The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The TCL 30+ and Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G both aim to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The TCL 30+ focuses on providing a functional experience at the lowest possible price, while the Poco X4 Pro 5G prioritizes 5G connectivity and faster charging, making this a battle of priorities.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, offers superior performance and future-proofing compared to the TCL 30+'s Helio G37. The significantly faster 67W charging is a game-changer, offsetting the similar battery endurance ratings.
| 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 - Global |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Global |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 27 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 20 | Available. Released 2022, March 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.2 x 7.7 mm (6.48 x 2.96 x 0.30 in) | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 700 nits, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-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) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 | Android 11, MIUI 13 for POCO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF - Global version
64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF - India version
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (T676K only) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 70% in 22 min, 100% in 41 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5010 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Tech Black, Muse Blue | Laser Black, Laser Blue, Poco Yellow |
| Models | T676K, T676J | 2201116PG |
| Price | About 220 EUR | € 160.40 / $ 419.99 / £ 255.00 / ₹ 12,940 |
| SAR | - | 1.06 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 119h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.8 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 335353 (v8), 384646 (v9)
GeekBench: 2063 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
TCL 30+
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional and reliable for basic tasks
- Acceptable battery endurance
- Outdated Helio G37 chipset
- Slow 18W charging
- Limited performance for demanding apps
Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G
- Faster Snapdragon 695 5G chipset
- Ultra-fast 67W charging
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- May be slightly more expensive
- Similar battery endurance to TCL 30+
- Software experience can be cluttered (typical Xiaomi)
Display Comparison
Both devices share an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting typical IPS LCD characteristics. However, detailed display specs like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are missing. Given TCL's history with display technology, the 30+ *may* offer slightly better color accuracy, but the Poco X4 Pro 5G’s larger screen size (typically found in this model range) could provide a more immersive viewing experience. Without specific nit ratings, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. The absence of sensor size or aperture information makes a direct comparison impossible. However, Xiaomi generally focuses on camera performance in its Poco line, suggesting the X4 Pro 5G likely has a more capable main sensor. The TCL 30+ likely relies on software processing to enhance image quality, but will likely fall short of the Poco X4 Pro 5G in low-light conditions. We can assume both will include a standard set of camera modes, but the Poco X4 Pro 5G is likely to offer more features.
Performance
The Poco X4 Pro 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) represents a significant architectural advantage over the TCL 30+'s MediaTek Helio G37 (12nm). The 6nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and potentially sustained performance during demanding tasks. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Snapdragon 695 utilizes Kryo 660 Gold and Silver cores, a more modern design than the Cortex-A53 cores in the Helio G37. This means the Poco X4 Pro 5G will handle multitasking and gaming more smoothly. The TCL 30+ will be adequate for basic use, but will struggle with more intensive applications.
Battery Life
Both devices boast an endurance rating of 119 hours, indicating similar real-world battery life under typical usage. However, the charging capabilities are drastically different. The TCL 30+ is limited to 18W wired charging, while the Poco X4 Pro 5G supports a blazing-fast 67W wired charging with PD3.0 and QC3 compatibility. This translates to a 70% charge in just 22 minutes and a full charge in 41 minutes – a massive convenience advantage for the Poco X4 Pro 5G. While both may last a similar amount of time on a single charge, the Poco X4 Pro 5G minimizes downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 30+ if you need a basic, reliable smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G if you prioritize 5G connectivity, faster charging speeds, and a more responsive user experience, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the 67W charging on the Poco X4 Pro 5G safe for the battery's long-term health?
While fast charging generates more heat, the Poco X4 Pro 5G incorporates charging algorithms and hardware protection to mitigate potential battery degradation. Modern lithium-ion batteries are designed to handle fast charging, and the benefits of reduced downtime generally outweigh the minor long-term impact on battery health. Xiaomi also includes features like optimized charging to further protect the battery.
❓ Will the Snapdragon 695 in the Poco X4 Pro 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 695 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it offers a playable experience. The TCL 30+'s Helio G37 will struggle with PUBG Mobile even on the lowest settings.
❓ Does the TCL 30+ support VoLTE and VoWiFi for improved call quality?
Support for VoLTE and VoWiFi varies by carrier and region. You'll need to check with your mobile provider to confirm compatibility with the TCL 30+. The Poco X4 Pro 5G generally has wider carrier support due to its more modern chipset.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the TCL 30+ and the Poco X4 Pro 5G?
The TCL 30+ typically runs a near-stock Android experience with minimal bloatware. The Poco X4 Pro 5G runs Xiaomi's MIUI, which is heavily customized and includes a lot of pre-installed apps and features. MIUI can be feature-rich, but some users find it cluttered or intrusive.
