Looking for an affordable smartphone without breaking the bank? The TCL 30 and TCL 306 are both contenders in the budget phone market. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 30 is the clear winner. Its significantly more powerful Helio G37 chipset, faster charging, and likely better camera performance make it a superior choice despite potentially a slightly higher price. The TCL 306 is a basic option for those on the tightest budget.
| 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 150/75 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, January 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 20 | Available. Released 2022, February |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | 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 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB 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 | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, 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 | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 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 |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5010 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Tech Black, Muse Blue | Space Gray, Atlantic Blue |
| Models | T676H | X668, 6102H |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 40 EUR |
TCL 30
- More powerful processor (Helio G37)
- Faster 18W charging
- Likely better camera performance
- Smoother user experience
- Potentially slightly higher price
- May lack some of the ultra-budget features of the 306
TCL 306
- More affordable
- Decent battery life
- Basic functionality for essential tasks
- Slow processor (Helio G25)
- Slow 10W charging
- Lower camera quality
- Laggy performance
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with HD+ resolution. The TCL 30 might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially better panel technology, but this is speculative without specific display specs.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely have multiple rear cameras (likely a main sensor, ultrawide, and macro), the TCL 30's more powerful processor should translate to better image processing and overall photo quality. Expect improved low-light performance and more detail in photos taken with the TCL 30.
Performance
The TCL 30's Helio G37 chipset is a noticeable upgrade over the TCL 306's Helio G25. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the TCL 30. The TCL 306 will feel sluggish, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh). However, the TCL 30's faster 18W charging will allow it to recharge significantly quicker than the TCL 306's 10W charging.
Buying Guide
The TCL 30 is ideal for users who want a smoother experience for everyday tasks, light gaming, and better photo quality. The TCL 306 is best suited for users who prioritize affordability above all else and primarily need a phone for basic calling, texting, and light web browsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the TCL 30 and TCL 306?
The main difference is the processor. The TCL 30 has a significantly more powerful Helio G37, while the TCL 306 uses the less powerful Helio G25. This impacts performance, camera quality, and charging speed.
❓ Which TCL phone is better for gaming?
The TCL 30 is much better for gaming due to its more powerful processor. The TCL 306 will struggle with even basic games.
