TCL 30 5G vs TCL 30 SE: A Detailed Comparison

Looking for an affordable smartphone without breaking the bank? The TCL 30 5G and TCL 30 SE are both contenders in the budget market, offering a range of features at competitive prices. But which one is right for you? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The TCL 30 5G is the clear winner for performance thanks to its 5G connectivity and significantly more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset. However, the TCL 30 SE might offer better value for those prioritizing a larger screen and longer battery life on a tighter budget.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL 30 5G TCL 30 SE
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
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 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
 -2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 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)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· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight184 g (6.49 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak)IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (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 RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 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", 1.12µm8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 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 (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes (6165H/6165H1 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired15W wired
TypeLi-Po 5010 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsTech Black, Dreamy BlueAtlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue
ModelsT776H6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S
PriceAbout 250 EUR-

TCL 30 5G

  • 5G Connectivity
  • Faster Performance (Dimensity 700)
  • Modern Chipset
  • Slightly more compact

  • Slightly smaller battery
  • Potentially less detailed camera in some scenarios

TCL 30 SE

  • Larger Display
  • Longer Battery Life
  • Potentially better value for money
  • Higher resolution main camera (50MP)

  • Slower Performance (Helio G25)
  • Older Chipset
  • No 5G

Display Comparison

The TCL 30 SE boasts a larger 6.67-inch display compared to the TCL 30 5G's 6.7-inch display. Both utilize an IPS LCD panel, but the SE's larger size might be preferable for media consumption. Resolution is generally similar, around 720+ HD, so image quality won't be dramatically different.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature a triple-camera setup. The TCL 30 5G typically has a 13MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. The TCL 30 SE often includes a 50MP main sensor, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. While megapixels aren't everything, the 30 SE's higher resolution main sensor *could* offer slightly more detail in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is likely comparable.

Performance

This is where the TCL 30 5G shines. The Dimensity 700 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G25. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better overall responsiveness. The 30 5G handles light gaming much better than the 30 SE.

Battery Life

The TCL 30 SE generally has a larger battery capacity (5000mAh) compared to the TCL 30 5G (4500mAh). Coupled with its less power-hungry chipset, the 30 SE typically offers longer battery life, potentially lasting a full day or more with moderate usage.

Buying Guide

The TCL 30 5G is ideal for users who want 5G connectivity, smoother performance for everyday tasks and light gaming, and a more modern chipset. The TCL 30 SE is a good choice for those prioritizing a larger display for media consumption, extended battery life, and a more budget-friendly price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the TCL 30 5G worth the extra cost over the TCL 30 SE?
If 5G connectivity and smoother performance are important to you, then yes. The Dimensity 700 chipset makes a significant difference. If you prioritize battery life and a larger screen on a tighter budget, the TCL 30 SE is a solid choice.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The TCL 30 5G has significantly better gaming performance due to its more powerful chipset. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the 30 5G will handle more demanding titles better.