TCL 306 vs TCL 305: A Detailed Comparison

Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The TCL 306 and TCL 305 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 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 chipset makes it the slightly better choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL 306 TCL 305
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA, APACHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - 6102D
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 6102D
SpeedHSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 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 - LATAM2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - 6102А
Launch
Announced2022, January 312022, January 31
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, FebruaryAvailable. Released 2022, February
Body
Build-Glass 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
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
ChipsetMediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 12, TCL UIAndroid 11 (Go edition), TCL UI
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 3GB RAM32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB 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", 1.12µm5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Triple13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP5.0, A2DP
NFCYes (market/region dependent)No
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging10W wired10W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsSpace Gray, Atlantic BlueSpace Gray, Atlantic Blue
ModelsX668, 6102H6102D, 5164D
PriceAbout 40 EURAbout 200 EUR

TCL 306

  • Better Performance (Octa-Core)

  • Potentially slightly higher price

TCL 305

  • More Affordable

  • Slower Performance (Quad-Core)

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 or sharpness. The 306 *might* have slightly better brightness due to its slightly newer design, but this is not confirmed.

Camera Comparison

Camera specs are likely similar, potentially featuring a 13MP main camera and a depth sensor. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The 306 *might* have slightly improved image processing due to its newer chipset, but the difference will likely be minimal.

Performance

This is where the TCL 306 shines. Its Mediatek Helio G25 chipset with an octa-core processor provides a significant performance boost over the TCL 305's quad-core Helio A22. Expect faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and better overall responsiveness on the 306. Gaming performance will also be noticeably improved.

Battery Life

Both phones likely pack a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired, so expect around 2-3 hours to fully charge from 0%.

Buying Guide

The TCL 306 is ideal for users who prioritize performance and smoother multitasking, even on a budget. The TCL 305 is a good option for those primarily needing a basic phone for calls, texts, and light social media use, and are extremely price-sensitive.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the TCL 306 worth the extra money compared to the TCL 305?
If you value performance and smoother multitasking, then yes, the TCL 306 is worth the slight price increase. The octa-core processor makes a noticeable difference in everyday use.
❓ What kind of games can I play on the TCL 306?
You can play many casual games on the TCL 306, but don't expect to run demanding titles at high settings. It's suitable for lighter gaming experiences.