TCL 30 5G vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: A Detailed Showdown

The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the TCL 30 5G and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at accessible prices, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into every aspect, from display quality to battery life, to help you make an informed decision.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 emerges as the overall winner thanks to its superior battery life, faster charging, and brighter display. While the TCL 30 5G offers 5G connectivity, the Redmi Note 12's overall package provides better value and a more enjoyable user experience.

PHONES
Phone Names	TCL 30 5G	Xiaomi Redmi Note 12

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, 8, 40, 41
5G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA	1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA
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

Launch
Announced	2022, February 27	2022, October 27
Status	Available. Released 2022, April 11	Available. Released 2023, January 11

Body
Build	Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back	-
Dimensions	164.5 x 75.2 x 7.7 mm (6.48 x 2.96 x 0.30 in)	165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.53 x 3.00 x 0.31 in)
SIM	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	184 g (6.49 oz)	188 g (6.63 oz)
	-	IP53, dust and splash resistant

Display
Protection	-	Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size	6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio)	6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak)	AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)	Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm)
GPU	Mali-G57 MC2	Adreno 619
OS	Android 12, TCL UI 4.0	Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India)

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM	128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
	eMMC 5.1	UFS 2.2

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single	13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm	-
Triple	50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR
Single	13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm	13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0"
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes
	-	24-bit/192kHz audio

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1, A2DP, LE	5.1, A2DP, LE
Infrared port	-	Yes
NFC	Yes	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS
Radio	Unspecified	Unspecified
USB	USB Type-C 2.0	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
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

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

Battery
Charging	18W wired	33W wired, 50% in 22 min
Type	Li-Po 5010 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Tech Black, Dreamy Blue	Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue
Models	T776H	22111317I, 22111317G
Price	About 250 EUR	€ 151.99 / $ 219.99 / ₹ 11,999
SAR	-	1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	-	0.68 W/kg (head) 0.91 W/kg (body)

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 101h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Display	-	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker	-	-28.0 LUFS (Good)
Performance	-	AnTuTu: 360745 (v9) GeekBench: 1998 (v5.1), 2017 (v6)

TCL 30 5G

5G Connectivity
Compact Design (likely)
Decent Performance for the Price

Slower Charging
Less Bright Display
Likely Inferior Camera
Lower Battery Life

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12

Exceptional Battery Life
Fast Charging (33W)
Brighter and Better Display
Generally Better Performance
Likely Superior Camera

Potentially Larger Size
Design may be less premium

Display Comparison

The Redmi Note 12 boasts a significantly brighter display (706 nits) compared to the TCL 30 5G (likely around 400-500 nits, typical for the era). The Redmi Note 12's 'infinite' contrast ratio suggests excellent blacks and vibrant colors, offering a more immersive viewing experience. While both likely use IPS LCD panels, the Redmi Note 12's specs indicate a noticeable advantage.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is difficult to definitively assess without detailed reviews, but the Redmi Note 12 likely holds an edge. Xiaomi typically prioritizes camera quality in its Redmi series. Both phones offer Photo/Video capabilities, but the Redmi Note 12's image processing and potentially better sensors could result in superior image quality, especially in low light. The TCL 30 5G's camera is likely adequate but not exceptional.

Performance

The Redmi Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset, built on a 6nm process, generally offers better performance and efficiency than the TCL 30 5G's Dimensity 700 (7nm). The Cortex-A78 cores in the Redmi Note 12 provide a boost in single-core performance, while both phones have six efficiency cores. Expect smoother multitasking and app loading on the Redmi Note 12.

Battery Life

The Redmi Note 12 absolutely dominates in the battery department. Its endurance rating of 101h is outstanding, and the active use score of 10:58h is impressive. The TCL 30 5G's battery life is likely decent, but falls far short of the Redmi Note 12's longevity. The Redmi Note 12's 33W charging is also significantly faster than the TCL 30 5G's 18W wired charging.

Buying Guide

The TCL 30 5G is a good choice for users prioritizing 5G connectivity and a slightly more compact design. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is ideal for those seeking exceptional battery life, fast charging, and a vibrant display, making it a great all-around budget option.