The HMD Aura and TCL 30 SE represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at a low price point, but they achieve this with different approaches to chipset selection and feature prioritization. This comparison dissects their core specifications to determine which device offers the best value for everyday users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the TCL 30 SE is the better choice. While the HMD Aura is a functional device, the TCL 30 SE’s more modern 12nm Mediatek Helio G25 chipset and faster 15W charging provide a noticeable advantage in responsiveness and convenience, justifying its slight price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APAC |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41 | 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 | 2024, May 23 | 2022, February 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May 23 | Available. Released 2022, April 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.97 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 | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 101.4 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 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 | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (6165H/6165H1 only) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glacier Green, Indigo Black | Atlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue |
| Models | - | 6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S |
| Price | About 110 EUR | - |
HMD Aura
- Potentially cleaner software experience (HMD's reputation)
- Lower price point (likely)
- Simple and straightforward functionality
- Significantly weaker processor performance
- Slower charging speed (10W)
- Less efficient chipset (22nm)
TCL 30 SE
- More powerful and efficient processor (Helio G25)
- Faster charging (15W)
- Better multitasking capabilities
- May include more pre-installed bloatware (TCL's history)
- Slightly higher price point
- Potentially less frequent software updates
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The absence of detailed display specs necessitates a focus on performance impact. A less powerful chipset (HMD Aura) will struggle to drive a high-resolution or high-refresh-rate display effectively, making the display quality less of a bottleneck than the processor.
Camera Comparison
Given the price point, camera expectations should be tempered. Both devices likely feature basic camera setups. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the TCL 30 SE’s slightly more powerful chipset may allow for faster image processing, potentially resulting in marginally better image quality in good lighting conditions. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests they are included for marketing purposes rather than practical utility.
Performance
The TCL 30 SE’s Mediatek Helio G25, fabricated on a 12nm process, holds a significant advantage over the HMD Aura’s Unisoc SC9863A1 (22nm). The smaller node generally translates to improved power efficiency and thermal performance. While both CPUs utilize octa-core configurations, the Helio G25’s Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz offer a performance edge over the Aura’s 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This difference will be most noticeable when switching between apps or loading more demanding websites. The Unisoc chipset will likely exhibit more noticeable lag in everyday tasks.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While the exact battery capacities are unknown, the TCL 30 SE’s 15W wired charging is a clear advantage over the HMD Aura’s 10W charging. This translates to significantly faster top-up times, reducing downtime and increasing convenience. The more efficient Helio G25 chipset may also contribute to slightly longer battery life under moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the HMD Aura if you prioritize a minimalist software experience and are comfortable with slower performance for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the TCL 30 SE if you need a phone that feels more responsive for multitasking, streaming video, and casual gaming, and if faster charging is a priority. The TCL 30 SE is the better all-rounder.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A1 in the HMD Aura struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
The Unisoc SC9863A1 is a very basic chipset. While it can run apps like Facebook and WhatsApp, expect noticeable lag when scrolling through feeds or switching between apps. The experience won't be fluid, and multitasking will be limited. The TCL 30 SE’s Helio G25 will provide a significantly smoother experience.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the HMD Aura with its 10W charger?
With a 10W charger, a full charge from 0% will likely take over 3 hours, potentially closer to 4. The TCL 30 SE’s 15W charging will reduce this time considerably, likely to around 2-2.5 hours. This difference is significant for users who need to quickly top up their phone.
❓ Is the TCL 30 SE a good option for playing mobile games?
The TCL 30 SE is suitable for *very* casual gaming. The Helio G25 can handle less demanding titles, but don't expect to play graphically intensive games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile at high settings. Frame rates will likely be low, and you may experience stuttering. The HMD Aura is even less suited for gaming.
