TCL 306 vs TCL 30 SE: A Detailed Comparison

Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The TCL 306 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.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The TCL 30 SE edges out the TCL 306 thanks to its faster 15W charging. Both phones share the same processor, but the slightly improved charging speed and potentially better camera software optimization on the 30 SE make it the preferable choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	TCL 306	TCL 30 SE

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 - EMEA/APAC
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA
Speed	HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps	HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE
	2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM	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
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	Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)	Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)
Chipset	Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)	Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)
GPU	PowerVR GE8320	PowerVR GE8320
OS	Android 12, TCL UI	Android 12, TCL UI 4.0

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	32GB 3GB RAM	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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	8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm
Triple	13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, 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	8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 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	Yes (market/region dependent)	Yes (6165H/6165H1 only)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	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 b/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	15W wired
Type	Li-Po 5000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Space Gray, Atlantic Blue	Atlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue
Models	X668, 6102H	6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S
Price	About 40 EUR	-

TCL 306

Very affordable
Large 5000mAh battery
Decent display for the price

Slow 10W charging
Basic performance
Limited camera features

TCL 30 SE

Faster 15W charging
Potentially better camera software
Large 5000mAh battery
Slightly more refined design

Still basic performance
HD+ display resolution
Limited storage options

Display Comparison

Both phones likely feature similar 6.5-inch HD+ IPS LCD displays. Expect decent color accuracy and viewing angles for everyday use, but don't expect flagship-level brightness or sharpness. The 30 SE might have slightly better screen calibration.

Camera Comparison

While both have similar camera hardware (likely a 13MP main sensor and a depth sensor), the TCL 30 SE may benefit from improved image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in slightly better photos, especially in low light. Both will likely offer decent image quality for social media sharing.

Performance

Sharing the same Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, performance will be virtually identical. Expect smooth navigation and basic app usage, but demanding games and multitasking will likely result in noticeable slowdowns. Don't expect high-end gaming performance from either device.

Battery Life

The TCL 30 SE has a slight advantage here. While both likely have a 5000mAh battery, the 30 SE's 15W charging will allow it to recharge faster than the 306's 10W charging. Expect all-day battery life from both devices with moderate usage.

Buying Guide

The TCL 306 is a good option for users prioritizing a very low price point and basic smartphone functionality. The TCL 30 SE is ideal for those who want a slightly faster charging experience and potentially a better camera experience without significantly increasing their budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the difference in charging speed between the TCL 306 and TCL 30 SE?

The TCL 30 SE supports 15W fast charging, while the TCL 306 uses standard 10W charging. This means the 30 SE will charge significantly faster.

❓ Are the cameras on these phones any good?

Both phones offer decent cameras for basic photography, but don't expect flagship-level image quality. The TCL 30 SE may have slightly better image processing, leading to marginally better photos.