TCL 30E vs TCL 408: A Detailed Budget Phone Showdown

The TCL 30E and TCL 408 are both contenders in the budget smartphone arena, offering affordable options for those seeking essential features. But with seemingly identical specs, which one truly comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will delve into every aspect, helping you make the right choice.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The TCL 30E and 408 share the same core chipset and charging speed. The 30E often has a slightly better price point and potentially a more refined software experience, making it the marginally better choice for most budget-conscious buyers. However, availability and specific features can shift the balance.

PHONES
Phone Names	TCL 30E	TCL 408

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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - T507A, T507U, T507U1, T507U2, T507J
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T507U, T507U1, T507U2
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	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 - T507D1

Launch
Announced	2022, February 27	2023, January 05
Status	Available. Released 2022, April 20	Available. Released 2023, March 31

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 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density)
Size	6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio)	6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.3% 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

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	64GB 3GB RAM	64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB 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	50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash
Single	5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm	8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	-
Single	5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm	8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 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)	Yes (T507U only)
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	Fingerprint (side-mounted), 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	Gravity Grey, Midnight Blue
Models	6127A, 6127l	T507D1, T507A, T507U, T507U1, T507U2, T507J
Price	-	About 130 EUR

TCL 30E

Potentially better price
Potentially more refined software
Decent battery life
Good value for money

Slow 10W charging
Basic performance
HD+ display resolution

TCL 408

Decent battery life
Good value for money
Similar performance to 30E

Slow 10W charging
Basic performance
HD+ display resolution
Potentially less optimized software

Display Comparison

Both phones likely feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display. While the resolution is similar, the TCL 30E might have slightly better color accuracy or brightness due to potential panel variations. Check reviews for specific display quality assessments.

Camera Comparison

Both phones likely feature a triple camera setup, potentially including a 13MP main sensor, an ultra-wide lens, and a depth sensor. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. The 30E might have slightly better image processing algorithms, leading to marginally better photos in certain conditions.

Performance

Powered by the Helio G25, expect adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect blazing speeds or demanding gaming capabilities. Software optimization will be a key differentiator here; a cleaner, more efficient OS on the 30E could provide a smoother experience.

Battery Life

Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. The 10W charging is slow, so be prepared for extended charging times.

Buying Guide

The TCL 30E is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly lower price and potentially a more polished software experience. The TCL 408 is a good option if it's readily available and offers a compelling deal, or if specific features (like slightly different camera software) appeal to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Are the TCL 30E and TCL 408 the same phone?

No, while they share the same chipset and basic specs, there can be differences in software, camera tuning, and availability. The 30E often has a slightly better price.

❓ How long does it take to charge the TCL 30E or TCL 408?

With 10W charging, expect a full charge to take around 2.5 to 3 hours.