Google Pixel 6a vs TCL 30 5G: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Choices
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 6a is the superior choice. Its Google Tensor chip provides significantly better performance and future-proofing, and its camera system is in a different league. While the TCL 30 5G offers a compelling value proposition, the Pixel 6a’s overall experience justifies the price difference.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL 30 5G | Google Pixel 6a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - GX7AS, GB62Z (USA/Canada) |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GX7AS (USA/Canada) |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat13 390/150 Mbps, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International) | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 27 | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 11 | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.2 x 7.7 mm (6.48 x 2.96 x 0.30 in) | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak) | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 17mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1.25µm |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 5010 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Tech Black, Dreamy Blue | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | T776H | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | About 250 EUR | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 94h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
TCL 30 5G
- Superior performance with Google Tensor chip
- Exceptional camera quality and image processing
- Guaranteed software updates and support
- Higher price point than the TCL 30 5G
- Charging speed is relatively slow for 2023
Google Pixel 6a
- More affordable price
- 5G connectivity
- Decent battery life
- Significantly weaker performance
- Less capable camera system
- Potentially limited software support
Display Comparison
The Pixel 6a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 876 nits, compared to the TCL 30 5G’s unspecified brightness. This translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both likely utilize OLED panels (based on the Pixel 6a’s ‘infinite’ contrast ratio), the Pixel 6a’s superior brightness and Google’s color calibration will deliver a more vibrant and accurate viewing experience. The TCL 30 5G’s display specs are less defined, suggesting a more budget-oriented panel.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 6a’s camera system is a clear winner. While specific sensor details aren’t provided in the context data, Google’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor chip, elevates image quality significantly. The Pixel 6a excels in dynamic range, detail, and low-light performance. The TCL 30 5G’s camera is likely more basic, focusing on providing acceptable results in good lighting conditions. Ignoring the typical 2MP macro lens found on both, the Pixel 6a’s image processing algorithms are a key differentiator.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor (5nm) is a substantial upgrade over the TCL 30 5G’s MediaTek Dimensity 700 (7nm). The Tensor’s Cortex-X1 prime core, clocked at 2.80 GHz, provides a significant performance boost in CPU-intensive tasks. The 5nm fabrication process also contributes to better power efficiency and thermal management. While the Dimensity 700 is adequate for everyday tasks, the Tensor offers a smoother experience with demanding apps and games. The Pixel 6a’s likely use of faster LPDDR5 RAM further enhances performance.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, suggesting comparable battery life despite differing internal capacities (not specified for the TCL 30 5G). However, the Pixel 6a benefits from the more efficient Google Tensor chip. Both support 18W wired charging, but the Pixel 6a also supports PD3.0, potentially allowing for faster charging with compatible chargers. The similar endurance ratings suggest that software optimization plays a crucial role in managing power consumption on both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 30 5G if you prioritize affordability and basic 5G connectivity above all else, and don't require a high-performance camera or demanding gaming capabilities. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you value a smooth user experience, exceptional camera quality, and the promise of timely software updates, even if it means spending a bit more.