TCL 30 5G vs Samsung Galaxy A14: A Detailed Comparison

The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the TCL 30 5G and Samsung Galaxy A14 are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at affordable prices, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specs, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.

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🏆 Quick Verdict

The TCL 30 5G edges out the Galaxy A14 thanks to its superior chipset and 5G connectivity. While the A14 boasts Samsung's brand recognition and potentially a slightly better display, the TCL's performance advantage makes it the better choice for most users seeking a budget 5G phone.

PHONES
Phone Names	TCL 30 5G	Samsung Galaxy A14

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
5G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA	-
Speed	HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat13 390/150 Mbps, 5G	HSPA, LTE
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / HSPA / LTE

Launch
Announced	2022, February 27	2023, February 28
Status	Available. Released 2022, April 11	Available. Released 2023, March 27

Body
Build	Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back	Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions	164.5 x 75.2 x 7.7 mm (6.48 x 2.96 x 0.30 in)	167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in)
SIM	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	184 g (6.49 oz)	201 g (7.09 oz)

Display
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)	1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size	6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio)	6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak)	PLS LCD

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B
Chipset	Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)	Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B
GPU	Mali-G57 MC2	Mali-G52 MC2
OS	Android 12, TCL UI 4.0	Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
	eMMC 5.1	-

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, panorama, HDR
Single	13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm	13 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Triple	50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	-
Single	13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm	13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1, A2DP, LE	5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE
NFC	Yes	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
Radio	Unspecified	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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	18W wired	15W wired
Type	Li-Po 5010 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Tech Black, Dreamy Blue	Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green
Models	T776H	SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R
Price	About 250 EUR	€ 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95
SAR EU	-	0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body)

TCL 30 5G

Faster Processor (Dimensity 700)
5G Connectivity
Generally good value
Decent Display

Camera may not be as versatile as A14
Slower charging (18W)

Samsung Galaxy A14

Samsung Brand Recognition
Potentially brighter display
Versatile Camera System
Good Battery Life

Slower Processor (Helio G80/Exynos 850)
Slower Charging (15W)
Can feel slightly less premium

Display Comparison

Both phones feature large displays, typically around 6.6 inches. The Galaxy A14 often has a slightly brighter panel, potentially offering better outdoor visibility. However, the TCL 30 5G's display is generally well-regarded for its color accuracy. Resolution is typically FHD+ on both.

Camera Comparison

The Galaxy A14 typically offers a more versatile camera system with multiple lenses, including a higher-resolution main sensor. While the TCL 30 5G's camera is capable, the A14 often delivers slightly better image quality, especially in well-lit conditions. Low-light performance is generally comparable.

Performance

The TCL 30 5G's Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Galaxy A14's Helio G80 (or Exynos 850). Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the TCL. The Dimensity 700's 7nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.

Battery Life

Both phones feature large batteries (typically 5000mAh), offering all-day battery life. However, the TCL 30 5G's more efficient chipset may give it a slight edge in overall battery endurance.

Buying Guide

The TCL 30 5G is ideal for users prioritizing performance and 5G connectivity on a budget. The Samsung Galaxy A14 is a good fit for those who value Samsung's ecosystem, a potentially brighter display, and a more established brand reputation, even if it means sacrificing some processing power.