The TCL 30E and Samsung Galaxy A14 represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price, they diverge significantly in their internal hardware, particularly in chipset choice. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A14 (specifically the Helio G80 version) is the superior choice. Its more powerful chipset provides a noticeably smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming, and the 15W charging is a welcome improvement over the TCL 30E's 10W. However, the TCL 30E remains a viable option for those prioritizing extreme affordability.
| 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, 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, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 20 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| 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) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated 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, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 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/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 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 | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (6127l only) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Atlantic Blue | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | 6127A, 6127l | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | - | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
TCL 30E
- Lowest possible price point
- Decent battery life for basic use
- Simple and straightforward Android experience
- Weak processor struggles with demanding tasks
- Slow 10W charging
- Limited software update potential
Samsung Galaxy A14
- More powerful processor (Helio G80/Exynos 850)
- Faster 15W charging
- Better camera performance
- Potential for longer software support
- Slightly higher price than the TCL 30E
- Still utilizes a plastic build
- Performance can vary between Helio G80 and Exynos 850 versions
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Samsung provide detailed display specifications for these models. However, both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The real difference lies in processing power impacting UI smoothness. Expect similar color accuracy and viewing angles. Bezels are likely comparable, prioritizing cost reduction over premium aesthetics. The lack of high refresh rates on either device is standard for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a primary camera around the 13MP mark, but the image signal processor (ISP) within the chipset plays a crucial role. The Helio G80 in the A14 offers a more capable ISP, resulting in better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. While both phones likely include 2MP macro/depth sensors (largely marketing filler), the A14’s superior processing power will yield more usable results from its main sensor. Don't expect exceptional camera performance from either device, but the A14 will consistently deliver better photos.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A14 offers a significant performance advantage, *depending on the version*. The Helio G80 version features a more modern CPU architecture (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) compared to the TCL 30E’s Helio G25 (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53). The A75 cores in the G80 provide a substantial boost in single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The Exynos 850 version of the A14, built on an 8nm process, offers even better efficiency and sustained performance. The G25 in the TCL 30E, while adequate for basic tasks, will struggle with demanding applications. The A14’s potential for LPDDR4X RAM (versus likely LPDDR3 in the 30E) further enhances responsiveness.
Battery Life
The TCL 30E and Samsung Galaxy A14 likely feature similar battery capacities (around 5000mAh). However, the A14’s 15W wired charging is a clear advantage over the 30E’s 10W. This translates to significantly faster charging times, reducing downtime. While both phones should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage, the A14’s faster charging mitigates the inconvenience of needing to top up.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 30E if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, occasional gaming, and faster charging, even if it means spending a bit more. The A14’s potential for software updates also adds long-term value.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A14’s Exynos 850 chip overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850 is an 8nm chip, offering better thermal efficiency than the Helio G25 in the TCL 30E. While it won’t deliver flagship-level gaming performance, it’s unlikely to overheat significantly during moderate gaming. Expect some throttling after extended play, but it will maintain a playable frame rate for most titles.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Unfortunately, the 2MP macro cameras on both the TCL 30E and Samsung Galaxy A14 are largely marketing features. The low resolution and lack of autofocus result in blurry and often unusable images. They are best avoided in favor of the main camera.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A14 run PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
The Samsung Galaxy A14 (Helio G80 version) can likely run PUBG Mobile at balanced graphics settings and 60fps, but expect occasional frame drops during intense action. The Exynos 850 version will offer a more stable experience. The TCL 30E will struggle to maintain a consistent 30fps even at the lowest settings.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the TCL 30E with the included 10W charger?
With the 10W charger, the TCL 30E will likely take around 3-4 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%. This is significantly slower than the Samsung Galaxy A14’s 15W charging, which can achieve a full charge in approximately 2-2.5 hours.
