TCL 30+ vs Samsung Galaxy A53 5G: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is the better choice, offering a significantly more capable processor and brighter display. However, the TCL 30+ provides a compelling option for those prioritizing absolute affordability and aren't demanding gamers or heavy multitaskers.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL 30+ | Samsung Galaxy A53 5G |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM) | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APAC | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66 - SM-A536U |
| 5G bands | - | 2, 5, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-A536U |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 - LATAM | 2, 5, 48, 66, 77, 78, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-A536V | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 27 | 2022, March 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 20 | Available. Released 2022, March 24 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.2 x 7.7 mm (6.48 x 2.96 x 0.30 in) | 159.6 x 74.8 x 8.1 mm (6.28 x 2.94 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 | Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | - | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7X", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | - | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (T676K only) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer (market/region dependent) |
| - | Virtual proximity sensing | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5010 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Tech Black, Muse Blue | Black, White, Blue, Peach |
| Models | T676K, T676J | SM-A536B, SM-A536B/DS, SM-A536U, SM-A536U1, SM-A5360, SM-A536E, SM-A536E/DS, SM-A536V, SM-A536W, SM-A536N, SM-S536DL |
| Price | About 220 EUR | $ 151.42 / £ 185.00 / € 169.14 |
| SAR | - | 0.75 W/kg (head) 1.58 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.89 W/kg (head) 1.60 W/kg (body) |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 113h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - | -26.5 LUFS (Good) |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 329802 (v8), 379313 (v9) GeekBench: 1891 (v5.1) GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
TCL 30+
- More affordable price point
- Functional 5G connectivity
- Acceptable battery endurance
- Significantly weaker processor
- Lower quality display
- Likely inferior camera performance
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
- Powerful Exynos 1280 chipset
- Bright and vibrant display
- Faster 25W charging
- Higher price tag
- Potential for thermal throttling under heavy load
- Software updates may be slower than some competitors
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 830 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the TCL 30+. This difference is crucial for outdoor visibility. While both displays have an 'infinite' contrast ratio (typical for AMOLED/OLED panels), the A53’s higher peak brightness translates to a more vivid and punchy image. The TCL 30+'s display specifications are less detailed, suggesting a lower-tier panel likely lacking the color accuracy and viewing angles of the A53.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature photo and video capabilities, but details are sparse. The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G likely benefits from Samsung’s image processing expertise and potentially a larger main sensor (though not specified). The TCL 30+’s camera system is likely more basic, focusing on affordability over advanced features. Without sensor size or aperture information for the TCL, it’s safe to assume the A53 will deliver superior image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The presence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the A53 (likely) would further enhance image clarity and video stability.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G’s Exynos 1280 (5nm) is a substantial upgrade over the TCL 30+'s MediaTek Helio G37 (12nm). The Exynos 1280 features two Cortex-A78 cores for performance, alongside six Cortex-A55 cores for efficiency, while the Helio G37 relies solely on four Cortex-A53 cores for both. This architectural difference, coupled with the more efficient 5nm process, means the A53 will handle multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications with far greater ease. The Helio G37 is adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with resource-intensive operations.
Battery Life
Both devices share an endurance rating of 113 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite the TCL 30+'s unspecified mAh capacity. However, the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G supports 25W wired charging, significantly faster than the TCL 30+'s 18W charging. This means the A53 can replenish its battery more quickly, minimizing downtime. While the endurance rating is the same, the faster charging speed gives the A53 an edge in convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 30+ if you need a functional 5G smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media, and your budget is extremely tight. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G if you prioritize smoother performance for gaming and demanding apps, a brighter and more vibrant display, and a more refined camera experience, even if it means spending more.