G25)
- Slower app launch speeds
- Less responsive user interface
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The TCL 30 SE’s inclusion of 15W charging suggests a focus on convenience, potentially indicating a slightly more refined user experience in terms of accessory support. Without knowing the panel technology or refresh rates, it’s difficult to assess color accuracy or viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a meaningful comparison is challenging. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will heavily depend on sensor size and image processing. It’s reasonable to assume both will include a primary camera and potentially depth or macro sensors. Given the price bracket, image quality will likely be adequate for social media sharing but won’t compete with higher-end devices. The absence of OIS on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset architecture. The BLU G71+’s octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 CPU represents a more modern and powerful design than the TCL 30 SE’s Mediatek Helio G25. The Helio G25 utilizes a combination of Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and 1.5 GHz. While the G25 has more cores, the A75 core in the G71+ offers significantly higher single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. The Helio G25’s 12nm process node is also less efficient than what would be expected in a more recent design, potentially leading to higher power consumption for similar tasks. This translates to a smoother experience on the BLU G71+ for most users.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the TCL 30 SE’s 15W wired charging provides a tangible advantage in terms of convenience. While the BLU G71+’s power efficiency may be better due to the Cortex-A75’s architecture, the faster charging speed of the TCL 30 SE could offset a slightly smaller battery capacity for users who frequently need to top up their device. Without knowing the mAh ratings, it’s impossible to definitively declare a winner in terms of overall battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU G71+ if you need a phone that feels responsive during multitasking, social media browsing, and light gaming. Its CPU architecture is better suited for handling demanding applications. Buy the TCL 30 SE if you prioritize a slightly more efficient chipset for basic tasks like calls, texts, and minimal app usage, and value the inclusion of 15W wired charging, even if it doesn't offset the performance gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the TCL 30 SE struggle with demanding apps like TikTok or Instagram?
The Mediatek Helio G25 in the TCL 30 SE is designed for basic smartphone tasks. While it can run apps like TikTok and Instagram, you may experience occasional lag or slowdowns, especially when multitasking or using the apps for extended periods. The BLU G71+ with its Cortex-A75 CPU will handle these apps more smoothly.
❓ Is the performance difference between the BLU G71+ and TCL 30 SE noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The BLU G71+'s Cortex-A75 core provides a significant boost in single-core performance, which directly impacts app launch speeds, scrolling smoothness, and overall responsiveness. The TCL 30 SE will feel slower and less fluid in comparison, particularly when switching between apps.
❓ Does the TCL 30 SE's 15W charging make a significant difference?
For users who frequently need to top up their battery throughout the day, the 15W charging on the TCL 30 SE is a definite advantage. It will reduce charging times compared to a standard 5W or 10W charger, offering more convenience. However, this benefit is less impactful if you typically charge your phone overnight.
