BLU G91s vs TCL 30 SE: Which Budget Phone Reigns Supreme?

Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The BLU G91s and TCL 30 SE are both contenders in the budget phone arena, offering a range of features at accessible price points. But which one delivers the best overall experience?

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The BLU G91s takes the crown thanks to its significantly more powerful Helio G80 chipset, resulting in smoother performance and better gaming capabilities. While the TCL 30 SE offers a slightly better camera in some scenarios, the G91s' processing power makes it the more compelling choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	BLU G91s	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, 12, 17, 28	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA
Speed	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 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, December 07. Released 2021, December 07	2022, February 27
Status	Discontinued	Available. Released 2022, April 20

Body
Build	-	Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions	168 x 76.5 x 8.9 mm (6.61 x 3.01 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	202 g (7.13 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 (~85.4% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)
Chipset	Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm)	Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)
GPU	Mali-G52 MC2	PowerVR GE8320
OS	Android 11	Android 12, TCL UI 4.0

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

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad	48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0, 0.8µm, PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens	-
Single	13 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	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	-	HDR
Single	13 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	5.0, 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	18W wired	15W wired
Type	Li-Po 6000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

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

BLU G91s

Significantly faster processor (Helio G80)
Better gaming performance
Potentially better low-light camera performance
18W fast charging

Potentially less refined software experience
Camera versatility might be slightly lower than TCL 30 SE
Build quality may be less premium

TCL 30 SE

Potentially better camera versatility (macro lens, depth sensor)
Slightly better battery efficiency (potentially)
Potentially more user-friendly software
Good value for money

Significantly slower processor (Helio G25)
Poor gaming performance
Slower charging (15W)

Display Comparison

Both phones feature large displays, likely around 6.5 inches, with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles but don't anticipate vibrant colors or high brightness levels. The TCL 30 SE might have slightly better color accuracy due to TCL's display technology, but the difference will be minimal.

Camera Comparison

The TCL 30 SE likely has a slightly more versatile camera system, potentially including a macro lens and depth sensor alongside the main lens. However, the G91s' more powerful processor can contribute to better image processing and potentially better low-light performance. Expect decent image quality from both, but don't expect flagship-level results.

Performance

This is where the BLU G91s shines. The Helio G80 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G25 in the TCL 30 SE. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience on the G91s. The TCL 30 SE will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with more demanding applications.

Battery Life

Both phones likely feature batteries in the 5000mAh range, offering all-day battery life for moderate users. The TCL 30 SE's less demanding chipset might give it a slight edge in battery efficiency, but the difference will likely be marginal.

Buying Guide

The BLU G91s is ideal for users who prioritize performance and gaming on a budget. The TCL 30 SE is a good option for those who value a slightly better camera and a more streamlined, potentially more user-friendly software experience, but are less concerned with raw processing power.