The BLU View Mega and TCL 30 SE represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at the lowest possible price, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The key differentiator lies in their chipsets, impacting everything from app responsiveness to gaming capabilities.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the TCL 30 SE is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU and 15W charging, provides a noticeably smoother experience and faster power-up times compared to the BLU View Mega’s quad-core Helio A22 and lack of fast charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APAC |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE 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 | 2020, April. Released 2020, April | 2022, February 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, April 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 167.5 x 78 x 9.4 mm (6.59 x 3.07 x 0.37 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 |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~71.1% 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 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE6300 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 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 | 8 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 | 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, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 0 | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Atlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue |
| Models | - | 6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S |
BLU View Mega
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple and straightforward interface
- Slow performance with Helio A22
- No fast charging
- Limited multitasking capabilities
TCL 30 SE
- Faster performance with Helio G25
- 15W fast charging
- Better multitasking and gaming
- Slightly higher price
- Still limited by budget components
- Camera performance likely average
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are adequate for basic viewing. The TCL 30 SE’s slightly higher price point *might* translate to a marginally better panel, but this is speculative. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within their respective budgets.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, leaning towards basic functionality. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, the TCL 30 SE’s slightly higher price suggests a potentially better image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio G25, leading to improved image processing. Expect both phones to perform adequately in well-lit conditions, but struggle in low light. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests they are included for marketing purposes rather than genuine photographic utility.
Performance
The TCL 30 SE’s Mediatek Helio G25 is the clear winner here. While both chipsets are built on a 12nm process, the G25’s octa-core configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) provides a significant advantage over the BLU View Mega’s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53. This translates to better multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more fluid user experience. The G25’s integrated GPU also offers a boost in graphics performance, making it more suitable for light gaming. The View Mega will struggle with anything beyond the most basic games.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the TCL 30 SE’s 15W wired charging is a significant advantage. The BLU View Mega lacks any mention of fast charging, implying a much slower charging speed. This means the TCL 30 SE will spend less time tethered to a wall, a crucial benefit for users who rely heavily on their smartphones throughout the day. Even with a similar battery capacity, the faster charging of the TCL 30 SE provides a practical advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU View Mega if your primary need is a functional smartphone for basic communication – calls, texts, and light app usage – and you are operating on an extremely tight budget. Buy the TCL 30 SE if you want a more responsive device capable of handling social media, streaming video, and casual gaming without significant lag, and you value faster charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the TCL 30 SE be able to run popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio G25 in the TCL 30 SE provides enough processing power to run social media apps like TikTok and Instagram without significant lag. While it won't offer a flagship-level experience, it will be noticeably smoother than the BLU View Mega's Helio A22.
❓ Is the lack of fast charging on the BLU View Mega a dealbreaker for everyday use?
For users who frequently use their phone throughout the day, the lack of fast charging on the BLU View Mega is a significant drawback. Expect several hours to fully charge the device, which can be inconvenient if you often find yourself needing to top up quickly.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
Both phones can handle simple games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers, but the TCL 30 SE will provide a more consistent and enjoyable experience. The Helio G25’s GPU offers a performance boost, reducing lag and frame drops during gameplay.
