The Samsung Galaxy A12 and TCL 30 SE represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they achieve this with different hardware choices. This comparison dissects those choices, focusing on where each phone excels and who will benefit most from its strengths.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A12 offers a slightly better overall experience due to its demonstrably brighter display and longer endurance rating. While the TCL 30 SE is a viable option, the A12’s superior screen visibility and battery life provide a more consistently positive user experience.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 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, November 24. Released 2020, December 21 | 2022, February 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, April 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1 | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 2GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Go | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 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, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (6165H/6165H1 only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Blue, Red | Atlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue |
| Models | SM-A125F/DSN, SM-A125F/DS, SM-A125F, SM-A125M, SM-A125U, SM-A125U1, SM-A125N, SM-A125W | 6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S |
| Price | € 78.89 / $ 60.00 / £ 69.99 | - |
| SAR EU | 0.67 W/kg (head) 1.38 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 123h | - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1363:1 (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-30.4 LUFS (Below average) | - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 107189 (v8)
GeekBench: 1034 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Samsung Galaxy A12
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Longer battery life (123h endurance)
- Slightly faster CPU clock speed
- Older chipset architecture
- Camera details are lacking
TCL 30 SE
- Potentially lower price point
- Helio G25 designed for gaming (though limited)
- Compact and lightweight design (assumed)
- Likely dimmer display
- Lower endurance rating (estimated)
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A12 boasts a measured peak brightness of 472 nits and a 1363:1 contrast ratio, providing a noticeably more vibrant and visible experience, especially outdoors. While the TCL 30 SE’s display specifications are not provided, Samsung’s higher brightness is a significant advantage for users in well-lit environments. The contrast ratio on the A12 also suggests deeper blacks and more dynamic visuals. Without comparable data for the TCL 30 SE, it’s reasonable to assume a less impactful viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing. Given the price point, it’s safe to assume both rely on basic camera setups. The absence of details suggests neither phone will excel in low-light photography or offer advanced features like optical image stabilization (OIS). The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on many phones in this segment is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of dedicated optics.
Performance
Both devices utilize Mediatek chipsets, but differ in their implementation. The Samsung Galaxy A12 features the Helio P35, an octa-core processor clocked up to 2.35 GHz. The TCL 30 SE uses the Helio G25, clocked slightly lower at 2.0 GHz. While both CPUs utilize the same Cortex-A53 architecture, the A12’s higher clock speed suggests a slight edge in single-core performance. However, the G25 is designed for gaming, potentially offering a more stable experience in less demanding titles, though the overall performance difference will likely be minimal for everyday tasks. Neither chipset is a powerhouse, and both will struggle with graphically intensive applications.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A12 holds an endurance rating of 123 hours, indicating strong battery life. Both phones support 15W wired charging, meaning charge times will be comparable. The A12’s higher endurance rating suggests a larger battery capacity or more efficient power management, allowing it to last longer on a single charge. While the TCL 30 SE’s battery capacity is unknown, the A12’s proven endurance provides a clear advantage for users who prioritize all-day battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 if you prioritize outdoor visibility and extended battery life, making it ideal for users who spend significant time outdoors or rely heavily on their phone throughout the day. Buy the TCL 30 SE if you are looking for the absolute lowest price and are willing to compromise on display brightness and potentially battery endurance, and your usage is primarily indoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P35 in the Samsung A12 struggle with modern mobile games?
Yes, the Helio P35 is an entry-level chipset and will struggle with graphically demanding games. You'll likely need to lower graphics settings significantly, and even then, expect frame rate drops in more intensive titles. It's best suited for casual gaming and everyday tasks.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the TCL 30 SE with the 15W charger?
Given both phones support 15W charging, expect a full charge to take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, assuming a depleted battery. The actual time will vary depending on usage during charging and the charger's efficiency.
❓ Is the camera on either of these phones good enough for social media photos?
Both phones will be adequate for basic social media photos in good lighting conditions. However, don't expect exceptional image quality, especially in low light. The lack of detailed camera specs suggests limited capabilities beyond basic snapshots.
