Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The TCL 306 and Gionee K3 Pro are both contenders in the budget market, offering a range of features at accessible prices. But which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Gionee K3 Pro edges out the TCL 306 thanks to its significantly more powerful Helio P60 chipset, resulting in smoother performance and a better user experience. While both offer basic features, the K3 Pro's processing advantage makes 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 - EMEA, APAC | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | - | Class 10 |
| GPRS | - | Class 10 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 31 | 2020, August 24. Released 2020, September |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 164.3 x 77.6 x 9.7 mm (6.47 x 3.06 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 205 g (7.23 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) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB 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 | 1.3 MP |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm, AF
2 other unknown cameras |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 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 | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | - | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 666 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 12 h |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Atlantic Blue | Jade Green, Pearl White |
| Models | X668, 6102H | - |
| Price | About 40 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -89.1dB / Crosstalk -70.7dB |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 75dB / Noise 68dB / Ring 70dB
|
TCL 306
- Affordable price
- Simple and easy to use
- Decent battery life
- Underpowered chipset
- Limited camera capabilities
- Slow charging
Gionee K3 Pro
- More powerful processor
- Better performance for multitasking
- Potentially slightly better camera processing
- May have limited software updates
- Design might be less premium
- Slow charging
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness. The Gionee K3 Pro *might* have slightly better color accuracy due to its more powerful chipset allowing for better display processing, but this is speculative without specific display panel details.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely comparable, with both phones probably featuring a primary 13MP or 16MP sensor and a depth sensor. Image quality will be decent in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The K3 Pro's more powerful processor *could* allow for slightly better image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in marginally better photos.
Performance
This is where the Gionee K3 Pro shines. The Helio P60 is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G25. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and better overall responsiveness on the K3 Pro. The G25 will handle basic tasks adequately, but struggles with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones have 10W charging, suggesting battery capacities are in the 4000-5000mAh range. Expect all-day battery life with moderate usage on either device. Charging times will be relatively slow due to the 10W charging speed.
Buying Guide
The TCL 306 is ideal for users prioritizing a simple, straightforward phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing. The Gionee K3 Pro is better suited for those who want a slightly more responsive experience for multitasking, gaming, and general app usage, even within a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Gionee K3 Pro is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio P60 chipset. The TCL 306 will struggle with even moderately demanding games.
❓ How long will the battery last on each phone?
Both phones should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. Expect around 8-10 hours of screen-on time.