Energizer Ultimate U652S vs TCL 30 XE 5G: A Budget 5G Showdown

The Energizer Ultimate U652S and TCL 30 XE 5G represent opposite ends of the budget 5G spectrum. The U652S, with its older chipset, aims for extreme affordability, while the 30 XE 5G leverages a more modern platform for improved performance. This comparison dissects the trade-offs between these two devices, helping you determine which best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user, the TCL 30 XE 5G is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset delivers a substantially faster and more responsive experience than the Energizer U652S’s Mediatek MT6739WW. While the U652S may be cheaper, the performance difference justifies the price premium of the TCL device.

PHONES
Phone Names Energizer Ultimate U652S TCL 30 XE 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71
5G bands-25, 41, 66, 71, 77 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, February2022, January 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, JulyAvailable. Released 2022, March 02
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions164.3 x 76.1 x 9.1 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.36 in)164.1 x 74.9 x 9 mm (6.46 x 2.95 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight190 g (6.70 oz)195 g (6.88 oz)
Display
Protection-Dragontrail Glass
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 90Hz
Platform
CPUQuad-core 1.5 GHzOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6739WW (28 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)
GPUIMG 8XE1PPCMali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 13 (Go edition)Android 11, TCL UI
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 2GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple18 MP (wide), AF Auxiliary lenses13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single13 MP, (wide)8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) 1/4.0", 1.12µm
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass, gyro, barometer
Battery
Charging-18W wired
TypeLi-Ion 4000 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackShadow Black
Models-T767W
PriceAbout 70 EURAbout 170 EUR

Energizer Ultimate U652S

  • Potentially the lowest price point available.
  • May offer longer standby time due to simpler functionality.
  • Durable Energizer branding (historically known for rugged phones).

  • Significantly slower performance.
  • Outdated chipset limits future software updates.
  • Poor gaming performance.

TCL 30 XE 5G

  • Much faster and more responsive performance.
  • 5G connectivity for faster data speeds.
  • 18W fast charging.
  • More efficient chipset for longer battery life.

  • Slightly higher price point.
  • May not be as durable as some Energizer models.
  • Software support may be limited.

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data, we can assume both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The TCL 30 XE 5G’s performance advantage extends to its display processing, likely resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. The Energizer U652S, with its older chipset, will struggle to drive the display efficiently, potentially leading to noticeable lag. Details like resolution and refresh rate are unknown, but the chipset difference will be the dominant factor in perceived visual smoothness.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the chipset’s image signal processor (ISP) plays a crucial role in image quality. The Dimensity 700’s ISP is far more advanced than the MT6739WW’s, enabling better noise reduction, dynamic range, and overall image processing. While both phones likely feature basic camera setups, the TCL 30 XE 5G will likely produce superior photos and videos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to significantly impact image quality.

Performance

The performance disparity is the defining characteristic of this comparison. The TCL 30 XE 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700, built on a 7nm process, is a generational leap ahead of the Energizer U652S’s 28nm Mediatek MT6739WW. The Dimensity 700’s octa-core configuration (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) provides significantly more processing power and efficiency than the U652S’s quad-core 1.5 GHz CPU. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the TCL device. The 7nm process also means better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling under sustained load.

Battery Life

Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While the mAh capacity of each device is unknown, the TCL 30 XE 5G’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage. The more efficient Dimensity 700 chipset will also contribute to longer battery life. The Energizer U652S, with its older, less efficient chipset, will likely require more frequent charging. The 18W charging on the TCL 30 XE 5G will also allow for quicker top-ups when needed.

Buying Guide

Buy the Energizer Ultimate U652S if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing. Buy the TCL 30 XE 5G if you prioritize a smoother, more capable experience for everyday tasks, streaming, and occasional gaming, and are willing to spend a little more for a significant performance boost.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the TCL 30 XE 5G struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Dimensity 700 isn't a high-end gaming chipset, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some occasional frame drops during intense action. The Energizer U652S, with its significantly weaker processor, will likely struggle to provide a playable experience.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the TCL 30 XE 5G actually useful?
The usefulness of 5G depends on your location and carrier coverage. If you live in an area with strong 5G signals, you'll experience significantly faster download and upload speeds compared to 4G. However, if 5G coverage is limited, the benefits will be minimal. The TCL 30 XE 5G offers the *option* of 5G, while the Energizer U652S does not.
❓ How long will software updates be supported on the TCL 30 XE 5G?
TCL's software update policy for budget devices is typically limited. Expect at least one major Android update, but long-term support is not guaranteed. The Energizer U652S, with its older chipset, is even less likely to receive significant software updates.