The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for your money. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the TCL 30E and the Motorola Moto G31. Both promise a solid experience without breaking the bank, but which one truly delivers?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Motorola Moto G31 takes the crown. While the TCL 30E is a decent option, the Moto G31's significantly more powerful processor, better camera capabilities, and slightly improved display make it the superior choice for most users seeking a budget-friendly smartphone.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APAC | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat5 150/75 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat7 300/150 Mbps |
| 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 | 2021, November 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 20 | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| 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) | 161.9 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm (6.37 x 2.91 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent design |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 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, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (6127l only) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Atlantic Blue | Mineral Grey, Baby Blue |
| Models | 6127A, 6127l | XT2173-3 |
| Price | - | About 120 EUR |
TCL 30E
- Simple and easy to use
- Affordable price point
- Decent battery life
- Underpowered processor
- Basic camera performance
- Slow charging
Motorola Moto G31
- More powerful processor
- Better camera quality
- Slightly improved display
- Clean Android experience
- 10W charging is slow
- May lack premium features
- Design is somewhat basic
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, likely with a resolution around 720+ HD. The Moto G31 *may* offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially better panel technology, though both are adequate for general use. Expect similar viewing experiences.
Camera Comparison
The Moto G31 generally boasts a more versatile camera system. While specific megapixel counts may be similar, the G85's image signal processor (ISP) is more capable, resulting in better image quality, especially in low light. Expect improved dynamic range and detail on the Moto G31. Both likely offer a main lens, macro lens, and depth sensor.
Performance
This is where the Moto G31 shines. The Helio G85 chipset is a noticeable upgrade over the Helio G25 in the TCL 30E. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Moto G31. The TCL 30E will handle basic tasks, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones feature a 5000mAh battery, suggesting similar all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W, which is relatively slow by today's standards. Expect around 2-3 hours to fully charge either device.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the TCL 30E? Those prioritizing a very basic smartphone experience with a focus on simplicity and potentially a slightly lower price point. Who should buy the Motorola Moto G31? Anyone looking for a more responsive phone with a better camera and smoother performance for everyday tasks and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Motorola Moto G31 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G85 chipset. The TCL 30E will struggle with more demanding games.
❓ Does either phone have 5G connectivity?
No, neither the TCL 30E nor the Motorola Moto G31 support 5G. They are both 4G LTE devices.
