The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for your money. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the TCL 30 and the Realme 9. Both promise a lot, but which one delivers the best overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 9 emerges as the clear winner. While the TCL 30 offers a decent entry-level experience, the Realme 9's superior chipset, faster charging, brighter display, and generally improved camera performance make it the more compelling choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 27 | 2022, April 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 20 | Available. Released 2022, April 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.2 x 7.7 mm (6.48 x 2.96 x 0.30 in) | 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 108 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, dual pixel PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 31 min, 100% in 75 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5010 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Tech Black, Muse Blue | Meteor Black, Sunburst Gold, Stargaze White |
| Models | T676H | RMX3521 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 660 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.16 W/kg (head) 0.59 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 156h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.4 LUFS (Below average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 290097 (v9)
GeekBench: 1601 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 7.3fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
TCL 30
- Affordable
- Decent battery life
- Basic functionality
- Slow performance
- Dim display
- Slow charging
- Less capable camera
Realme 9
- Faster performance
- Brighter display
- Fast charging
- Better camera
- More modern chipset
- Slightly more expensive than TCL 30
- Design may not appeal to everyone
Display Comparison
The Realme 9 boasts a significantly brighter display (647 nits) compared to the TCL 30, offering better visibility in sunlight. While the TCL 30's display is adequate, the Realme 9's contrast ratio (infinite nominal) provides richer colors and deeper blacks, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience. The Realme 9 likely has a higher resolution as well, though specific details are missing.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer 'Photo/Video' capabilities, the Realme 9 is expected to have a superior camera system. The Snapdragon 680 typically pairs with better image processing capabilities. The TCL 30's camera is likely adequate for basic snapshots, but the Realme 9 should deliver sharper images, better low-light performance, and more detailed videos.
Performance
The Realme 9's Snapdragon 680 4G chipset (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the TCL 30's Helio G37 (12nm). The Snapdragon 680 offers noticeably faster performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking. The 6nm process also contributes to better power efficiency. Expect smoother app launches and less lag on the Realme 9.
Battery Life
Both phones claim impressive endurance ratings (156h). However, the Realme 9's 33W fast charging is a significant advantage, allowing it to reach 50% in just 31 minutes and 100% in 75 minutes. The TCL 30's 18W charging is considerably slower.
Buying Guide
The TCL 30 is a good option for users prioritizing affordability above all else and needing a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use. The Realme 9 is ideal for those seeking a smoother experience, better camera capabilities, and faster charging without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL 30 good for gaming?
The TCL 30's chipset isn't ideal for demanding games. You'll likely experience lag and reduced frame rates. The Realme 9 offers a much smoother gaming experience.
❓ Which phone has better battery life in real-world usage?
While both have similar endurance ratings, the Realme 9's faster charging means you'll spend less time plugged in, making it more convenient overall.
