The TCL 30E and Infinix Hot 30i represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The TCL 30E relies on Mediatek’s Helio G25, while the Infinix Hot 30i opts for the Unisoc T606. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing slightly better performance and faster charging, the Infinix Hot 30i is the stronger choice. Its Unisoc T606 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable edge in responsiveness and multitasking compared to the TCL 30E’s Helio G25. The 18W charging also significantly reduces downtime.
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat5 150/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 27 | 2023, March 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 20 | Available. Released 2023, March 31 |
| 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) | 164 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12, XOS 10.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/3.07", AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.94" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (6127l only) | Yes (Hot 30i NFC only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Atlantic Blue | Mirror Black, Glacier Blue, Diamond White, Marigold |
| Models | 6127A, 6127l | X669, X669D |
TCL 30E
- Established Brand Reputation (TCL)
- Potentially more refined software experience
- Lower price point (potentially)
- Weaker processor performance (Helio G25)
- Slow 10W charging
- May struggle with multitasking
Infinix Hot 30i
- More powerful processor (Unisoc T606)
- Faster 18W charging
- Improved multitasking capabilities
- Less established brand (Infinix)
- Software experience may be less polished
- Potential for more bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Infinix provide detailed display specifications beyond the basic panel type. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. However, the focus here is on the chipset's ability to drive the display smoothly. The TCL 30E's Helio G25 may struggle with more demanding graphical tasks, potentially leading to dropped frames during scrolling or video playback, while the Hot 30i's Unisoc T606 should offer a more consistent experience.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and potentially a depth or macro sensor. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Unisoc T606 may offer slightly better image processing capabilities than the Helio G25’s ISP, potentially resulting in more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in good lighting conditions. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization, where the Hot 30i’s more powerful processor could provide an advantage.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The TCL 30E’s Mediatek Helio G25 utilizes a cluster of four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz alongside another four at 1.5 GHz. This is a relatively older architecture. The Infinix Hot 30i’s Unisoc T606, however, features two more powerful Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores also at 1.6 GHz. The A75 cores represent a significant architectural leap, offering substantially improved single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. This translates to a snappier user experience on the Hot 30i, particularly when switching between applications.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, the charging wattage is a key differentiator. The TCL 30E is limited to 10W wired charging, meaning a full charge will take a considerable amount of time. The Infinix Hot 30i, with its 18W wired charging, offers a significantly faster charging experience. This is a practical advantage for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly, reducing downtime and increasing usability throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 30E if you prioritize a known brand with a generally reliable software experience and are content with basic performance for essential tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media. Buy the Infinix Hot 30i if you prefer a more powerful processor for smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, and faster charging, even if it means opting for a less established brand in some markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Hot 30i handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While the Unisoc T606 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty at lower graphics settings. Expect frame rate drops during intense action, but it's playable. The TCL 30E's Helio G25 will likely struggle more with these titles, requiring even lower settings and potentially resulting in a less enjoyable experience.
❓ Is the software on the Infinix Hot 30i heavily customized with bloatware?
Infinix phones are known for including some pre-installed apps (bloatware). While the amount varies, users can typically uninstall many of these apps. The TCL 30E generally offers a cleaner software experience, but this can also depend on the region and carrier.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone from 0%?
With 10W charging, the TCL 30E will likely take over 3 hours to fully charge. The Infinix Hot 30i, with its 18W charging, should charge to 100% in around 2 hours, offering a significant time saving.
❓ Which phone is better for basic tasks like WhatsApp, calls, and browsing?
Both phones are adequate for basic tasks. However, the Infinix Hot 30i's more powerful processor will provide a smoother and more responsive experience, even when multiple apps are open. The TCL 30E may exhibit slight lag when switching between apps.
