The TCL 30 series offers compelling budget-friendly smartphones, but the TCL 30 and TCL 30+ share many similarities. This makes choosing between them tricky. We'll dive deep into their specs and features to help you determine which phone best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both phones offer similar performance thanks to the same chipset. The TCL 30+ generally edges out the TCL 30 due to slightly more RAM and storage, potentially leading to smoother multitasking and more space for apps and media. Ultimately, the best choice depends on price and availability.
| 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 - LATAM | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 27 | 2022, February 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 20 | Available. Released 2022, April 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | 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) | 164.5 x 75.2 x 7.7 mm (6.48 x 2.96 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 184 g (6.49 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| 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) | 50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (T676K only) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5010 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5010 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Tech Black, Muse Blue | Tech Black, Muse Blue |
| Models | T676K, T676J | T676H |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 200 EUR |
TCL 30+
- Slightly more RAM and storage
- Ultrawide camera lens
- Large display
- Long battery life
- Performance can be limited with demanding tasks
- HD+ resolution isn't the sharpest
- 18W charging is relatively slow
TCL 30
- More affordable
- Large display
- Long battery life
- Decent camera system
- Less RAM and storage than the 30+
- No ultrawide camera
- Performance can be limited with demanding tasks
- 18W charging is relatively slow
Display Comparison
Both the TCL 30 and 30+ feature a 6.7-inch HD+ display with a similar resolution. While both offer a large viewing area, expect slightly lower pixel density compared to higher-resolution screens. Color accuracy and brightness are adequate for everyday use but not exceptional.
Camera Comparison
The TCL 30 typically features a triple camera setup (50MP main, 2MP macro, 2MP depth) while the TCL 30+ often boasts a 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, and 2MP macro. The TCL 30+’s ultrawide lens provides more versatility in capturing wider scenes. Image quality is decent in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance is average.
Performance
Powered by the same Mediatek Helio G37 chipset, performance is largely identical. Expect smooth navigation and basic app usage, but demanding games and heavy multitasking might show some lag. The TCL 30+’s potential for more RAM (4GB vs 3GB) could offer a slight advantage in multitasking scenarios.
Battery Life
Both phones typically include a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 18W wired, which is relatively standard for this price range.
Buying Guide
The TCL 30+ is ideal for users who prioritize a bit more RAM and storage for multitasking and media. It's a good choice if you can find it at a slightly higher price point. The TCL 30 is a great option for those on a tighter budget who still want a reliable and feature-rich smartphone experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference in RAM between the TCL 30 and TCL 30+?
The TCL 30 typically comes with 3GB of RAM, while the TCL 30+ often features 4GB of RAM, which can improve multitasking performance.
❓ Are the cameras on these phones any good?
Both phones offer decent cameras for their price range, but image quality is best in good lighting conditions. The TCL 30+ has an advantage with its ultrawide lens.
