TCL 30E vs TCL 305: A Detailed Budget Smartphone Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 30E edges out the 305 thanks to its more powerful chipset and octa-core CPU, resulting in noticeably smoother performance. While both offer decent battery life and basic cameras, the 30E's processing advantage makes it the slightly better overall choice for everyday use.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL 30E | TCL 305 |
| 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 - 6102D |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 6102D |
| 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 - 6102А | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 27 | 2022, January 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 20 | Available. Released 2022, February |
| 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) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11 (Go edition), TCL UI |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB 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 | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, 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 | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 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 |
| NFC | Yes (6127l only) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| 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 g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Atlantic Blue | Space Gray, Atlantic Blue |
| Models | 6127A, 6127l | 6102D, 5164D |
| Price | - | About 200 EUR |
TCL 30E
- More powerful chipset
- Octa-core CPU
- Slightly better performance
- Likely slightly better camera processing
- May be slightly more expensive than the 305
- 10W charging is slow
TCL 305
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Basic functionality
- Slower performance
- Quad-core CPU
- Less responsive
- Limited camera capabilities
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar, basic LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for the price, but don't anticipate flagship-level vibrancy or sharpness. The 30E *might* have slightly better brightness, but this is often difficult to discern without testing.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup with a primary sensor around 13MP, accompanied by macro and depth sensors. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The 30E *might* have slightly better image processing due to its more powerful chipset, but the difference will be minimal.
Performance
This is where the TCL 30E has a clear advantage. The Helio G25 chipset with its octa-core CPU significantly outperforms the Helio A22 and its quad-core setup. Expect smoother app loading, less lag, and a more responsive user experience on the 30E. The 305 will feel noticeably slower, especially when multitasking.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are identical at 10W, so expect relatively slow charging times.
Buying Guide
The TCL 30E is ideal for users who prioritize a bit more performance for multitasking and light gaming. The TCL 305 is a good option for those seeking a very basic, ultra-budget phone primarily for calls, texts, and light browsing, where performance isn't a top concern.