TCL 30 SE vs TCL 30 5G: A Detailed Comparison
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 30 5G is the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster 5G connectivity and more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset. While the TCL 30 SE is a decent budget option, the 30 5G provides a noticeable performance boost and future-proofs you with 5G capabilities.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL 30 SE | TCL 30 5G |
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat13 390/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| 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 11 |
| 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 + 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 (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| 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, 128GB 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 | 13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 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 | 13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, 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, Dreamy Blue |
| Models | 6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S | T776H |
| Price | - | About 250 EUR |
TCL 30 SE
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Large display
- Expandable storage (microSD card slot)
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Limited 4G connectivity
- Outdated chipset
TCL 30 5G
- 5G connectivity
- Faster performance
- More efficient chipset
- Improved camera processing
- Modern design
- Slightly more expensive than the 30 SE
- Dual camera setup (less versatile than triple camera)
- No headphone jack (adapter included)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display with a 720 x 1600 resolution. While the color accuracy is decent for the price, don't expect flagship-level vibrancy. The TCL 30 5G might have slightly better brightness due to its more modern panel, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
The TCL 30 SE typically features a triple camera setup (13MP main, 2MP macro, 2MP depth) while the TCL 30 5G has a dual camera setup (13MP main, 2MP depth). While megapixels aren't everything, the 30 5G's more modern processor allows for better image processing, resulting in slightly better photos, especially in low light. Both offer decent video recording capabilities.
Performance
This is where the TCL 30 5G shines. The Dimensity 700 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G25. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the 30 5G. The 30 SE will struggle with more demanding apps and games.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. However, the TCL 30 5G's more efficient chipset may give it a slight edge in real-world usage, potentially lasting a bit longer on a single charge.
Buying Guide
The TCL 30 SE is ideal for users prioritizing a very budget-friendly device for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. The TCL 30 5G is better suited for those who want faster performance, 5G connectivity, and a smoother overall experience, even with occasional gaming.