Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely compromise on features? The TCL 30 XL and TCL 20 SE are both contenders in the budget market, offering large displays and decent specs. But which one truly delivers the best value for your money?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 20 SE edges out the 30 XL thanks to its slightly more efficient chipset and generally smoother performance. While the 30 XL boasts a larger screen and battery, the 20 SE's Snapdragon 460 provides a more responsive user experience for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA, SEA, APAC |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA, SEA, APAC |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 01 | 2021, January 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 01 | Available. Released 2021, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 172.2 x 77 x 9.1 mm (6.78 x 3.03 x 0.36 in) | 172.1 x 77.1 x 9.1 mm (6.78 x 3.04 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 204.4 g (7.20 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762V Helio A25 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI 3.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 (128GB only) |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 50 MP, f/1.9, 29mm (wide), PDAF
5 MP, 17mm, 115˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 16 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens
2 MP (macro)
or
48 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens
2 MP (macro) |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
or
13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with dual speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue | Aurora Green, Nuit Black |
| Models | T671G | T671H, T671F, T671O, T671E |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 150 EUR |
TCL 30 XL
- Larger Display
- Longer Battery Life
- Potentially more storage options
- Slower Performance
- Bulkier Design
- Less Responsive UI
TCL 20 SE
- Better Performance
- More Responsive
- Compact Design
- Smaller Battery
- Smaller Display
- Potentially less storage
Display Comparison
The TCL 30 XL features a larger 6.67-inch display compared to the TCL 20 SE's 6.43-inch screen. Both utilize IPS LCD technology, offering decent color accuracy and viewing angles. However, the 30 XL's larger size might make it less comfortable for one-handed use. Resolution is likely similar, around 720+ HD, impacting sharpness.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer a triple-camera setup. The TCL 20 SE likely has a slightly better main sensor, resulting in marginally better image quality, particularly in low light. Both cameras will struggle with complex scenes and offer decent, but not exceptional, performance. Video recording capabilities are likely similar, around 1080p at 30fps.
Performance
Here's where the TCL 20 SE takes a lead. The Snapdragon 460 generally outperforms the Helio A25. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience on the 20 SE. The 30 XL's A25 can feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
The TCL 30 XL has a larger 5000mAh battery compared to the TCL 20 SE's 4000mAh battery. This translates to longer battery life on the 30 XL, potentially lasting a full day or more with moderate usage. The 20 SE will still provide a solid day of battery life, but may require a top-up in the evening.
Buying Guide
The TCL 30 XL is ideal for users prioritizing a large display for media consumption and extended battery life. The TCL 20 SE is a better choice for those seeking a more responsive and fluid experience, even with a slightly smaller screen and battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The TCL 20 SE is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 460 chipset. It will handle games more smoothly than the TCL 30 XL.
❓ Is the TCL 30 XL worth it for its larger battery?
If battery life is your absolute top priority and you don't mind a slightly slower phone, the TCL 30 XL is a decent option. However, the 20 SE offers a better balance of performance and battery life.
