Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely compromise on features? The TCL 30 and TCL 30 SE are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 30 edges out the 30 SE thanks to its more powerful Helio G37 chipset, resulting in noticeably smoother performance. While both offer decent value, the TCL 30's faster processor and slightly better charging speed make it the preferable 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 / 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 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 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) | 165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (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 | 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 | 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 (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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (6165H/6165H1 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 (rear-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 | Atlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue |
| Models | T676H | 6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S |
| Price | About 200 EUR | - |
TCL 30
- More powerful processor (Helio G37)
- Faster charging (18W)
- Triple camera setup with macro lens
- Slightly better image processing
- Slightly higher price than the 30 SE
- HD+ display (not Full HD)
TCL 30 SE
- Lower price point
- Decent battery life
- Lightweight and compact
- Less powerful processor (Helio G25)
- Slower charging (15W)
- Dual camera setup
- Can feel sluggish with multitasking
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.43-inch HD+ display, offering a similar viewing experience. Color accuracy and brightness are adequate for the price range, but don't expect flagship-level visuals. The TCL 30 might have slightly better color reproduction due to its slightly more advanced chipset, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
The TCL 30 typically features a triple camera setup (13MP main, 2MP macro, 2MP depth) while the 30 SE has a dual camera setup (13MP main, 2MP depth). While megapixels aren't everything, the TCL 30's additional macro lens offers more versatility. Image quality on both is decent in good lighting, but low-light performance is average. The TCL 30's processor also aids in better image processing.
Performance
This is where the TCL 30 shines. The Helio G37 chipset in the TCL 30 is significantly faster than the Helio G25 in the TCL 30 SE. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience on the TCL 30. The 30 SE will handle basic tasks fine, but may struggle with more demanding apps or games.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 4000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate users. However, the TCL 30 supports 18W fast charging, while the TCL 30 SE is limited to 15W. This means the TCL 30 will charge faster.
Buying Guide
The TCL 30 is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a slightly better camera experience, even on a budget. The TCL 30 SE is a great option for those seeking the absolute lowest price point and are willing to compromise a bit on speed and camera quality. It's perfect for basic tasks and social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the TCL 30 and TCL 30 SE?
The main difference is the processor. The TCL 30 has a more powerful Helio G37, while the TCL 30 SE uses a Helio G25. This impacts performance and overall responsiveness.
❓ Which TCL 30 model has better battery life?
Both have a 4000mAh battery and offer all-day battery life. However, the TCL 30 charges faster with 18W charging compared to the 30 SE's 15W.
