Looking for an affordable smartphone without breaking the bank? The TCL 30 XL and TCL 30E are both contenders in the budget phone market. But which one offers the best value? We'll dive deep into their specs and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 30 XL edges out the 30E thanks to its faster charging and slightly more powerful chipset. While both offer solid value, the XL's improved performance and charging speed make it the better overall choice for most users, despite a potentially similar price point.
| 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/APAC |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat5 150/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 01 | 2022, February 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 01 | Available. Released 2022, April 20 |
| 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) | 165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 204.4 g (7.20 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% 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 (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762V Helio A25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI 3.0 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| 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) | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5.0", 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (6127l only) |
| 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 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue | Space Gray, Atlantic Blue |
| Models | T671G | 6127A, 6127l |
| Price | About 150 EUR | - |
TCL 30 XL
- Faster Charging (18W)
- Slightly Better Performance (Helio A25)
- Larger Battery Capacity (likely 5000mAh)
- Larger Display (likely 6.67")
- May be slightly more expensive
- Performance still limited by chipset
TCL 30E
- More Affordable
- Reliable for Basic Tasks
- Decent Battery Life (4000mAh)
- Slower Charging (10W)
- Less Powerful Chipset (Helio G25)
- Smaller Display (likely 6.52")
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, likely around 6.67 inches for the XL and 6.52 inches for the 30E, with HD+ resolution. The XL likely has slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its larger size, but both offer decent viewing experiences for everyday use. Expect similar panel technology (likely IPS LCD).
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, with a main sensor around 13MP on both. The XL might have a slightly better ultrawide lens. Image quality will be adequate for social media and casual photography in good lighting conditions, but don't expect flagship-level results. Both likely have a depth sensor and a front-facing camera around 8MP.
Performance
The TCL 30 XL's Helio A25 chipset offers a slight performance advantage over the 30E's Helio G25. While neither is a powerhouse, the A25 generally handles multitasking and light gaming a bit better. Expect some lag with demanding apps on both devices.
Battery Life
The TCL 30 XL boasts a larger battery capacity (likely 5000mAh) compared to the 30E (likely 4000mAh). Coupled with its faster 18W charging, the XL offers significantly better battery life and quicker top-ups than the 30E's 10W charging.
Buying Guide
The TCL 30 XL is ideal for users who prioritize a smoother experience, faster charging, and a larger display. The TCL 30E is a good option for those on a tighter budget who need a reliable phone for basic tasks and aren't overly concerned with performance or charging speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Helio A25 and Helio G25 chipsets?
The Helio A25 is generally considered slightly more powerful than the Helio G25, offering a small performance boost for everyday tasks and light gaming. Both are entry-level chipsets.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
The TCL 30 XL, with its larger battery and faster charging, will likely offer longer battery life and quicker charging times than the TCL 30E.
