The TCL 30E and TCL 306 are both budget-friendly smartphones aiming to deliver essential features without breaking the bank. While they share a core processor, subtle differences in design, software, and potentially camera capabilities might sway your decision. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you choose the right one.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 30E and 306 are remarkably similar, sharing the same chipset and charging speed. The 30E often edges out slightly due to potentially better software support and sometimes a more refined design. Ultimately, the best choice depends on pricing and availability in your region.
| 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 150/75 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, January 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 20 | Available. Released 2022, February |
| 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) | 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 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB 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) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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 b/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 | X668, 6102H |
| Price | - | About 40 EUR |
TCL 30E
- Potentially better software support
- Slightly more refined design (often)
- Decent battery life
- 10W charging is slow
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
- Low-light camera performance
TCL 306
- Affordable price
- Decent battery life
- Reliable for basic tasks
- 10W charging is slow
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
- Low-light camera performance
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 6.5-inch HD+ IPS LCD display. While specifications are identical on paper, slight variations in color accuracy and brightness might exist. We'll need to test them directly to confirm any noticeable differences. Expect decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for indoor use.
Camera Comparison
While both have a triple camera setup (likely a 13MP main sensor, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor), the TCL 30E might have slightly improved image processing algorithms. Expect decent photos in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be limited. Video recording capabilities are likely similar, offering 1080p at 30fps.
Performance
Powered by the Mediatek Helio G25, both devices offer adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect flagship-level speeds; multitasking with many apps simultaneously might result in some lag. The software optimization on each device will play a crucial role in perceived performance.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to house a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. The 10W wired charging is a drawback, as it will take a considerable amount of time to fully charge the device.
Buying Guide
The TCL 30E is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly more polished experience and potentially longer software updates. The TCL 306 is a great option if you find it at a significantly lower price and are looking for a basic, reliable smartphone for everyday tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are the TCL 30E and TCL 306 the same phone?
They are very similar, sharing the same chipset and battery capacity. Differences are primarily in design and potentially software updates.
❓ How long does it take to charge the TCL 30E and TCL 306?
With the included 10W charger, expect around 2.5 - 3 hours for a full charge.
