The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the TCL 30+ and Realme 9 Pro+ represent compelling options for budget-conscious buyers. While both aim to deliver a solid smartphone experience, they take drastically different approaches to achieving it. The TCL 30+ focuses on affordability, while the Realme 9 Pro+ prioritizes performance and faster charging. This comparison will dissect their key specifications to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 9 Pro+ is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 920 chipset delivers significantly faster performance than the TCL 30+'s Helio G37, and the 60W charging dramatically reduces downtime. While the TCL 30+ offers a lower entry price, the Realme 9 Pro+'s advantages justify the cost for those prioritizing speed and convenience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APAC | HSDPA 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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE-A, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 27 | 2022, February 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 20 | Available. Released 2022, February 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.2 x 7.7 mm (6.48 x 2.96 x 0.30 in) | 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes (T676K only) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| 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/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 60W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 44 min (advertised) |
| Type | Li-Po 5010 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Tech Black, Muse Blue | Midnight Black, Aurora Green, Sunrise Blue, Free Fire Limited Edition |
| Models | T676K, T676J | RMX3392, RMX3393 |
| Price | About 220 EUR | € 289.90 / $ 390.00 / ₹ 25,999 |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.73 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 117h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.3 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 495096 (v8), 416031 (v9)
GeekBench: 2335 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 27fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
TCL 30+
- More affordable price point
- Acceptable battery life for basic use
- Functional for everyday tasks
- Significantly slower processor
- Slow 18W charging
- Likely lower quality display
Realme 9 Pro+
- Powerful Mediatek Dimensity 920 chipset
- Ultra-fast 60W charging
- Likely superior display quality
- Higher price tag
- Potential for more heat under heavy load (though 6nm helps)
- Camera details are limited in provided data
Display Comparison
The provided data lacks detailed display specifications for either device. However, given the Realme 9 Pro+'s positioning, it likely features a higher quality panel with a faster refresh rate than the TCL 30+. The 'Infinite' contrast ratio advertised for the Realme 9 Pro+ suggests an AMOLED display, offering superior blacks and vibrant colors compared to the likely LCD panel on the TCL 30+. Bezels and color accuracy are unknown, but Realme typically focuses on delivering visually appealing displays in this price segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the mention of 'Photo / Video' for the Realme 9 Pro+, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Realme 9 Pro+'s higher price point suggests a more sophisticated camera system. The larger sensor size, often found in phones with faster processors, would capture more light and detail. The TCL 30+ likely relies on software processing to compensate for a potentially smaller sensor. The absence of OIS information for either device suggests neither prioritizes advanced stabilization. It's reasonable to assume the Realme 9 Pro+ offers superior image quality, particularly in low-light conditions.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Realme 9 Pro+'s Mediatek Dimensity 920, built on a 6nm process, significantly outperforms the TCL 30+'s Mediatek Helio G37 (12nm). The Dimensity 920’s octa-core configuration, featuring two high-performance Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.5 GHz, provides a noticeable boost in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming. The Helio G37’s Cortex-A53 cores, while efficient, are older and less capable. This translates to smoother app launches, faster multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the Realme 9 Pro+. The 6nm node also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended gaming sessions.
Battery Life
The Realme 9 Pro+’s 60W wired charging is a game-changer. Advertised to reach 100% in just 44 minutes, it significantly reduces charging downtime compared to the TCL 30+'s 18W charging. While the TCL 30+ may have a slightly larger battery capacity (data not provided), the Realme 9 Pro+'s faster charging effectively mitigates any potential difference in endurance. The Realme 9 Pro+ also boasts an endurance rating of 117 hours, indicating excellent battery optimization alongside its charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 30+ if you need a functional, everyday smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and your budget is extremely limited. You'll appreciate its affordability and acceptable battery life. Buy the Realme 9 Pro+ if you prioritize smooth multitasking, gaming, and quick charging. The more powerful processor and faster charging capabilities make it ideal for users who demand more from their smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Dimensity 920 in the Realme 9 Pro+ powerful enough for demanding games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Dimensity 920 is a capable chipset for gaming. While it won't deliver the absolute highest frame rates at maximum settings, it can comfortably run Genshin Impact and other popular titles at medium to high settings with stable performance. The 6nm process also helps manage heat, reducing throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How does the 60W charging on the Realme 9 Pro+ compare to standard fast charging?
60W charging is significantly faster than typical fast charging solutions. It can replenish the battery from 0% to 100% in approximately 44 minutes, as advertised. This is a substantial improvement over the TCL 30+'s 18W charging, which would take considerably longer to achieve a full charge.
❓ Does the TCL 30+ have enough storage for apps, photos, and videos?
The TCL 30+'s storage capacity isn't specified in the provided data. However, given its budget-friendly nature, it likely comes with a base storage option of 64GB or 128GB. This may be sufficient for basic use, but users who plan to store a large number of photos, videos, or games may find it limiting. It's important to check the available storage options before purchasing.
