TCL 30 5G vs TCL 30+: A Detailed Budget Phone Showdown

The TCL 30 series aims to deliver affordable smartphones with decent features. Two contenders stand out: the TCL 30 5G, boasting 5G connectivity, and the TCL 30+, a more budget-friendly option. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The TCL 30 5G clearly wins on performance thanks to its significantly more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset and 5G capabilities. However, the TCL 30+ might be a better choice for those prioritizing affordability and a slightly larger battery, if 5G isn't a necessity.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL 30 5G TCL 30+
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM)
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APAC
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 411, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA-
SpeedHSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat13 390/150 Mbps, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
 -2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 - LATAM
Launch
Announced2022, February 272022, February 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, April 11Available. Released 2022, April 20
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions164.5 x 75.2 x 7.7 mm (6.48 x 2.96 x 0.30 in)164.5 x 75.2 x 7.7 mm (6.48 x 2.96 x 0.30 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMDual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Weight184 g (6.49 oz)184 g (6.49 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak)AMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 12, TCL UI 4.0Android 12, TCL UI 4.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm-
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYes-
Loudspeaker YesYes, with dual speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes (T676K only)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired18W wired
TypeLi-Po 5010 mAhLi-Po 5010 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsTech Black, Dreamy BlueTech Black, Muse Blue
ModelsT776HT676K, T676J
PriceAbout 250 EURAbout 220 EUR

TCL 30 5G

  • 5G Connectivity
  • Faster Performance (Dimensity 700)
  • Better Multitasking
  • Potentially Improved Camera Processing

  • Slightly Smaller Battery
  • Potentially Higher Price

TCL 30+

  • More Affordable
  • Potentially Longer Battery Life
  • Large Display

  • Slower Performance (Helio G37)
  • No 5G
  • Less Responsive UI

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.7-inch HD+ display, offering a large viewing area. However, the TCL 30 5G's chipset might allow for slightly better color accuracy and responsiveness. Expect similar viewing experiences overall, though the TCL 30+ might have slightly better outdoor visibility due to potential differences in brightness levels (specs not explicitly available).

Camera Comparison

Both phones typically feature a triple-camera setup, likely including a main sensor, ultrawide, and macro lens. While specific megapixel counts may vary, the TCL 30 5G's more powerful processor should allow for better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance. Expect similar camera quality in ideal lighting conditions.

Performance

This is where the TCL 30 5G shines. The Dimensity 700 is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G37. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in games on the 30 5G. The 30+ will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with more demanding applications.

Battery Life

The TCL 30+ often has a slightly larger battery capacity (around 5000mAh) compared to the TCL 30 5G (around 4500mAh). Coupled with its less power-hungry chipset, the 30+ is likely to offer slightly better battery life under typical usage.

Buying Guide

The TCL 30 5G is ideal for users who want 5G connectivity and a smoother overall experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. The TCL 30+ is a great pick for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize battery life and don't need 5G, and are looking for a reliable, basic smartphone.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the TCL 30 5G worth the extra cost?
If 5G connectivity and a smoother user experience are important to you, then yes. The performance difference is significant. If you're on a tight budget and don't need 5G, the TCL 30+ is a solid alternative.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The TCL 30 5G is the clear winner for gaming due to its more powerful chipset. It will handle more demanding games with better frame rates and less lag.