The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the TCL 30 and Samsung Galaxy A14 are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at affordable prices, but which one delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A14 generally edges out the TCL 30 thanks to its more powerful chipset (especially the Exynos version), slightly better camera capabilities, and Samsung's reliable software support. However, the TCL 30 might offer a more appealing price point in some markets.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 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 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 20 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.2 x 7.7 mm (6.48 x 2.96 x 0.30 in) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5010 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Tech Black, Muse Blue | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | T676H | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | About 200 EUR | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
TCL 30
- Potentially lower price
- Larger display (often FHD+)
- Decent battery life
- Slightly faster charging (18W)
- Weaker processor
- Less capable camera
- Less refined software
- May lack software updates
Samsung Galaxy A14
- More powerful chipset (Helio G80 or Exynos 850)
- Better camera performance
- Samsung's One UI software
- Reliable software updates
- Good display quality
- Slower charging (15W)
- Potentially higher price
- Design may be less exciting
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, typically around 6.6 inches. The TCL 30 often boasts a slightly higher resolution (FHD+) and potentially a more vibrant color profile, though this can vary by region. The Galaxy A14's display is generally well-regarded for its clarity and brightness, though it might not be as visually striking as the TCL 30 in some cases. Viewing angles are comparable.
Camera Comparison
The Galaxy A14 generally offers a more versatile and capable camera system. While both phones have multiple lenses, the A14's main sensor and image processing tend to produce better results, especially in low light. The TCL 30's camera is decent for casual snapshots but lacks the refinement of the A14.
Performance
This is where the Galaxy A14 has a significant advantage. The Helio G80 (or Exynos 850) chipset in the A14 is noticeably faster than the Helio G37 in the TCL 30. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the A14. The TCL 30 is adequate for basic tasks but can struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery life is a strong point for both devices, typically offering all-day usage with moderate use. Both phones have large batteries (around 5000mAh). Charging speeds are similar, though the TCL 30's 18W charging is slightly faster than the A14's 15W.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the TCL 30? Users prioritizing a very budget-friendly option and potentially a larger screen. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A14? Those seeking better performance, a more reliable camera, and the benefits of Samsung's One UI.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy A14 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful chipset.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A14 get software updates?
Yes, Samsung is known for providing regular software updates for its Galaxy A series phones.
❓ Which phone has a better display?
While both have good displays, the TCL 30 often has a slightly higher resolution, but the Galaxy A14's display is generally well-regarded for its clarity and brightness.
❓ Is the TCL 30 worth buying if I'm on a very tight budget?
Yes, the TCL 30 can be a good option if you're looking for the absolute lowest price and don't need high-end performance.
