The BLU S91 and TCL 30 SE represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a remarkably low cost. This comparison dissects their similarities and differences, focusing on where the slight price variations translate into tangible user benefits.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a slightly faster charging experience, the TCL 30 SE is the better choice. Both phones share the same Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, but the TCL 30 SE’s 15W charging offers a modest, yet noticeable, advantage over the implied slower charging of the BLU S91.
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 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, June 24 | 2022, February 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 24 | Available. Released 2022, April 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 76.3 x 8.9 mm (6.49 x 3.00 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 | 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 (~81.1% 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 (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | 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 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.3 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 | 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 | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green | Atlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue |
| Models | - | 6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S |
| Price | About 170 EUR | - |
BLU S91
- Potentially lower price point
- Identical processor to TCL 30 SE
- Functional smartphone experience
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Missing charging specification
- Basic camera performance
TCL 30 SE
- 15W wired charging for faster top-ups
- Identical processor to BLU S91
- Slightly more convenient user experience
- Potentially higher price
- Basic camera performance
- Limited RAM capacity (likely)
Display Comparison
Both the BLU S91 and TCL 30 SE likely feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Specific details like resolution and peak brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are optimized for power efficiency rather than visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be relatively thick on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a budget-friendly form factor. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong point on either device, prioritizing cost over calibration.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is expected to be basic on both devices. Details regarding sensor size and lens apertures are unavailable, but given the price point, image quality will likely be acceptable in well-lit conditions but suffer in low light. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS). Image processing will likely focus on basic enhancements rather than advanced computational photography.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This indicates identical processing power for everyday tasks like browsing and app usage. The 12nm process node suggests reasonable power efficiency, but sustained performance under heavy load may be limited by thermal constraints. RAM capacity is not specified, but it's likely to be 2GB or 3GB on both, impacting multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the BLU S91, but the TCL 30 SE’s inclusion of 15W wired charging is a key differentiator. While neither phone will offer exceptionally fast charging, 15W will provide a noticeably quicker top-up compared to the likely 10W or 5W charging on the BLU S91. This translates to less downtime and a more convenient user experience, especially for users who frequently need to recharge throughout the day. The actual battery life will depend on usage patterns, but both phones should provide at least a full day of moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU S91 if you need a functional smartphone with the absolute lowest upfront cost and are willing to accept slower charging speeds. Buy the TCL 30 SE if you prefer a slightly more convenient charging experience and don't mind potentially paying a small premium. Both are suitable for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio G25 sufficient for running popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio G25 is capable of running popular social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant issues. However, expect some lag when multitasking or running more demanding applications.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the TCL 30 SE with the 15W charger?
While the exact 0-100% charging time isn't specified, 15W charging will likely take around 2.5 to 3.5 hours for a full charge, depending on battery capacity. This is faster than the estimated 4-5 hours for the BLU S91 with a standard 5W or 10W charger.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming?
Both phones can handle basic mobile gaming, but don't expect high frame rates or detailed graphics. The Helio G25 is an entry-level chipset and will struggle with more demanding games. Stick to less intensive titles for a smoother experience.
