Google Pixel 6a vs TCL 30+: A Detailed Comparison of Budget Champions
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 6a is the superior choice. Its Google Tensor chip delivers significantly faster performance and superior image processing, justifying the price difference. However, the TCL 30+ remains a viable option for those prioritizing absolute affordability and basic smartphone functionality.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL 30+ | Google Pixel 6a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APAC | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - GX7AS, GB62Z (USA/Canada) |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GX7AS (USA/Canada) |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International) | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 27 | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 20 | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.2 x 7.7 mm (6.48 x 2.96 x 0.30 in) | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak) | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 17mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1.25µm |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (T676K only) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 5010 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Tech Black, Muse Blue | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | T676K, T676J | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | About 220 EUR | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 94h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
TCL 30+
- Significantly faster processor with Google Tensor
- Superior camera quality and image processing
- Long-term software support from Google
- Higher price point
- May experience some thermal throttling under heavy load
Google Pixel 6a
- More affordable price
- Decent battery life
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Slow processor and limited performance
- Inferior camera quality
- Limited software updates
Display Comparison
The Pixel 6a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 876 nits measured, compared to an unspecified brightness for the TCL 30+. This higher peak brightness translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both likely utilize LCD panels given their price points, the Pixel 6a’s ‘infinite’ contrast ratio (nominal) suggests a more refined panel with deeper blacks. The TCL 30+’s display specifications are less detailed, suggesting a more basic viewing experience. Bezels are likely larger on the TCL 30+ as well, contributing to a less immersive experience.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 6a’s camera system benefits immensely from Google’s computational photography prowess powered by the Tensor chip. While specific sensor details are missing for both, the Pixel 6a’s image processing algorithms are renowned for their dynamic range and detail. The TCL 30+ likely relies on more basic image processing, resulting in less refined photos, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the TCL 30+ further disadvantages it in low-light scenarios. Ignoring the likely low-resolution macro lens on the TCL 30+, the Pixel 6a’s overall camera experience will be far superior.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor (5nm) is a substantial leap ahead of the TCL 30+'s Mediatek Helio G37 (12nm). The Tensor’s octa-core configuration, featuring 2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 cores, provides significantly more processing power for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. The Helio G37’s Cortex-A53 cores, while efficient, are older architecture and will struggle with resource-intensive applications. The 5nm fabrication process of the Tensor also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained workloads. While both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, the Tensor’s superior architecture will provide a much smoother and more responsive user experience.
Battery Life
Both devices share an endurance rating of 94 hours, suggesting comparable battery life despite the TCL 30+'s potentially larger capacity (not specified). However, the Pixel 6a’s support for PD3.0 charging offers faster and more efficient charging compared to the TCL 30+'s standard 18W wired charging. While both charge at 18W, the PD3.0 standard allows for dynamic voltage adjustment, potentially reducing charging times and improving battery health. The Tensor chip’s efficiency also plays a role, offsetting its higher performance demands.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 30+ if you need a functional smartphone for essential tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and your budget is extremely limited. You'll appreciate its simplicity and affordability. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you prioritize a smooth user experience, excellent camera quality, and long-term software support, and are willing to spend more for a more capable device.