TCL 30 SE vs TCL 20 SE: A Detailed Budget Phone Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 20 SE edges out the 30 SE thanks to its slightly more powerful Snapdragon 460 chipset and faster 18W charging. While the 30 SE offers a modern design, the 20 SE's performance and charging speed provide a more satisfying overall experience for the price.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL 30 SE | TCL 20 SE |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APAC | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA, SEA, APAC |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA, SEA, APAC |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 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, 66 - LATAM | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 27 | 2021, January 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 20 | Available. Released 2021, April 26 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 172.1 x 77.1 x 9.1 mm (6.78 x 3.04 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, TCL UI |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 (128GB only) | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 16 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.0", 1.12µm, PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm Auxiliary lens 2 MP (macro) or 48 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm Auxiliary lens 2 MP (macro) |
| 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 (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm or 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| - | 24-bit/192kHz audio | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | Yes (6165H/6165H1 only) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| 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 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Atlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue | Aurora Green, Nuit Black |
| Models | 6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S | T671H, T671F, T671O, T671E |
| Price | - | About 150 EUR |
TCL 30 SE
- Modern design
- Slightly larger screen
- Decent battery life
- Less powerful chipset
- Slower charging
- Average camera performance
TCL 20 SE
- More powerful chipset (Snapdragon 460)
- Faster charging (18W)
- Good value for money
- Slightly older design
- Similar camera performance to 30 SE
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.43-inch HD+ display. While the resolution is similar, the TCL 30 SE might offer slightly better color accuracy due to potential software optimizations. However, the difference is minimal and unlikely to be noticeable for most users.
Camera Comparison
The TCL 30 SE typically features a triple camera setup (13MP main, 2MP macro, 2MP depth) while the TCL 20 SE has a triple camera setup (13MP main, 2MP macro, 2MP depth). Image quality is comparable in good lighting conditions, but the 20 SE's image processing might be slightly better. Low-light performance is expected to be similar on both devices.
Performance
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 in the TCL 20 SE holds a clear advantage over the Mediatek Helio G25 in the TCL 30 SE. The Snapdragon 460 offers better CPU and GPU performance, resulting in smoother multitasking and slightly better gaming capabilities. Expect the 20 SE to handle apps and games with more ease.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 4000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate users. However, the TCL 20 SE's 18W charging support provides a faster charging experience compared to the TCL 30 SE's 15W charging.
Buying Guide
The TCL 30 SE is a good choice for users prioritizing a modern design and a slightly larger screen. The TCL 20 SE is better suited for those who need a bit more processing power for everyday tasks and appreciate faster charging.