TCL 30 vs TCL 30 5G: A Detailed Comparison

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.
Phones Images

🏆 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.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL 30 TCL 30 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 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
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 MbpsHSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat13 390/150 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2022, February 272022, February 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, April 20Available. Released 2022, April 11
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions164.5 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)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight184 g (6.49 oz)184 g (6.49 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak)AMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 12, TCL UI 4.0Android 12, TCL UI 4.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm 13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired18W wired
TypeLi-Po 5010 mAhLi-Po 5010 mAh
Misc
ColorsTech Black, Muse BlueTech Black, Dreamy Blue
ModelsT676HT776H
PriceAbout 200 EURAbout 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.