The TCL 30E and TCL 405 are both contenders in the budget smartphone arena, offering affordable options for those seeking essential features. But with seemingly identical specs on paper, which phone truly delivers the better experience? This comprehensive comparison will dive deep into their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 30E and 405 share the same core chipset and charging speed. The 405 likely offers a slightly improved software experience and potentially better camera processing due to newer software. Ultimately, the choice hinges on price and any available software updates.
| 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 |
| 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 42.2/11.5 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 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 27 | 2022, November 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 20 | Available. Released 2022, November 02 |
| 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) | 164.7 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 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 (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 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 (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 | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| 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, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (6127l only) | No |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Atlantic Blue | Lavender Purple, Space Dark |
| Models | 6127A, 6127l | T506D |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
TCL 30E
- Very affordable
- Large display
- Decent battery life
- Slow charging
- Basic performance
- Limited camera features
TCL 405
- Potentially better software experience
- Potentially improved camera processing
- Large display
- Decent battery life
- Slow charging
- Basic performance
- Limited camera features
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 6.67-inch HD+ display. While the resolution is similar, the TCL 405 might have slightly improved color accuracy or brightness due to potentially newer panel technology. However, without specific display specs, it's difficult to definitively say.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely have a triple-camera setup (main, macro, depth), the TCL 405 might benefit from improved image processing algorithms and software enhancements. Expect similar image quality in good lighting conditions, but the 405 could potentially handle low-light scenarios slightly better.
Performance
Powered by the same Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, expect similar performance in everyday tasks like browsing and social media. Don't expect high-end gaming capabilities from either device. Software optimization could be a differentiating factor here, with the 405 potentially offering a smoother experience.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. The 10W charging speed is a significant drawback for both, resulting in slow charging times.
Buying Guide
The TCL 30E is a good choice for users prioritizing a very low price point and basic functionality. The TCL 405 is better suited for those who want a slightly more modern software experience and potentially better camera performance, even if the core hardware is the same. Consider your budget and desired features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are the TCL 30E and TCL 405 the same phone?
No, while they share the same chipset, the TCL 405 likely has a slightly newer software version and potentially improved camera processing. They are similar but not identical.
❓ How long does it take to charge the TCL 30E and TCL 405?
Both phones use 10W charging, which is relatively slow. Expect a full charge to take around 3-4 hours.
