Looking for an affordable smartphone without sacrificing too many features? The TCL 30+ and 30 XL are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 30+ edges out the 30 XL thanks to its slightly more powerful processor and generally smoother performance. While the 30 XL boasts a larger screen and battery, the 30+'s chipset provides a more responsive user experience, making it the better overall choice for most users.
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| 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, June 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 20 | Available. Released 2022, June 01 |
| 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) | 172.2 x 77 x 9.1 mm (6.78 x 3.03 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 204.4 g (7.20 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762V Helio A25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 | Android 12, TCL UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 50 MP, f/1.9, 29mm (wide), PDAF
5 MP, 17mm, 115˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 13 MP, (wide) |
| 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 | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm | 13 MP, (wide) |
| 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 | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (T676K only) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| 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 | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5010 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Tech Black, Muse Blue | Dark Blue |
| Models | T676K, T676J | T671G |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 150 EUR |
TCL 30+
- Better Performance (Helio G37)
- Slightly More Compact
- Responsive User Experience
- Smaller Battery than 30 XL
- Screen slightly smaller
TCL 30 XL
- Larger Display (6.67")
- Longer Battery Life (5000mAh)
- More Immersive Media Consumption
- Slower Performance (Helio A25)
- Can Feel Bulky
- Less Responsive
Display Comparison
The TCL 30 XL features a larger 6.67-inch display compared to the 30+'s 6.53-inch screen. Both utilize an IPS LCD panel, offering decent color accuracy and viewing angles. However, the 30 XL's larger size makes it more immersive for watching videos and browsing, though it can be less comfortable to hold.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a triple-camera setup, typically including a main sensor, ultrawide lens, and macro lens. While specifications are similar (often a 48MP main sensor), the 30+'s more powerful processor allows for slightly better image processing and potentially better low-light performance. Image quality is generally acceptable for the price range on both devices.
Performance
Here's where the TCL 30+ takes a clear lead. Its Helio G37 chipset is noticeably faster than the 30 XL's Helio A25. Expect smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience on the 30+. The 30 XL can feel sluggish at times, especially when handling demanding apps.
Battery Life
The TCL 30 XL has a larger 5000mAh battery compared to the 30+'s 4500mAh battery. This translates to longer battery life on the 30 XL, easily lasting a full day of moderate use. The 30+ will still provide a solid day of battery life, but may require a top-up earlier in the day with heavier usage.
Buying Guide
The TCL 30+ is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a responsive interface, even on a budget. The TCL 30 XL is a good fit for those who value a larger display for media consumption and a longer battery life, and are less concerned about top-tier performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the TCL 30+ and 30 XL?
The main differences are the processor (Helio G37 vs Helio A25), screen size (6.53" vs 6.67") and battery capacity (4500mAh vs 5000mAh). The 30+ offers better performance, while the 30 XL provides a larger display and longer battery life.
❓ Which TCL 30 series phone is better for gaming?
The TCL 30+ is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful processor. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the 30+ will handle games more smoothly.
