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TCL 305 vs TCL 30 SE: A Detailed Comparison

Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The TCL 305 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.
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TCL 305 vs 30 SE: Which Budget Phone Wins?

🏆 Quick Verdict

The TCL 30 SE edges out the 305 thanks to its superior processor (Octa-core vs Quad-core), faster charging (15W vs 10W), and generally smoother performance. While both are budget options, the 30 SE provides a more compelling overall experience.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL 305 TCL 30 SE
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - 6102DHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APAC
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 6102D1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA
SpeedHSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 MbpsHSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - 6102А2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM
Launch
Announced2022, January 312022, February 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, FebruaryAvailable. Released 2022, April 20
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 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 + Nano-SIM
Weight190 g (6.70 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 450 nits (typ)IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUQuad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 11 (Go edition), TCL UIAndroid 12, TCL UI 4.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm
Triple13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes (6165H/6165H1 only)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 g/n, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging10W wired15W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsSpace Gray, Atlantic BlueAtlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue
Models6102D, 5164D6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S
PriceAbout 200 EUR-

TCL 305

  • Very affordable
  • Decent battery life
  • Lightweight design
  • Slow performance
  • Slow charging
  • Basic camera
  • Limited storage

TCL 30 SE

  • Better performance (Octa-core)
  • Faster charging (15W)
  • More versatile camera (triple lens)
  • Slightly better display
  • Slightly more expensive than 305
  • Still a budget phone (performance limitations)
  • Camera still not exceptional

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.55-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles and color reproduction for the price. However, the 30 SE might have slightly better brightness due to its panel technology (likely IPS for both, but potential minor variations). Expect similar viewing experiences overall.

Camera Comparison

The TCL 30 SE typically features a triple camera setup (13MP main + 2MP macro + 2MP depth) while the 305 has a dual camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth). While megapixels aren't everything, the 30 SE's additional macro lens offers more versatility. Image quality on both is acceptable for casual snapshots in good lighting, but don't expect stellar results. Low-light performance will be similar and not particularly impressive.

Performance

This is where the 30 SE shines. The Helio G25's Octa-core processor provides a noticeable performance boost over the 305's Quad-core Helio A22. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the 30 SE. The 305 will feel a bit sluggish, especially with demanding apps.

Battery Life

Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. However, the 30 SE's faster 15W charging means you'll spend less time plugged in. The 305's 10W charging is considerably slower.

Buying Guide

The TCL 305 is a good choice for users prioritizing a very basic smartphone experience and extremely tight budgets. The TCL 30 SE is better suited for those who want a slightly more responsive device, faster charging, and a bit more future-proofing.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the difference between the TCL 305 and 30 SE processors?
The TCL 30 SE has an Octa-core Mediatek Helio G25, while the TCL 305 has a Quad-core Mediatek Helio A22. The 30 SE's processor offers significantly better performance.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery and offer all-day battery life. However, the TCL 30 SE charges faster.