The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for those seeking essential features without breaking the bank. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the TCL 30E and the Samsung Galaxy A04. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which phone emerges as the winner.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A04 edges out the TCL 30E thanks to its slightly faster processor and potentially better software support. While both are budget options, the A04 offers a marginally smoother experience and the Samsung brand reputation adds value. However, the TCL 30E might offer a better display depending on the specific panel used.
| 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat5 150/75 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 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 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 27 | 2022, August 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 20 | Available. Released 2022, October 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 164.4 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI Core 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.51", 0.7µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| 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) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| 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 | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Atlantic Blue | Black, Green, White, Copper |
| Models | 6127A, 6127l | SM-A045F, SM-A045F/DS, SM-A045M |
| Price | - | About 70 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.32 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
TCL 30E
- Potentially vibrant display
- Simple Android experience
- Decent battery life
- Slower processor
- Slow charging
- Less software support likely
Samsung Galaxy A04
- Slightly faster processor
- Samsung's One UI
- Potential for longer software updates
- Reputable brand
- Average display quality
- Slow charging
- Entry-level performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display sizes (around 6.5 inches) and resolutions (likely HD+). However, TCL is often known for vibrant displays, so the 30E *might* have a slight edge in color accuracy and brightness, though this can vary by panel. The A04's display is likely adequate but not exceptional.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are often similar in this price range. Both likely feature a primary camera around 13MP, with additional macro and depth sensors. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. Samsung's image processing is generally considered slightly better, but both will struggle in low light. Expect decent daytime shots.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A04's Helio P35 chipset holds a slight advantage over the TCL 30E's Helio G25. The P35 generally offers better CPU performance, resulting in smoother multitasking and app loading. Both are entry-level chips, so don't expect flagship-level speed, but the A04 will likely feel a bit more responsive.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh, offering all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are a significant drawback for both, with both limited to 10W wired charging. Expect slow charging times.
Buying Guide
The TCL 30E is a good choice for users prioritizing a potentially brighter display and a simple, straightforward Android experience. The Samsung Galaxy A04 is better suited for those who value a slightly more powerful processor, Samsung's One UI, and the potential for longer software updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better software support?
The Samsung Galaxy A04 is likely to receive longer software updates and security patches due to Samsung's commitment to supporting its devices.
❓ Are these phones good for gaming?
Neither phone is ideal for demanding games. Both have entry-level processors that will struggle with high graphics settings. Casual games will run fine.
