Both the T-Mobile REVVL 6x and the TCL 30 SE occupy the ultra-budget smartphone space, but they take different approaches to delivering value. The REVVL 6x leverages 5G connectivity with a more powerful chipset, while the TCL 30 SE aims for affordability with a focus on essential features. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the T-Mobile REVVL 6x is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a 7nm process, provides a significant performance advantage over the TCL 30 SE’s 12nm Helio G25, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While both offer 15W charging, the REVVL 6x’s superior processing power justifies its slight price premium.
| 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 |
| 5G bands | 25, 41, 66, 71, 77 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, August 17 | 2022, February 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, August 24 | Available. Released 2022, April 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 166.6 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.56 x 3.01 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 |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~80.6% 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 | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 or 13 | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | 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, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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 (USA)
5 MP (Europe) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | 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 (side-mounted), gyro, accelerometer, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue | Atlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue |
| Models | - | 6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S |
| Price | About 190 EUR | - |
T-Mobile REVVL 6x
- Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 700)
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- More efficient chipset for potentially better battery life
- May be slightly more expensive than the TCL 30 SE
- Display specs are unknown, potentially average
TCL 30 SE
- Lower price point for budget-conscious buyers
- Potentially larger display size (based on TCL’s design language)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly slower processor (Helio G25)
- Limited performance for gaming and multitasking
- Less efficient chipset, potentially shorter battery life
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. However, detailed display specs (resolution, brightness, color gamut) are unavailable. The TCL 30 SE’s larger size (assumed, based on typical TCL designs) might offer a slightly more immersive viewing experience, but the REVVL 6x’s processing power could potentially handle video decoding more efficiently, resulting in smoother playback. Without specific display data, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely similar, given the focus on cost reduction in both devices. Both will likely feature a primary camera and potentially a depth or macro sensor. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to assess image quality. However, the REVVL 6x’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Dimensity 700 chipset could offer slightly better image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in improved dynamic range and noise reduction. The TCL 30 SE’s camera system is likely optimized for basic point-and-shoot photography.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The T-Mobile REVVL 6x’s Mediatek Dimensity 700, fabricated on a 7nm process, features a more modern CPU architecture – Cortex-A76 cores – compared to the TCL 30 SE’s Helio G25, which relies on older Cortex-A53 cores. This architectural difference, combined with the smaller fabrication node, translates to approximately 30-40% higher CPU performance in benchmarks. The Dimensity 700 also includes a more capable GPU, making the REVVL 6x the clear choice for gaming, even at lower settings. The Helio G25 is adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with demanding applications or multitasking.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 15W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds – approximately 2-3 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity is unspecified, but the REVVL 6x’s more efficient chipset could translate to slightly better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity. The Helio G25’s 12nm process is less power-efficient, meaning it will consume more energy for the same tasks, potentially leading to shorter runtimes.
Buying Guide
Buy the T-Mobile REVVL 6x if you prioritize 5G connectivity, smoother performance for everyday tasks and light gaming, and a more future-proof chipset. Buy the TCL 30 SE if your primary concern is absolute affordability and you only need a phone for basic communication – calls, texts, and very light app usage – and don't anticipate demanding tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the T-Mobile REVVL 6x handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
While the REVVL 6x won’t deliver a high-end gaming experience, the Dimensity 700 chipset is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at lower graphics settings and frame rates. Expect playable performance, but don’t anticipate smooth gameplay at maximum settings. The TCL 30 SE’s Helio G25 will struggle with these titles.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the T-Mobile REVVL 6x actually useful?
The usefulness of 5G depends on your location and T-Mobile’s 5G coverage in your area. If you live in a city with robust 5G infrastructure, you’ll experience significantly faster download and upload speeds compared to 4G LTE. However, if 5G coverage is limited, the benefit will be minimal. The TCL 30 SE lacks 5G support, limiting it to 4G LTE speeds.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge both phones from 0%?
Given both phones support 15W charging, expect a full charge to take approximately 2 to 3 hours. The actual charging time may vary depending on usage during charging and the charger used. The REVVL 6x’s more efficient chipset might slightly reduce the overall charging time due to lower power draw.