TCL 30+ vs. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022): A Deep Dive into Budget 5G

The sub-$300 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The TCL 30+ and Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) both aim to deliver 5G connectivity and essential features at an accessible price. However, they take drastically different approaches to achieving this, particularly in their core processing power and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects those differences to help you choose the right phone for your priorities.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 695 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage and better long-term responsiveness compared to the TCL 30+'s Helio G37. While the TCL 30+ offers a slightly faster charging standard, the Moto G Stylus 5G's overall package is more compelling.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL 30+ Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APACHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 - USA
5G bands-1, 2, 5, 12, 14, 24, 26, 29, 30, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA - USA
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 MbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2022, February 272022, April 22
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, April 20Available. Released 2022, April 27
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions164.5 x 75.2 x 7.7 mm (6.48 x 2.96 x 0.30 in)168.9 x 75.8 x 9.3 mm (6.65 x 2.98 x 0.37 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight184 g (6.49 oz)215 g (7.58 oz)
 -Stylus Water-repellent design
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~85.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak)IPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
ChipsetMediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Adreno 619
OSAndroid 12, TCL UI 4.0Android 12, planned upgrade to Android 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 4GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens50 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0, 1.12µm Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (T676K only)Yes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioUnspecifiedFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity
Battery
Charging18W wired10W wired, QC3
TypeLi-Po 5010 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsTech Black, Muse BlueSteel Blue, Seafoam Green
ModelsT676K, T676JXT2215, XT2215-1, XT2215-2, XT2215-3, XT2215-4
PriceAbout 220 EUR$ 66.60

TCL 30+

  • Faster 18W charging
  • Potentially lower price point
  • Simple and straightforward user experience

  • Less powerful and efficient Helio G37 chipset
  • Older CPU architecture
  • Likely inferior camera performance

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022)

  • More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 695 chipset
  • Integrated stylus for note-taking and creativity
  • Better long-term performance and responsiveness

  • Slower 10W charging
  • Potentially higher price point
  • Stylus may not be useful for all users

Display Comparison

Neither phone boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. The TCL 30+’s display specifications are unavailable, but given its price point, it likely targets a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) also lacks a high refresh rate. The key difference lies in the underlying processing power impacting UI smoothness, rather than the panel itself. Bezels are expected to be comparable on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning. Color accuracy will likely be adequate for everyday use but not suitable for color-critical work.

Camera Comparison

Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but details beyond the main sensor are often dominated by low-resolution auxiliary lenses. Without specific sensor size information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 695 generally provides superior image processing capabilities compared to MediaTek’s ISP in the Helio G37. This translates to better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. Expect the Motorola to deliver more consistent and pleasing results across various shooting scenarios. The TCL 30+ may struggle with detail and color accuracy in low light.

Performance

This is where the most significant disparity lies. The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G, fabricated on a 6nm process. This translates to superior power efficiency and thermal management compared to the TCL 30+'s MediaTek Helio G37 (12nm). The Snapdragon 695’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver – offers a more balanced and powerful architecture than the Helio G37’s Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). The Cortex-A53 cores in the TCL 30+ are older and less efficient. Users will experience noticeably faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Motorola, especially with demanding applications. The 6nm process also suggests less throttling under sustained load, making the Moto G Stylus 5G the better choice for mobile gaming.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both likely fall in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this price bracket. The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) supports 10W wired charging with Quick Charge 3.0 (QC3) compatibility. The TCL 30+ offers 18W wired charging. While the TCL 30+ has a faster charging *wattage*, the Snapdragon 695’s superior power efficiency means the Moto G Stylus 5G will likely offer comparable, or even better, real-world battery life despite the slower charging speed. The efficiency gain offsets the charging speed difference. A full charge on the TCL 30+ might be marginally faster, but the Motorola will likely last longer on a single charge with typical usage.

Buying Guide

Buy the TCL 30+ if your primary need is a phone for very basic tasks – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize the slightly faster 18W charging. Buy the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) if you want a smoother, more responsive experience for multitasking, gaming, and future-proofing with a more efficient 5G chipset, and value the integrated stylus for note-taking and creative tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While not a dedicated gaming phone, the Snapdragon 695 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. The 6nm process helps mitigate throttling, allowing for sustained performance during gaming sessions. However, don't expect to max out the graphics settings.
❓ Is the stylus on the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) actually useful for everyday tasks?
The stylus is surprisingly versatile. It's excellent for quick note-taking, sketching, and navigating the UI with precision. It also allows for screen-off memo functionality, making it convenient for jotting down ideas on the go. Its usefulness depends on your personal workflow, but it adds a unique dimension to the phone.
❓ Does the TCL 30+ support 5G in all regions?
5G support varies by region and carrier. The TCL 30+ utilizes the MediaTek Helio G37, which *can* support 5G, but compatibility depends on the specific model and the 5G bands supported by your carrier. Check with your carrier to confirm compatibility before purchasing.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the TCL 30+ with the 18W charger?
While 18W charging is faster than the Moto G Stylus 5G's 10W, a full charge from 0% will likely take around 2-2.5 hours, depending on usage during charging. The battery capacity is a significant factor, and without that information, it's difficult to provide a precise estimate.