TCL 30 SE vs TCL 408: A Head-to-Head Budget Battle
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 30 SE edges out the TCL 408 primarily due to its faster charging speed. While both share the same processor, the 30 SE's 15W charging offers a noticeable advantage. If charging speed is a priority, the 30 SE is the better choice.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL 30 SE | TCL 408 |
| 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 - T507A, T507U, T507U1, T507U2, T507J |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T507U, T507U1, T507U2 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 - T507D1 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 27 | 2023, January 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 20 | Available. Released 2023, March 31 |
| 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) | 164.7 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 | Android 12 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (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 | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (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 stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (6165H/6165H1 only) | Yes (T507U only) |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| - | Virtual proximity sensing | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Atlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue | Gravity Grey, Midnight Blue |
| Models | 6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S | T507D1, T507A, T507U, T507U1, T507U2, T507J |
| Price | - | About 130 EUR |
TCL 30 SE
- Faster 15W Charging
- Slightly Better Build Quality (potentially)
- Triple Camera System (more versatile)
- Potentially Higher Price
- Performance limitations of Helio G25
TCL 408
- Lower Price Point
- Decent Battery Life
- Slower 10W Charging
- Dual Camera System (less versatile)
- Potentially Lower Build Quality
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar 6.67-inch IPS LCD displays with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for everyday use, but don't anticipate flagship-level vibrancy or sharpness. The 30 SE might have a slightly better coating or build quality, contributing to a more premium feel.
Camera Comparison
The TCL 30 SE typically features a triple camera setup (13MP main, 2MP macro, 2MP depth) while the TCL 408 often has a dual camera setup (13MP main, 2MP depth). The 30 SE's additional macro lens offers slightly more versatility. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light.
Performance
Sharing the same Mediatek Helio G25 chipset and octa-core CPU, performance will be virtually identical. Expect smooth navigation and basic app usage, but demanding games and multitasking will likely result in noticeable slowdowns. Neither phone is a powerhouse.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life under moderate usage. However, the TCL 30 SE's 15W charging is significantly faster than the TCL 408's 10W charging, making a noticeable difference in charging times.
Buying Guide
The TCL 30 SE is ideal for users who prioritize faster charging and a slightly more premium feel. The TCL 408 is a good option for those seeking the absolute lowest price point and are less concerned about charging speed.