TCL 30+ vs TCL 30 SE: A Detailed Comparison

Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely compromise on features? The TCL 30+ and TCL 30 SE are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The TCL 30+ edges out the 30 SE thanks to its more powerful Helio G37 chipset, resulting in smoother performance and slightly better camera capabilities. While the 30 SE is a solid budget option, the 30+ provides a noticeable upgrade for a small price difference.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL 30+ TCL 30 SE
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 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APAC
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 MbpsHSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 - LATAM2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM
Launch
Announced2022, February 272022, February 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, April 20Available. Released 2022, April 20
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions164.5 x 75.2 x 7.7 mm (6.48 x 2.96 x 0.30 in)165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 in)
SIMDual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight184 g (6.49 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak)IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 12, TCL UI 4.0Android 12, TCL UI 4.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 4GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm
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, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jack-Yes
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (T676K only)Yes (6165H/6165H1 only)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired15W wired
TypeLi-Po 5010 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsTech Black, Muse BlueAtlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue
ModelsT676K, T676J6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S
PriceAbout 220 EUR-

TCL 30+

  • More powerful processor (Helio G37)
  • Better camera performance
  • Faster charging (18W)
  • Slightly better display

  • May be slightly more expensive than the 30 SE
  • HD+ resolution may not appeal to everyone

TCL 30 SE

  • Very affordable
  • Large 5000mAh battery
  • Decent display for the price
  • Lightweight design

  • Less powerful processor (Helio G25)
  • Lower camera resolution
  • Slower charging (15W)
  • Performance can lag with demanding apps

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.67-inch HD+ IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the TCL 30+ might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its more advanced chipset. Viewing angles are generally good on both.

Camera Comparison

The TCL 30+ typically features a 50MP main camera, alongside ultrawide and macro lenses, offering more versatility. The 30 SE has a 13MP main camera. While both produce decent images in good lighting, the 30+ generally captures more detail and performs better in low-light conditions.

Performance

This is where the TCL 30+ shines. The Helio G37 offers a significant performance boost over the Helio G25 in the 30 SE. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the 30+. Gaming performance will also be noticeably better on the 30+.

Battery Life

Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. However, the more efficient Helio G37 in the TCL 30+ might provide slightly longer usage times, although real-world performance will depend on usage patterns.

Buying Guide

The TCL 30+ is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a slightly better camera experience, even on a budget. The TCL 30 SE is a great choice for those seeking a very affordable phone primarily for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the difference between the TCL 30+ and TCL 30 SE processors?
The TCL 30+ uses a Mediatek Helio G37, which is significantly more powerful than the Helio G25 in the TCL 30 SE. This translates to better performance in apps, games, and overall responsiveness.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both have a 5000mAh battery, but the TCL 30+’s more efficient processor might give it a slight edge in real-world usage.