TCL 305 vs TCL 30E: A Detailed Budget Smartphone Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 30E edges out the 305 thanks to its octa-core processor, offering noticeably better performance for multitasking and gaming. While both offer decent value, the 30E's improved chipset makes it the more compelling option for most users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL 305 | TCL 30E |
| 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 Cat5 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, February 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February | Available. Released 2022, April 20 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | 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 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens |
| 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, 28mm (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 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, 28mm (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, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (6127l only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 | 6127A, 6127l |
| Price | About 200 EUR | - |
TCL 305
- Simple and easy to use
- Affordable price point
- Decent battery life
- Underpowered processor
- Basic camera performance
- Slow charging
TCL 30E
- Better performance thanks to octa-core processor
- Slightly improved camera processing
- Good value for money
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- Slow charging
- Average display quality
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with a standard resolution (likely HD+). Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for the price point, but don't anticipate flagship-level vibrancy. The 30E *might* have slightly better brightness, but this is often difficult to discern without testing.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup, with a primary sensor (likely 13MP), an ultrawide lens, and a depth sensor. Image quality will be comparable in good lighting conditions, but the 30E's slightly more powerful processor *could* lead to marginally better image processing. Low-light performance will be average on both.
Performance
This is where the 30E shines. The Helio G25's octa-core configuration provides a significant performance boost over the 305's quad-core Helio A22. Expect smoother app loading, less lag, and a more responsive user experience on the 30E. The 305 will be adequate for basic tasks but may struggle with more demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W, so expect relatively slow charging times.
Buying Guide
The TCL 305 is ideal for users who prioritize simplicity and basic functionality, primarily needing a phone for calls, texts, and light browsing. The TCL 30E is better suited for those who want a smoother experience, occasional gaming, and a bit more power for everyday tasks.