The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G and TCL 30+ represent two distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The A53 aims for a well-rounded experience with a focus on display quality and 5G connectivity, while the TCL 30+ prioritizes affordability. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G offers a more compelling package. Its significantly more powerful Exynos 1280 chipset and brighter display justify the price difference, providing a smoother and more enjoyable user experience. However, the TCL 30+ remains a viable option for budget-conscious buyers.
| 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 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66 - SM-A536U |
| 5G bands | - | 2, 5, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-A536U |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 2, 5, 48, 66, 77, 78, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-A536V |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 27 | 2022, March 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 20 | Available. Released 2022, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.2 x 7.7 mm (6.48 x 2.96 x 0.30 in) | 159.6 x 74.8 x 8.1 mm (6.28 x 2.94 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| | - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 | Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7X", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@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 | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (T676K only) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer (market/region dependent) |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5010 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Tech Black, Muse Blue | Black, White, Blue, Peach |
| Models | T676K, T676J | SM-A536B, SM-A536B/DS, SM-A536U, SM-A536U1, SM-A5360, SM-A536E, SM-A536E/DS, SM-A536V, SM-A536W, SM-A536N, SM-S536DL |
| Price | About 220 EUR | $ 151.42 / £ 185.00 / € 169.14 |
| SAR | - | 0.75 W/kg (head) 1.58 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.89 W/kg (head) 1.60 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 113h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.5 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 329802 (v8), 379313 (v9)
GeekBench: 1891 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
TCL 30+
- More powerful Exynos 1280 chipset for smoother performance
- Brighter and higher-quality display for better viewing experience
- Faster 25W charging for quicker top-ups
- Higher price point compared to the TCL 30+
- Potential for software bloat (typical of Samsung)
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
- More affordable price point
- Decent battery life (113h endurance)
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Significantly weaker Helio G37 chipset
- Lower display brightness and quality
- Slower 18W charging
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak brightness of 830 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the TCL 30+. This difference is crucial for outdoor visibility. While TCL doesn't specify the panel technology, Samsung's 'Infinite' contrast ratio suggests a Super AMOLED panel, offering superior color reproduction and deeper blacks. The A53’s larger display size (typically 6.5 inches vs. the 30+'s 6.52 inches) isn’t a major difference, but the superior panel tech is.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but details are limited. The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G likely benefits from Samsung’s established image processing algorithms and potentially a larger main sensor (typical for the A-series). The TCL 30+’s camera system is likely more basic, and while it may suffice for casual photography, it won’t match the A53’s image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the TCL 30+ is unlikely to provide significant value, as image quality from such sensors is typically poor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is powered by the Exynos 1280 (5nm), featuring a more modern CPU architecture with 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This contrasts with the TCL 30+'s MediaTek Helio G37 (12nm) which utilizes older Cortex-A53 cores in an octa-core configuration. The 5nm fabrication process of the Exynos 1280 translates to better power efficiency and sustained performance, reducing thermal throttling during demanding tasks. The A53 will demonstrably outperform the 30+ in gaming and resource-intensive applications.
Battery Life
Both phones have an endurance rating of 113 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite the TCL 30+ lacking specific mAh information. However, the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G supports 25W wired charging, while the TCL 30+ is limited to 18W. This means the A53 will recharge significantly faster, reducing downtime. While battery capacity is important, faster charging can be a crucial convenience factor.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 30+ if you need a functional, affordable smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and prioritize minimizing upfront cost. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G if you value a smoother, more responsive experience for gaming and multitasking, a brighter and more vibrant display for media consumption, and the benefits of 5G connectivity, and are willing to pay a premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1280 in the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 1280 isn't known for extreme overheating, it can get warm during extended gaming. Samsung's software and thermal management system generally prevent significant throttling, but performance may dip slightly after an hour of intensive gameplay. The 5nm process helps mitigate heat compared to the TCL 30+'s 12nm Helio G37.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the TCL 30+ actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget smartphones offer limited utility. The small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization result in images that are often soft, noisy, and lack detail. It's best to rely on the main camera for most photography needs.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G reliably maintain 60fps in popular games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Exynos 1280 in the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is capable of running PUBG Mobile at 60fps with medium to high graphics settings. However, achieving consistently smooth frame rates may require adjusting the graphics settings based on the specific game and your preferences.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G from 0% to 100% using the 25W charger?
With the 25W charger, the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to fully charge from 0% to 100%. Using a slower charger will significantly increase the charging time.
