The TCL 30 and TCL 30+ are both budget-friendly smartphones aiming to deliver solid value. While they share many similarities, subtle differences can impact your overall experience. This comprehensive comparison will dissect each phone, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 30 and 30+ are remarkably similar. The 30+ generally offers slightly better camera capabilities and potentially more RAM depending on the configuration, making it a marginally better choice for most users, especially if photography is a priority. However, the TCL 30 remains a strong contender if you find it at a lower price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APAC |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 27 | 2022, February 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 20 | Available. Released 2022, April 20 |
| 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 | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| 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 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| 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 | 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 | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) |
| 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 | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (T676K only) |
| 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 b/g/n, 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, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Tech Black, Muse Blue | Tech Black, Muse Blue |
| Models | T676H | T676K, T676J |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 220 EUR |
TCL 30
- Large display
- Long battery life
- Affordable price
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- HD+ resolution
- Limited camera capabilities compared to 30+
- Performance may struggle with demanding apps
TCL 30+
- Slightly better camera system
- Potentially more RAM options
- Large display
- Long battery life
- HD+ resolution
- Performance still limited by chipset
- Price slightly higher than TCL 30
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.7-inch HD+ display, offering a large viewing area. While the resolution is the same, the TCL 30+ might have slightly better color accuracy or brightness depending on the specific panel used. Expect similar viewing experiences overall, suitable for casual media consumption.
Camera Comparison
The TCL 30+ typically boasts a slightly more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor or an additional macro lens. While both offer decent image quality in good lighting, the 30+ generally produces better photos in challenging conditions. The front-facing camera is likely similar on both.
Performance
Powered by the same Helio G37 chipset and CPU, performance is virtually identical between the two. Expect adequate performance for basic apps and multitasking, but don't expect to play demanding games at high settings. RAM configurations vary, with the 30+ often available with more RAM, which can improve multitasking.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising 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 seeking a basic, reliable smartphone for everyday tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use. The TCL 30+ is a better fit for those who want a slightly improved camera experience and potentially more multitasking headroom, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference in RAM between the TCL 30 and TCL 30+?
The TCL 30 is typically available with 3GB or 4GB of RAM, while the TCL 30+ often offers configurations with 4GB or 6GB of RAM, potentially improving multitasking performance.
❓ Are the cameras on these phones any good?
Both phones offer decent cameras for their price range, but the TCL 30+ generally has a slight edge thanks to potentially higher resolution sensors or additional lenses. Expect good results in well-lit conditions.
