The BLU M8L 2022 and TCL 30 SE represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential functionality at an accessible price, they take different approaches to achieving this. The BLU M8L 2022 relies on a quad-core Cortex-A75, while the TCL 30 SE opts for a more conventional octa-core Mediatek Helio G25. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent, if not blazing-fast, performance for everyday tasks, the TCL 30 SE emerges as the better choice. Its octa-core processor, despite using less powerful cores individually, provides superior multitasking capabilities and a smoother overall experience compared to the BLU M8L 2022’s quad-core setup.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 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, February | 2022, February 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February | Available. Released 2022, April 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 209 x 126 x 10.6 mm (8.23 x 4.96 x 0.42 in) | 165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 360 g (12.70 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~70.5% 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 | Quad-core 2.0 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 (Go edition) | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 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 | 5 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 | 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 | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Bronze | Atlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue |
| Models | - | 6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S |
| Price | About 60 EUR | - |
BLU M8L 2022
- Potentially stronger single-core performance with the Cortex-A75.
- Simpler user experience for basic tasks.
- May be more affordable depending on retailer.
- Quad-core processor may struggle with multitasking.
- Unknown battery capacity and charging speed.
- Limited performance headroom for demanding apps.
TCL 30 SE
- Octa-core processor provides smoother multitasking.
- 15W wired charging for convenient top-ups.
- Potentially better power efficiency with the 12nm process.
- Individual cores are less powerful than the Cortex-A75.
- Camera performance likely relies heavily on software.
- May be slightly more expensive than the BLU M8L 2022.
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given their price points, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The TCL 30 SE, benefiting from TCL’s TV expertise, *may* offer slightly better color calibration, but this is speculative. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature. Without specific brightness or color gamut data, it’s safe to assume both displays are adequate for indoor use but may struggle in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a meaningful comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and potentially a depth or macro sensor. Given the market segment, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. The TCL 30 SE, as a product of a larger manufacturer, *may* benefit from more refined image algorithms, but this is not guaranteed. The absence of OIS on either device suggests that low-light photography will be a challenge.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The BLU M8L 2022’s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 is a relatively powerful core for its class, focusing on single-core performance. However, the TCL 30 SE’s Mediatek Helio G25, with its octa-core configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53), excels in multi-core tasks. While the A53 cores are less powerful than the A75, having twice as many allows for smoother multitasking and better performance in applications optimized for multiple threads. The Helio G25’s 12nm process node also suggests potentially better power efficiency compared to an unknown fabrication process for the BLU’s processor. This translates to a more responsive experience when switching between apps on the TCL 30 SE.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the BLU M8L 2022. The TCL 30 SE features 15W wired charging. Without knowing the battery capacity of the BLU M8L 2022, it’s difficult to assess battery life. However, the TCL 30 SE’s 15W charging, while not fast, provides a reasonable charging speed for its battery size, allowing for a full charge in approximately 2-3 hours. The Helio G25’s 12nm process could contribute to slightly better battery endurance during moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU M8L 2022 if you primarily need a phone for basic communication – calls, texts, and light web browsing – and value simplicity. Buy the TCL 30 SE if you prefer a phone capable of handling more demanding tasks like social media, streaming video, and light gaming, and appreciate the convenience of faster multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the TCL 30 SE be able to run popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the TCL 30 SE’s octa-core processor and sufficient RAM (assuming a standard configuration for this price point) should handle TikTok and Instagram without significant lag. The Helio G25 is designed for everyday tasks and social media usage, providing a more fluid experience than the BLU M8L 2022’s quad-core processor when multitasking between apps.
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio G25 capable of playing mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio G25 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings and frame rates. It’s not a gaming-focused chipset, so demanding titles will likely require compromises to maintain playable performance. The BLU M8L 2022 would likely struggle even more with these games due to its limited processing power.
❓ How does the Cortex-A75 in the BLU M8L 2022 compare to the Cortex-A53 cores in the TCL 30 SE for single-app performance?
The Cortex-A75 is a more powerful core *individually* than the Cortex-A53. Therefore, for single-threaded tasks, the BLU M8L 2022 might feel slightly snappier. However, most modern apps are designed to utilize multiple cores, making the TCL 30 SE’s octa-core configuration more beneficial for overall responsiveness.
