Google Pixel 6a vs TCL 30 XL: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 6a is the clear winner. Its Google Tensor chip delivers significantly superior performance, and its 876 nits peak brightness provides a much more usable outdoor experience. While the TCL 30 XL offers a lower price, the performance gap is too substantial to ignore for anyone beyond the most basic usage.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL 30 XL | Google Pixel 6a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - GX7AS, GB62Z (USA/Canada) |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GX7AS (USA/Canada) |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International) | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 01 | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 01 | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 172.2 x 77 x 9.1 mm (6.78 x 3.03 x 0.36 in) | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 204.4 g (7.20 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762V Helio A25 (12 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI 3.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 17mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1.25µm |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 50 MP, f/1.9, 29mm (wide), PDAF 5 MP, 17mm, 115˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | T671G | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | About 150 EUR | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 94h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
TCL 30 XL
- Significantly faster performance with Google Tensor
- Brighter and higher-quality display
- Superior camera capabilities with Google’s image processing
- Higher price point
- May not offer expandable storage
Google Pixel 6a
- Extremely affordable price
- Potentially larger battery capacity (unconfirmed)
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Slow performance with MediaTek Helio A25
- Lower-quality display
- Inferior camera system
Display Comparison
The TCL 30 XL lacks specific display details beyond its size, but the Pixel 6a boasts a significantly brighter panel at 876 nits, measured during testing. This brightness advantage translates to far better visibility in direct sunlight. While both likely utilize IPS LCD technology, the Pixel 6a’s infinite contrast ratio (nominal) suggests superior black levels and overall image quality. The TCL 30 XL’s display is likely optimized for power efficiency, while the Pixel 6a prioritizes visual clarity and vibrancy.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely feature multiple rear cameras, the Pixel 6a benefits from Google’s renowned computational photography. The TCL 30 XL’s camera specs are not provided, but given its price point, it likely features lower-resolution sensors and lacks features like Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) found in higher-end devices. The Pixel 6a’s image processing algorithms excel in dynamic range, low-light performance, and overall image quality, making it a far superior choice for photography enthusiasts.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor (5nm) is in a different league than the TCL 30 XL’s MediaTek Helio A25 (12nm). The Tensor’s octa-core configuration, featuring Cortex-X1 and A76 cores, provides a substantial performance boost over the A25’s Cortex-A53 cores. The 5nm fabrication process of the Tensor also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained workloads. This means the Pixel 6a will handle demanding apps, multitasking, and gaming with ease, while the TCL 30 XL will struggle with anything beyond basic tasks.
Battery Life
Both devices share an endurance rating of 94 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite the TCL 30 XL potentially having a larger capacity (data not provided). However, the Pixel 6a’s support for PD3.0 charging offers faster and more efficient charging compared to the TCL 30 XL’s standard 18W wired charging. While both charge at 18W, the Pixel 6a’s charging protocol is more advanced, potentially leading to quicker 0-100% times.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 30 XL if you prioritize absolute affordability and only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It's a functional device for those on a very tight budget. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you value performance, a better camera experience, and long-term software support. It's ideal for users who want a smooth, responsive phone that can handle demanding apps and games.