The T-Mobile REVVL 4 and TCL 30 SE represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an accessible price, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The REVVL 4 prioritizes simplicity, while the TCL 30 SE attempts to offer a slight performance edge. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device provides the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the TCL 30 SE emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the REVVL 4’s quad-core Helio A22. While neither phone excels in any single area, the 30 SE’s improved processing power translates to a smoother user experience, especially with multitasking and light gaming.
| 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, 7, 12, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 | 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 | 2020, August 27. Released 2020, September 04 | 2022, February 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, April 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159 x 76 x 8.1 mm (6.26 x 2.99 x 0.32 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 | 158.5 (5.61 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~79.9% 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 GE8300 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | 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, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, PDAF | 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 | - | 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 | No | Yes (6165H/6165H1 only) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | 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 | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite | Atlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue |
| Models | 5007Z, 5007W, TMRVL4G | 6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S |
| Price | About 100 EUR | - |
T-Mobile REVVL 4
- Extremely affordable price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Reliable for basic communication tasks
- Underpowered processor limits performance
- Likely limited software updates
- Basic camera capabilities
TCL 30 SE
- Octa-core processor offers better performance
- 15W fast charging support
- Slightly improved multitasking capabilities
- Still a budget device with limitations
- Camera quality remains basic
- May not receive extensive software support
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize panels with similar resolutions and likely IPS LCD technology, given their price point. However, detailed display specs like brightness (nits) and color gamut coverage are unavailable. The TCL 30 SE’s advantage lies in its potential for slightly better image processing due to the more powerful chipset, which could result in marginally improved color accuracy and contrast. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both models, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be comparable, with both phones featuring basic camera setups. Detailed sensor information is missing, but it’s safe to assume both rely on relatively low-resolution primary sensors. The TCL 30 SE’s more capable chipset could offer slightly better image processing, potentially resulting in improved dynamic range and noise reduction. However, the difference will likely be minimal. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the TCL 30 SE is largely a marketing gimmick and offers limited practical benefit due to its low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The core difference between these phones resides in their chipsets. The T-Mobile REVVL 4 is equipped with the Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22, a quad-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz using Cortex-A53 cores. The TCL 30 SE, conversely, features the Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25, an octa-core processor with a heterogeneous configuration: four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.5 GHz. This octa-core setup provides a significant advantage in multitasking and handling more complex applications. While both chipsets are built on a 12nm process, the G25’s additional cores and optimized architecture deliver superior performance. The TCL 30 SE will exhibit faster app launch times and smoother scrolling.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the REVVL 4, but the TCL 30 SE includes 15W wired charging. While neither phone offers exceptionally fast charging, the 15W charging on the TCL 30 SE will provide a quicker top-up compared to the REVVL 4, assuming it supports a lower wattage. The TCL 30 SE’s more efficient chipset may also contribute to slightly better battery life during moderate usage, despite potentially having a similar battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the T-Mobile REVVL 4 if you need a supremely basic smartphone for calls, texts, and minimal app usage, and prioritize simplicity above all else. It’s a good option for first-time smartphone users or those needing a reliable backup device. Buy the TCL 30 SE if you prefer a phone capable of handling more demanding tasks like social media browsing, streaming video, and casual gaming, and appreciate the benefit of faster processing speeds for a slightly higher investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the TCL 30 SE handle popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the TCL 30 SE’s Mediatek Helio G25 chipset is significantly better equipped to handle the demands of social media apps compared to the REVVL 4’s Helio A22. You should experience smoother scrolling, faster loading times, and fewer instances of lag while using TikTok, Instagram, and similar applications.
❓ Is the TCL 30 SE a good option for playing mobile games?
The TCL 30 SE is suitable for casual mobile gaming, but it’s not a gaming powerhouse. The Helio G25 can handle less demanding titles at moderate settings. However, graphically intensive games may require lower graphics settings and may still experience occasional frame drops. The REVVL 4 is even less capable for gaming.
❓ How long will the battery last on the TCL 30 SE with typical usage?
With typical usage (browsing, social media, occasional video streaming), the TCL 30 SE should comfortably last a full day on a single charge. The Helio G25 chipset is relatively power-efficient, and the 15W charging allows for a quick top-up when needed. Battery life on the REVVL 4 will likely be shorter due to the less efficient processor.
❓ Does either phone support expandable storage via microSD card?
While not explicitly stated in the provided specifications, budget smartphones like these typically include a microSD card slot for expandable storage. It's highly probable that both the T-Mobile REVVL 4 and TCL 30 SE support microSD cards, allowing you to increase the internal storage capacity.
