The BLU Studio X10 2022 and TCL 30 SE represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at a minimal cost, but they take drastically different approaches to achieving this. The X10 relies on an older, power-efficient chipset, while the 30 SE opts for a newer, more powerful (but potentially less efficient) processor. This comparison will dissect the key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the TCL 30 SE is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G25 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the BLU Studio X10 2022’s MT6580, making it noticeably smoother for everyday tasks and even light gaming. While the X10 may offer slightly better battery life due to its less demanding processor, the 30 SE’s 15W charging and overall responsiveness make it the more practical choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APAC |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | 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 | 145.9 x 73.5 x 9.8 mm (5.74 x 2.89 x 0.39 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 | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~64.2% 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 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB 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, AF | 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (6165H/6165H1 only) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 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 2000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, Red, Black, Blue | Atlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue |
| Models | - | 6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S |
| Price | About 50 EUR | - |
BLU Studio X10 2022
- Potentially longer battery life due to efficient chipset.
- Lower price point (likely).
- Simpler user experience for basic tasks.
- Significantly slower performance.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
- Poor gaming performance.
TCL 30 SE
- Much faster performance with the Helio G25.
- 15W fast charging.
- Better suited for multitasking and light gaming.
- Potentially shorter battery life.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Still limited camera capabilities.
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to boast a high-end display. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. However, details on panel technology (IPS, TFT) and brightness are unavailable. The TCL 30 SE’s slightly larger screen size (typically found in this series) may offer a more immersive viewing experience, but without specific nit ratings, it’s difficult to assess color accuracy or outdoor visibility. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are unavailable, but given the price bracket, expectations should be tempered. Both phones likely feature a primary camera alongside basic depth or macro sensors (often 2MP, offering minimal practical benefit). Image processing will be basic, and low-light performance will be poor. The TCL 30 SE *may* have a slight advantage due to its more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) integrated into the Helio G25 chipset, potentially leading to slightly better image quality in favorable conditions.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The BLU Studio X10 2022’s Mediatek MT6580, built on a 28nm process, features a quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU. This is a relatively old architecture, designed for efficiency rather than speed. In contrast, the TCL 30 SE’s Mediatek Helio G25 (MT6762G) is fabricated on a more efficient 12nm process and boasts an octa-core configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53). This translates to significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. The Helio G25 also includes a more capable GPU, making it better suited for casual gaming. The X10 will likely struggle with anything beyond basic apps.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the BLU Studio X10 2022, with its less power-hungry MT6580 chipset, is likely to offer slightly longer battery life on a single charge. The TCL 30 SE compensates with 15W wired charging, allowing for faster top-ups. While the X10 may last longer between charges with minimal use, the 30 SE’s faster charging will be more convenient for users who actively use their phones throughout the day. A full 0-100% charge on the 30 SE is expected to take around 2-3 hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU Studio X10 2022 if you absolutely prioritize maximizing battery life and are only using the phone for the most basic tasks like calls and texts. It’s a viable option for those needing a secondary device or a very simple phone for minimal usage. Buy the TCL 30 SE if you want a phone that can handle social media, streaming video, and light gaming without significant lag. The performance gains are well worth the potential slight reduction in battery endurance.
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 Mediatek Helio G25 chipset is capable of running TikTok and Instagram without significant lag. While it won’t offer a high-end experience, it will provide a usable and reasonably smooth experience for browsing feeds and recording short videos. The BLU Studio X10 2022 may struggle with these apps, especially when multitasking.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the TCL 30 SE a significant improvement over standard 5W charging?
Yes, 15W charging is a noticeable improvement. While not as fast as the charging speeds found on flagship phones, it will significantly reduce the time it takes to fully charge the TCL 30 SE compared to a standard 5W charger. Expect a full charge in approximately 2-3 hours, versus potentially 5-6 hours with a 5W charger.
❓ Can the BLU Studio X10 2022 handle basic web browsing and email?
Yes, the BLU Studio X10 2022 can handle basic web browsing and email, but expect slower loading times and occasional lag, especially with multiple tabs open. It's suitable for very light usage, but it won't provide a fluid or responsive experience for more demanding tasks.
