OnePlus Nord 2T vs TCL 30+: A Detailed Comparison of Mid-Range Contenders

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the OnePlus Nord 2T and TCL 30+ represent distinct approaches. The Nord 2T aims for a balance of performance and features, leveraging Mediatek’s Dimensity series, while the TCL 30+ focuses on affordability with a more basic chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus Nord 2T is the superior choice. Its significantly more powerful Dimensity 1300 chipset and blazing-fast 80W charging offer a dramatically improved user experience, justifying the price premium over the TCL 30+'s Helio G37.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL 30+ OnePlus Nord 2T
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM)GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APACHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands-1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 - LATAM-
Launch
Announced2022, February 272022, May 19
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, April 20Available. Released 2022, May 21
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame
Dimensions164.5 x 75.2 x 7.7 mm (6.48 x 2.96 x 0.30 in)159.1 x 73.2 x 8.2 mm (6.26 x 2.88 x 0.32 in)
SIMDual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight184 g (6.49 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak)AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 1300 (6 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Mali-G77 MC9
OSAndroid 12, TCL UI 4.0Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, OxygenOS 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal128GB 4GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRAuto HDR
Single13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jack-No
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYes (T676K only)Yes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired80W wired, PD
TypeLi-Po 5010 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsTech Black, Muse BlueGray Shadow, Jade Fog
ModelsT676K, T676JCPH2399, CPH2401
PriceAbout 220 EUR€ 144.39 / $ 169.99 / ₹ 31,490
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 100h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -25.6 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 490545 (v8) | 604467 (v9) GeekBench: 2790 (v5.1) GFXBench: 40fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

TCL 30+

  • Highly affordable price point
  • Decent battery endurance
  • Acceptable for basic smartphone tasks

  • Weak processor performance
  • Slow charging speed
  • Limited display features

OnePlus Nord 2T

  • Powerful Dimensity 1300 chipset
  • Ultra-fast 80W charging
  • Brighter and more vibrant display

  • Higher price than the TCL 30+
  • May not offer significantly better battery life despite faster charging
  • Camera details are limited

Display Comparison

The OnePlus Nord 2T boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 636 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the TCL 30+. While both offer an 'infinite' contrast ratio (typical for OLED/AMOLED panels), the Nord 2T’s higher peak brightness translates to better visibility outdoors. The TCL 30+’s display specifications are less detailed, suggesting a more basic panel likely lacking features like high refresh rates found in competing devices. The Nord 2T’s display is likely to offer a more vibrant and enjoyable viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but details are limited. Without specific sensor sizes or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Nord 2T’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Dimensity 1300 chipset will likely result in better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The TCL 30+’s camera system is likely more basic, focusing on providing acceptable results in good lighting. The absence of details suggests the TCL 30+ may rely heavily on software processing to compensate for a less capable sensor.

Performance

The performance gap between these two phones is substantial. The OnePlus Nord 2T’s Mediatek Dimensity 1300, built on a 6nm process, features a core configuration of 1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78, 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78, and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55. This is a significant upgrade over the TCL 30+'s Mediatek Helio G37 (12nm) with its 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Dimensity 1300’s more advanced architecture and smaller process node deliver superior CPU and GPU performance, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a better gaming experience. The Nord 2T will handle demanding games and applications with ease, while the TCL 30+ will likely struggle with more intensive tasks.

Battery Life

Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 100 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life under typical usage. However, the charging speeds are drastically different. The OnePlus Nord 2T supports 80W wired charging with Power Delivery (PD), allowing for a full charge in a remarkably short time. The TCL 30+ is limited to 18W wired charging, which will take considerably longer to replenish the battery. This difference in charging speed is a major advantage for the Nord 2T, offering convenience and minimizing downtime.

Buying Guide

Buy the TCL 30+ if you prioritize absolute affordability and only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a viable option for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget. Buy the OnePlus Nord 2T if you value performance for gaming and multitasking, demand significantly faster charging speeds, and appreciate a brighter, more responsive display. It’s ideal for users who want a smooth, modern smartphone experience without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the TCL 30+ suitable for playing demanding mobile games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty?
The TCL 30+'s Helio G37 chipset is not well-suited for demanding games. While it may be able to run them at low settings, expect significant frame rate drops and potential overheating. The Nord 2T's Dimensity 1300 offers a much smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the OnePlus Nord 2T from 0% with the 80W charger?
OnePlus claims the Nord 2T can charge from 1-100% in approximately 32 minutes with the 80W SuperVOOC charger. Real-world results may vary slightly depending on usage during charging, but it remains significantly faster than the TCL 30+'s 18W charging.
❓ Does the OnePlus Nord 2T support wireless charging?
No, the OnePlus Nord 2T does not support wireless charging. It relies solely on its fast 80W wired charging capabilities.
❓ What kind of storage does the TCL 30+ use, and is it expandable?
While the exact storage type isn't specified, the TCL 30+ typically uses UFS 2.2 storage. It does offer microSD card support for expandable storage, allowing you to increase the available space beyond the internal capacity.