TCL 30E vs TCL 30 SE: A Detailed Comparison

Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The TCL 30E and TCL 30 SE are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The TCL 30 SE edges out the 30E thanks to its faster 15W charging. Both phones share the same processor, but the slightly improved charging speed and potentially better camera software optimization on the SE make it the preferable choice for most users seeking a budget-friendly device.

PHONES
Phone Names	TCL 30E	TCL 30 SE

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 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APAC
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA
Speed	HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat5 150/75 Mbps	HSPA 42.2/11.5 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	2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM

Launch
Announced	2022, February 27	2022, February 27
Status	Available. Released 2022, April 20	Available. Released 2022, April 20

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)	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
Weight	190 g (6.70 oz)	190 g (6.70 oz)

Display
Resolution	720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)	720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size	6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio)	6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ)	IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)	Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)
Chipset	Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)	Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)
GPU	PowerVR GE8320	PowerVR GE8320
OS	Android 12	Android 12, TCL UI 4.0

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	64GB 3GB RAM	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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	-
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm	8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm
Triple	-	50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR
Single	5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm	8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 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 (6165H/6165H1 only)
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 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (rear-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	Atlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue
Models	6127A, 6127l	6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S

TCL 30E

Very affordable
Large display
Decent battery life

Slow 10W charging
Basic performance
Limited camera capabilities

TCL 30 SE

Faster 15W charging
Potentially better camera software
Large display
Decent battery life

Still basic performance
Limited camera capabilities
Slightly more expensive than 30E

Display Comparison

Both phones likely feature a similar 6.67-inch IPS LCD display with a 720 x 1600 resolution. Expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction for everyday use, but don't expect flagship-level sharpness or vibrancy. The 30 SE might have slightly better screen calibration, but this is often software-dependent.

Camera Comparison

While both have a triple camera setup (likely a 13MP main sensor, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor), the TCL 30 SE may benefit from slightly improved camera software and image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Expect decent photos in good lighting, but don't expect exceptional results.

Performance

Sharing the same Mediatek Helio G25 chipset and CPU configuration, performance will be virtually identical. Expect adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Demanding games and multitasking will likely result in noticeable slowdowns. RAM and storage configurations are likely similar, impacting overall responsiveness.

Battery Life

Both phones likely feature a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life under moderate usage. However, the TCL 30 SE's 15W charging significantly reduces charging time compared to the 30E's 10W charging. This is a crucial advantage for those who value faster charging.

Buying Guide

The TCL 30E is a good option for users prioritizing a very low price point and basic functionality. The TCL 30 SE is ideal for those who want a slightly faster charging experience and potentially a more refined camera experience, even within the budget category.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the TCL 30E good for gaming?

The TCL 30E and 30 SE are not ideal for demanding games. The Helio G25 chipset is entry-level and will struggle with high graphics settings. Casual games will run fine.

❓ What is the difference in camera quality between the two?

While both have similar hardware, the TCL 30 SE may offer slightly better image processing and camera software, potentially leading to better photos, especially in low light.