Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely compromise on features? The TCL 30 SE and TCL 30 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.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 30 edges out the TCL 30 SE thanks to its slightly faster processor, improved charging speed, and potentially better camera performance. While both are budget-friendly, the TCL 30 offers a more refined experience for a small price difference.
| 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 |
| 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 42.2/11.5 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, 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 | 165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 164.5 x 75.2 x 7.7 mm (6.48 x 2.96 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 184 g (6.49 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | AMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (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 | 64GB 4GB RAM, 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 | 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 | 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 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (6165H/6165H1 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5010 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Atlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue | Tech Black, Muse Blue |
| Models | 6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S | T676H |
| Price | - | About 200 EUR |
TCL 30 SE
- Very Affordable
- Decent Battery Life
- Sufficient for Basic Tasks
- Slower Processor
- Slower Charging
- Potentially Inferior Camera
TCL 30
- Slightly Faster Processor
- Faster Charging (18W)
- Potentially Better Camera
- Slightly More Expensive
- Similar Display to SE
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) and resolution (likely FHD+). The TCL 30 might have slightly better color accuracy or brightness due to potential software optimizations or minor hardware differences, but this is often negligible in this price range. Expect similar viewing experiences.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup with a primary sensor, ultrawide, and macro lens, the TCL 30's G37 chipset may offer slightly better image processing capabilities. Expect marginally improved image quality, especially in low-light conditions, on the TCL 30. Both will likely produce decent photos for social media.
Performance
The TCL 30's Helio G37 chipset offers a modest performance boost over the TCL 30 SE's Helio G25. This translates to slightly smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience. Gaming performance will also be marginally better on the TCL 30.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh). However, the TCL 30's 18W charging support provides a faster charging experience compared to the TCL 30 SE's 15W charging. This means you'll spend less time plugged in.
Buying Guide
The TCL 30 SE is a great option for users prioritizing affordability above all else and who don't need the absolute best performance. The TCL 30 is ideal for those seeking a slightly more powerful device with faster charging and potentially better camera capabilities, willing to spend a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the TCL 30 SE and TCL 30 processors?
The TCL 30 uses a Mediatek Helio G37, which is slightly faster and more efficient than the Helio G25 found in the TCL 30 SE. This results in better overall performance.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones likely offer similar battery life due to their comparable battery capacities. However, the TCL 30 charges faster thanks to its 18W charging support.
