The TCL 30 series offers compelling budget-friendly smartphones, but choosing between the XL and 5G models can be tricky. Both promise value, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which TCL phone is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 30 5G is the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster Dimensity 700 chipset and 5G connectivity. While the 30 XL boasts a larger screen and battery, the 30 5G's performance advantage makes it the better overall choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 | 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, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat13 390/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 01 | 2022, February 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 01 | Available. Released 2022, April 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 172.2 x 77 x 9.1 mm (6.78 x 3.03 x 0.36 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 |
| Weight | 204.4 g (7.20 oz) | 184 g (6.49 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | 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 MT6762V Helio A25 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI 3.0 | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, 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) | 13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm |
| Triple | - | 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 |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide) | 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, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5010 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue | Tech Black, Dreamy Blue |
| Models | T671G | T776H |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 250 EUR |
TCL 30 XL
- Larger Display
- Longer Battery Life
- Potentially better detail in well-lit photos (64MP sensor)
- Slower Performance
- Outdated Chipset
- No 5G Connectivity
TCL 30 5G
- Faster Performance (Dimensity 700)
- 5G Connectivity
- More Efficient Chipset (7nm)
- Smaller Battery
- Slightly Smaller Display
- Lower Resolution Main Camera (13MP)
Display Comparison
The TCL 30 XL features a larger 6.67-inch display compared to the TCL 30 5G's 6.53-inch screen. Both utilize an IPS LCD panel with a 1080 x 2400 resolution, offering decent visuals. However, the larger size of the XL provides a more immersive experience for watching videos and browsing.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a triple-camera setup. The TCL 30 XL typically has a 64MP main sensor, while the 30 5G has a 13MP main sensor. Image quality is generally acceptable in good lighting conditions on both, but the 30 XL's higher resolution sensor *might* offer slightly more detail. Low-light performance is similar and not exceptional on either device. Video recording capabilities are comparable.
Performance
This is where the TCL 30 5G shines. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset (7nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Helio A25 (12nm) in the 30 XL. Expect noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the 5G model. The 30 XL can feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
The TCL 30 XL packs a larger 5000mAh battery compared to the 30 5G's 4500mAh battery. This translates to longer battery life on the XL, potentially lasting a full day or more with moderate usage. The 30 5G will likely require charging before the end of the day with heavier use.
Buying Guide
The TCL 30 XL is ideal for users prioritizing a large display for media consumption and extended battery life, and who don't need 5G. The TCL 30 5G is best for those who want a faster phone with 5G capabilities, even if it means a slightly smaller screen and battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL 30 XL worth buying in 2024?
It depends. If you prioritize battery life and a large screen above all else and don't need 5G, it can still be a decent budget option. However, the performance limitations are noticeable.
❓ Does the TCL 30 5G support VoLTE?
Yes, the TCL 30 5G supports VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi), providing improved call quality and faster call setup times.
