Haier M320+ vs TCL 306: A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Performance

The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Haier M320+ and TCL 306 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point. However, with limited publicly available specifications for the Haier M320+, this comparison focuses heavily on the TCL 306’s Mediatek Helio G25 chipset and extrapolates the M320+'s likely positioning based on Haier’s brand strategy.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing basic functionality and a known chipset, the TCL 306 is the safer bet. Its Mediatek Helio G25 provides a documented level of performance, while the Haier M320+ remains an unknown quantity in terms of processing power and software optimization.

PHONES
Phone Names Haier M320+ TCL 306
Network
2G bandsGSM 900 / 1800GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands-HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA, APAC
4G bands-1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA
EDGENo-
GPRSClass 10-
Speed-HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps
TechnologyGSMGSM / HSPA / LTE
 -2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM
Launch
Announced2010. Released 20102022, January 31
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2022, February
Body
Dimensions108.2 x 45.6 x 12 mm (4.26 x 1.80 x 0.47 in)165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 in)
SIMDual SIM (Mini-SIM, no dual stand-by)· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight-190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
Resolution-720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size1.8 inches6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT, 65K colorsIPS LCD, 450 nits (typ)
Platform
CPU-Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)
Chipset-Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)
GPU-PowerVR GE8320
OS-Android 12, TCL UI
Memory
Call recordsYes-
Card slotmicroSD (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal-32GB 3GB RAM
PhonebookYes-
 -eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Features-LED flash, HDR, panorama
SingleYes5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Triple-13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
VideoNo1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single-5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Video-1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
BluetoothNo5.0, A2DP
NFC-Yes (market/region dependent)
PositioningNoGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBNoUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANNoWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
BrowserWAP 2.0/xHTML-
GamesNo-
JavaNo-
MessagingSMS, MMS-
Sensors-Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging-10W wired
TypeRemovable Li-Ion 1000 mAh batteryLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackSpace Gray, Atlantic Blue
Models-X668, 6102H
Price-About 40 EUR

Haier M320+

  • Potentially lower price point
  • May offer a simpler user experience
  • Haier brand recognition (in some markets)

  • Lack of publicly available specifications
  • Likely weaker performance compared to TCL 306
  • Uncertain software support

TCL 306

  • Known Mediatek Helio G25 chipset
  • Octa-core processor for multitasking
  • Established brand with software support

  • Slow 10W charging
  • Limited gaming capabilities
  • Basic camera system

Display Comparison

Without specific display details for the Haier M320+, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. The TCL 306 likely features a standard LCD panel common in this price bracket. Expect 720p resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate on both devices. The absence of information regarding PWM dimming on the M320+ means users sensitive to flicker may prefer the TCL 306 if its PWM frequency is higher (though this is unconfirmed).

Camera Comparison

Given the price range, neither device is expected to excel in photography. The TCL 306’s camera specifications are unknown beyond the chipset, but it’s reasonable to assume a basic main sensor paired with potentially a depth or macro lens. The Haier M320+’s camera details are entirely absent. Image processing will likely be minimal on both, resulting in photos that are acceptable in good lighting conditions but struggle in low light. Expect limited dynamic range and detail.

Performance

The TCL 306’s Mediatek Helio G25 (12nm) is the clear performance leader here. Its octa-core configuration, split between 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores, provides a noticeable advantage over any likely chipset found in the Haier M320+ at this price point. The 12nm process node, while not cutting-edge, offers a reasonable balance between power efficiency and performance. The Haier M320+ likely utilizes a less powerful chipset, potentially impacting app loading times and multitasking capabilities. Gaming on the TCL 306 will be limited to less demanding titles, but the Helio G25 offers a playable experience.

Battery Life

Battery capacity for both devices is unknown. However, the TCL 306’s 10W wired charging suggests a focus on slow, steady charging rather than rapid replenishment. The Haier M320+’s charging speed is also unknown. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the Helio G25’s 12nm process node offers some efficiency advantages, potentially translating to slightly longer battery life for the TCL 306 under similar conditions.

Buying Guide

Buy the Haier M320+ if you need a secondary device for extremely basic tasks like calls and messaging, and are comfortable with a potentially less refined software experience. Buy the TCL 306 if you prefer a phone with a known processor, capable of handling light multitasking, social media, and casual gaming, backed by Mediatek’s established software support.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Mediatek Helio G25 in the TCL 306 capable of running popular social media apps smoothly?
Yes, the Helio G25 is sufficient for running most popular social media applications like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok without significant lag. However, running multiple apps simultaneously may cause some slowdowns due to the limited RAM typically found in phones at this price point.
❓ What kind of storage options are likely available on the TCL 306, and is it expandable?
The TCL 306 likely comes with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. It's highly probable that it includes a microSD card slot for storage expansion, allowing you to add up to 512GB or 1TB of additional storage, depending on the card supported.
❓ Given the limited information on the Haier M320+, what are the biggest risks of purchasing it?
The primary risk with the Haier M320+ is the lack of transparency regarding its specifications and software support. You may encounter performance issues, infrequent software updates, or compatibility problems with certain apps. It's a gamble compared to the TCL 306's more established hardware.