TCL 306 vs TCL 30E: A Detailed Comparison

The TCL 30 series aims to deliver affordable smartphones with decent features. The TCL 306 and TCL 30E are two contenders in this space, offering similar specs on paper. But are they truly identical? This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which phone is the better choice for your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

Both the TCL 306 and 30E share the same core processor and charging speed. The TCL 30E generally offers slightly better software support and potentially a more refined design. Ultimately, the choice hinges on price and availability, with the cheaper option likely being the more appealing.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL 306 TCL 30E
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA, APACHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APAC
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA
SpeedHSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 MbpsHSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat5 150/75 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 - LATAM
Launch
Announced2022, January 312022, February 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, FebruaryAvailable. Released 2022, April 20
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)Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 12, TCL UIAndroid 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 3GB RAM64GB 3GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm
Triple13 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, 28mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes (6127l only)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 b/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, 6102H6127A, 6127l
PriceAbout 40 EUR-

TCL 306

  • Potentially lower price
  • Triple camera setup with macro lens
  • Large 5000mAh battery

  • Slower software updates (likely)
  • Basic design
  • Slow 10W charging

TCL 30E

  • Potentially better software support
  • Slightly more refined design
  • Large 5000mAh battery

  • Dual camera setup (lacks macro lens)
  • Slow 10W charging
  • May be slightly more expensive

Display Comparison

Both phones likely feature a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels (HD+). While the specifications are identical, subtle differences in color accuracy and brightness may exist. The TCL 30E might have a slightly better coating or viewing angles due to potentially improved panel quality, but this is difficult to confirm without direct testing.

Camera Comparison

The TCL 306 typically features a triple camera setup (13MP main + 2MP macro + 2MP depth) while the TCL 30E often has a dual camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth). Image quality will be similar in good lighting conditions, but the TCL 306's macro lens offers a slight advantage for close-up shots. Low-light performance will be average on both devices.

Performance

Powered by the Mediatek Helio G25, both phones offer adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect blazing-fast speeds or seamless multitasking with demanding apps. The software optimization on the TCL 30E could provide a marginally smoother experience.

Battery Life

Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. The 10W wired charging is slow, so be prepared for extended charging times.

Buying Guide

The TCL 306 is a good option for users prioritizing the absolute lowest price and basic smartphone functionality. The TCL 30E is better suited for those who want a slightly more polished experience, potentially longer software updates, and a more modern design, even if it comes at a small premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Are the TCL 306 and TCL 30E the same phone?
No, while they share the same chipset and battery capacity, there are subtle differences in design, camera setup, and potentially software support.
❓ Which phone has better performance?
Both phones offer similar performance due to the same processor. Software optimization on the TCL 30E might provide a slightly smoother experience.