TCL 30 SE vs TCL 30+: A Detailed Comparison

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.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The TCL 30+ edges out the TCL 30 SE thanks to its slightly faster processor, marginally better charging speed, and often more competitive pricing. While both are solid budget options, the 30+ provides a small but noticeable performance boost for everyday tasks.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL 30 SE TCL 30+
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM)
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 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 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
Dimensions165.2 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-SIMDual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Weight190 g (6.70 oz)184 g (6.49 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)
Size6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 450 nits (typ)AMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 12, TCL UI 4.0Android 12, TCL UI 4.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single8 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 (macro) Auxiliary lens50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYes-
Loudspeaker YesYes, with dual speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (6165H/6165H1 only)Yes (T676K 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging15W wired18W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5010 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsAtlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial BlueTech Black, Muse Blue
Models6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165ST676K, T676J
Price-About 220 EUR

TCL 30 SE

  • Very affordable
  • Large display
  • Decent battery life
  • Expandable storage (microSD card slot)

  • Lower performance compared to 30+
  • Slower charging
  • Average camera quality
  • HD+ display resolution

TCL 30+

  • Slightly better performance
  • Faster charging (18W)
  • Potentially better camera
  • Large display
  • Expandable storage (microSD card slot)

  • Still a budget phone with limitations
  • HD+ display resolution
  • Average camera quality in low light

Display Comparison

Both phones typically feature a 6.7-inch HD+ display, offering a large viewing area. While both are adequate, expect color accuracy and brightness to be average for the price range. The TCL 30+ might have slightly better color reproduction due to its slightly more advanced chipset.

Camera Comparison

Both phones usually feature a triple-camera setup, typically including a main sensor, ultrawide lens, and macro lens. The TCL 30+ often has a slightly higher resolution main sensor, potentially leading to marginally better image quality, especially in well-lit conditions. Low-light performance will be similar on both.

Performance

The TCL 30+’s Helio G37 chipset offers a modest performance advantage over the Helio G25 in the TCL 30 SE. This translates to slightly faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive feel during everyday use. Gaming performance will be similar on both, but don't expect high frame rates on demanding titles.

Battery Life

Both phones typically pack a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate users. The TCL 30+'s 18W charging support is slightly faster than the TCL 30 SE's 15W charging, allowing for quicker top-ups.

Buying Guide

The TCL 30 SE is a good choice for users prioritizing a very budget-friendly device for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use. The TCL 30+ is better suited for those who want a slightly smoother experience, a bit more power for multitasking, and potentially a better camera experience, without breaking the bank.

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 offers a slight performance improvement over the Helio G25 in the TCL 30 SE. This means smoother multitasking and slightly faster app loading times on the 30+.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery and offer all-day battery life for moderate users. However, the TCL 30+ charges slightly faster with 18W charging compared to the TCL 30 SE's 15W.