TCL 305 vs TCL 306: A Detailed Budget Smartphone Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 306 edges out the 305 thanks to its octa-core processor, offering noticeably better performance for multitasking and smoother app usage. While both offer similar battery life and charging speeds, the 306's improved processing power makes it the slightly more compelling option for most users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL 305 | TCL 306 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - 6102D | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA, APAC |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 6102D | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 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 - 6102А | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 31 | 2022, January 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February | Available. Released 2022, February |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 165.2 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 |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), TCL UI | Android 12, TCL UI |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, 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 | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 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 | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Atlantic Blue | Space Gray, Atlantic Blue |
| Models | 6102D, 5164D | X668, 6102H |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 40 EUR |
TCL 305
- Affordable
- Decent battery life
- Simple and easy to use
- Limited performance
- Basic camera
- Slow charging
TCL 306
- Better performance than 305
- Octa-core processor
- Good battery life
- Still a budget phone
- Basic camera
- Slow charging
Display Comparison
Both the TCL 305 and 306 likely feature similar displays – probably around 6.5 inches with an HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction for the price, but don't anticipate flagship-level brightness or accuracy. The 306 *might* have slightly better color calibration, but it's unlikely to be a significant difference.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, potentially featuring a 13MP main sensor and a few lower-resolution secondary lenses. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The 306's slightly more powerful processor *could* lead to marginally better image processing, but the difference will be minimal.
Performance
This is where the 306 has a clear advantage. The Helio G25's octa-core configuration provides more processing power than the 305's quad-core Helio A22. Expect faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall experience on the 306. The 305 will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with more demanding apps or multitasking.
Battery Life
Both phones likely pack a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate users. Expect around 10-12 hours of typical usage. Charging is limited to 10W wired charging on both devices, so don't expect rapid charging speeds.
Buying Guide
The TCL 305 is ideal for users who prioritize simplicity and basic functionality. It's a good choice for first-time smartphone users or those needing a secondary device for calls and messaging. The TCL 306 is better suited for users who want a slightly more responsive experience, occasional gaming, and smoother multitasking, without spending a lot of money.