Realme 9 Pro+ vs TCL 30+: A Detailed Comparison of Mid-Range Contenders

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the TCL 30+ and Realme 9 Pro+ represent compelling options for budget-conscious buyers. While both aim to deliver a solid smartphone experience, they take drastically different approaches to achieving it. The TCL 30+ focuses on affordability, while the Realme 9 Pro+ prioritizes performance and faster charging speeds. This comparison will dissect their key specifications to determine which device offers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Realme 9 Pro+ is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 920 chipset delivers significantly faster performance than the TCL 30+'s Helio G37, and the 60W charging dramatically reduces downtime. While the TCL 30+ offers a lower entry price, the Realme 9 Pro+'s advantages justify the cost for those who value speed and convenience.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL 30+ Realme 9 Pro+
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM)GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APACHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands-1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 MbpsHSPA, LTE-A, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 - LATAM1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India
Launch
Announced2022, February 272022, February 16
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, April 20Available. Released 2022, February 21
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back
Dimensions164.5 x 75.2 x 7.7 mm (6.48 x 2.96 x 0.30 in)160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.89 x 0.31 in)
SIMDual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Weight184 g (6.49 oz)182 g (6.42 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak)Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Mali-G68 MC4
OSAndroid 12, TCL UI 4.0Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal128GB 4GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1UFS 2.2
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm
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/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYes (T676K only)Yes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS
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
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired60W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 44 min (advertised)
TypeLi-Po 5010 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsTech Black, Muse BlueMidnight Black, Aurora Green, Sunrise Blue, Free Fire Limited Edition
ModelsT676K, T676JRMX3392, RMX3393
PriceAbout 220 EUR€ 289.90 / $ 390.00 / ₹ 25,999
SAR-1.19 W/kg (head)     0.73 W/kg (body)    
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 117h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -25.3 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 495096 (v8), 416031 (v9) GeekBench: 2335 (v5.1) GFXBench: 27fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

TCL 30+

  • More affordable price point
  • Potentially longer battery life (depending on capacity)
  • Simple and straightforward user experience

  • Significantly slower performance
  • Slow 18W charging
  • Likely inferior camera quality

Realme 9 Pro+

  • Much faster performance with Dimensity 920
  • Ultra-fast 60W charging
  • Likely superior camera capabilities
  • Longer endurance rating

  • Higher price tag
  • Potentially less battery life (depending on capacity)
  • More complex software features

Display Comparison

The provided data lacks detailed display specifications for either device. However, given the Realme 9 Pro+'s positioning, it likely features a higher quality panel with a faster refresh rate than the TCL 30+. The Realme 9 Pro+’s advertised ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio suggests a VA-type panel, potentially offering deeper blacks, while the TCL 30+ likely utilizes an IPS LCD. Without specific brightness (nits) data, it’s difficult to assess outdoor visibility, but Realme typically equips its Pro models with brighter displays.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are limited, but the Realme 9 Pro+ likely boasts a more capable camera system. While both phones likely feature a primary camera, the Realme 9 Pro+’s chipset includes a more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) for improved image processing. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims, but the Realme’s higher-end positioning suggests a larger sensor and wider aperture, resulting in better low-light performance. The TCL 30+ likely relies on software processing to compensate for a less capable sensor.

Performance

The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Realme 9 Pro+'s Mediatek Dimensity 920, built on a 6nm process, is a significant upgrade over the TCL 30+'s 12nm Mediatek Helio G37. The Dimensity 920 features a more modern CPU architecture – Cortex-A78 cores versus the G37’s Cortex-A53 – resulting in a noticeable improvement in both single-core and multi-core performance. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. The Dimensity 920’s superior GPU will also deliver a far better gaming experience. The 6nm node also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended use.

Battery Life

The Realme 9 Pro+’s 60W charging is a game-changer. Advertised to reach 100% in just 44 minutes, it significantly reduces charging downtime compared to the TCL 30+'s 18W charging. While the TCL 30+ may have a slightly larger battery capacity (data not provided), the Realme 9 Pro+'s faster charging effectively mitigates any potential battery life disadvantage. The Realme 9 Pro+ also benefits from the Dimensity 920’s improved power efficiency, potentially offsetting any capacity difference. The Realme 9 Pro+’s endurance rating of 117 hours suggests optimized power management.

Buying Guide

Buy the TCL 30+ if you prioritize absolute affordability and are a light user who primarily needs a phone for basic communication, social media, and occasional web browsing. You'll appreciate its lower price point. Buy the Realme 9 Pro+ if you demand smoother multitasking, enjoy mobile gaming, and value the convenience of incredibly fast charging. The performance uplift and charging speed are worth the investment for power users.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Realme 9 Pro+ experience significant thermal throttling during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Mediatek Dimensity 920 is built on a 6nm process, which offers improved thermal efficiency compared to the TCL 30+'s Helio G37. While some throttling is inevitable during intense gaming, the Realme 9 Pro+ is likely to maintain higher sustained performance levels due to its more efficient chipset and potentially better cooling solutions.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the TCL 30+ sufficient for overnight charging, or will I need to plug it in for extended periods?
18W charging is relatively slow by today's standards. While it will charge the phone overnight, it will take considerably longer to reach a full charge compared to the Realme 9 Pro+'s 60W charging. Expect a full charge to take several hours with the TCL 30+.
❓ How does the CPU architecture of the Dimensity 920 impact real-world performance compared to the Helio G37?
The Dimensity 920 utilizes Cortex-A78 performance cores, which are significantly more powerful than the Cortex-A53 cores found in the Helio G37. This architectural difference translates to faster app launch times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience, especially when running demanding applications or games.