The TCL 30 and TCL 30 5G offer compelling value in the budget smartphone market. But with a 5G upgrade in one model, choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which TCL phone best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 30 5G is the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster Dimensity 700 chipset and 5G connectivity. While both offer decent features for the price, the 30 5G's performance boost makes it a more future-proof and enjoyable device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 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 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat13 390/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 27 | 2022, February 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 20 | Available. Released 2022, April 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.2 x 7.7 mm (6.48 x 2.96 x 0.30 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 184 g (6.49 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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 | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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 | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5010 mAh | Li-Po 5010 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Tech Black, Muse Blue | Tech Black, Dreamy Blue |
| Models | T676H | T776H |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 250 EUR |
TCL 30
- Affordable
- Decent battery life
- Large display
- Good for basic tasks
- Slow performance
- No 5G connectivity
- Mediocre camera
- HD+ display
TCL 30 5G
- Faster performance
- 5G connectivity
- Improved camera processing
- Smooth multitasking
- Slightly more expensive
- HD+ display
- 18W charging
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch HD+ display, likely with similar color accuracy and brightness. Expect decent viewing angles but don't anticipate flagship-level visual quality. The resolution is adequate for everyday use, but not ideal for demanding visual tasks.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup, potentially including a main sensor, ultrawide lens, and macro lens. While megapixels might be similar, the Dimensity 700 in the TCL 30 5G likely provides better image processing capabilities, resulting in slightly improved photo quality, especially in low light. Expect decent, but not exceptional, camera performance from both.
Performance
This is where the biggest difference lies. The TCL 30's Helio G37 is a capable but entry-level chipset. The TCL 30 5G's Dimensity 700 is a significant upgrade, offering noticeably faster processing speeds and better graphics performance. Expect smoother app loading, quicker multitasking, and improved gaming experiences on the 5G model.
Battery Life
Both devices likely have a 5000mAh battery, suggesting all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 18W wired, so expect similar charging times.
Buying Guide
The TCL 30 is ideal for users who prioritize affordability and don't need 5G. It's a solid choice for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. The TCL 30 5G is better suited for those who want faster performance, smoother multitasking, and the ability to connect to 5G networks, offering a more modern smartphone experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL 30 5G worth the extra cost?
Yes, if you value performance and want 5G connectivity. The Dimensity 700 chipset provides a noticeable upgrade over the Helio G37.
❓ What is the camera quality like on both phones?
Both offer decent camera quality for the price, but the TCL 30 5G's better processor likely results in slightly improved image processing and low-light performance.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
Both phones should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage thanks to their 5000mAh batteries.