BLU G91 Max vs TCL 30 SE: A Detailed Budget Phone Showdown

Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely compromise on features? The BLU G91 Max and TCL 30 SE are both contenders in the budget phone arena, offering a range of capabilities at attractive price points. But which one truly delivers the best value?

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The BLU G91 Max takes the crown thanks to its significantly more powerful processor, wireless charging, and generally better performance. While the TCL 30 SE offers a clean software experience and decent battery life, the G91 Max provides a more future-proof and enjoyable user experience.

PHONES
Phone Names	BLU G91 Max	TCL 30 SE

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, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 38	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, February 23	2022, February 27
Status	Available. Released 2022, February 23	Available. Released 2022, April 20

Body
Build	-	Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions	168.6 x 77 x 8.9 mm (6.64 x 3.03 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	213 g (7.51 oz)	190 g (6.70 oz)

Display
Resolution	1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density)	720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size	6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~84.6% 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 (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)
Chipset	Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm)	Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)
GPU	Mali-G76 MC4	PowerVR GE8320
OS	Android 11	Android 12, TCL UI 4.0

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	128GB 8GB RAM	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
	-	eMMC 5.1

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad	108 MP, f/1.8, (wide) 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	-
Single	16 MP, f/2.0	8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm
Triple	-	50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video	4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	-	HDR
Single	16 MP, f/2.0	8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video	1080p@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	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG	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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	18W wired 10W wireless	15W wired
Type	Li-Po 5000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Gray, Sky Blue	Atlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue
Models	-	6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S
Price	About 200 EUR	-

BLU G91 Max

More powerful processor (Helio G95)
Wireless charging
Larger battery capacity
Potentially better camera quality
More RAM (likely)

Potentially less refined software
May have more bloatware
Design might be less premium

TCL 30 SE

Clean Android experience
Potentially longer software support
Good battery life
Reliable performance for basic tasks
More affordable

Weaker processor (Helio G25)
No wireless charging
Lower performance for gaming and demanding apps
Less versatile camera

Display Comparison

Both phones feature large displays, but the BLU G91 Max likely has a slightly higher resolution and potentially better color accuracy. The TCL 30 SE's display is generally considered adequate for everyday use, while the G91 Max aims for a more immersive viewing experience. Expect similar brightness levels.

Camera Comparison

The BLU G91 Max likely boasts a more versatile camera system with potentially higher resolution sensors. While both phones offer multiple lenses, the G91 Max's superior processing power should translate to better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The TCL 30 SE's camera is decent for casual snapshots.

Performance

This is where the BLU G91 Max shines. The Helio G95 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G25 in the TCL 30 SE. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the G91 Max. The TCL 30 SE will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with demanding apps or games.

Battery Life

The TCL 30 SE likely has a slight edge in battery life due to its less power-hungry processor. However, the BLU G91 Max's larger battery capacity helps offset this, and both should provide a full day of moderate use. The G91 Max's 18W wired charging and 10W wireless charging offer more flexibility.

Buying Guide

The BLU G91 Max is ideal for users who prioritize performance and features like wireless charging, even on a budget. The TCL 30 SE is a good choice for those seeking a simple, reliable phone with a clean Android experience and longer software support, prioritizing battery life over raw power.