OnePlus Nord N30 SE vs TCL 40 SE: Which Budget Phone Delivers More?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord N30 SE emerges as the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6020 chipset, built on a more efficient 7nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the TCL 40 SE’s Helio G37. The significantly faster 33W charging further sweetens the deal, making it the more practical option for daily use.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL 40 SE | OnePlus Nord N30 SE |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - T610K | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T610K | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 38, 40, 66 - T610E, T610P | - | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 05 | 2024, January 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 04 | Available. Released 2024, January 31 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 167.9 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm (6.61 x 3.01 x 0.33 in) | 165.6 x 76 x 8 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, TCL UI 5.0 | Android 13, OxygenOS 13.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | - | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (T610K, T610K2, T610P, T610P2) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, 51% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5010 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Dark grey, Twilight purple | Black Satin, Cyan |
| Models | T610K | CPH2605 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 510 EUR |
TCL 40 SE
- Lower upfront cost
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Outdated chipset limits performance
- Slow 18W charging
- Less efficient processor
OnePlus Nord N30 SE
- More powerful and efficient Dimensity 6020 chipset
- Significantly faster 33W charging
- Improved image processing capabilities
- Slightly higher price point
- May still lack features found in higher-end phones
- Software updates may be less frequent than flagship OnePlus devices
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor OnePlus provide display specifications beyond the basic resolution. However, the core difference lies beneath the surface. While both likely utilize LCD panels given the price point, the chipset’s graphics capabilities will influence perceived smoothness. The TCL 40 SE’s Helio G37 will struggle to drive a high refresh rate display effectively, whereas the Dimensity 6020 in the N30 SE has more headroom. Expect similar color accuracy and brightness levels, but the N30 SE has the potential for a more responsive visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset’s image signal processor (ISP) plays a crucial role. The Dimensity 6020’s ISP is more advanced than the Helio G37’s, enabling better noise reduction, dynamic range, and image processing. While both phones likely feature a primary camera and depth sensor, the N30 SE will likely produce more detailed and visually appealing photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely inconsequential.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The OnePlus Nord N30 SE’s Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7nm) boasts a more modern architecture – utilizing two Cortex-A76 cores alongside six A55 cores – compared to the TCL 40 SE’s Helio G37 (12nm) which relies on four older Cortex-A53 cores and another four A53 cores. This translates to a substantial advantage in multi-core performance and responsiveness for the N30 SE. The 7nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially leading to longer battery life under load. The G37 is adequate for basic tasks, but will show its limitations with demanding apps or multitasking.
Battery Life
The TCL 40 SE features 18W wired charging, while the OnePlus Nord N30 SE steps up to 33W. This difference is substantial. OnePlus claims a 51% charge in 30 minutes, which is a significant convenience boost. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the more efficient Dimensity 6020 in the N30 SE will likely offset any capacity difference, providing comparable or even better real-world battery life. The faster charging speed of the N30 SE is a key advantage for users who need to quickly top up their phone.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 40 SE if your primary need is a basic, reliable smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and you prioritize minimizing upfront cost. Buy the OnePlus Nord N30 SE if you value smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and quicker charging – even if it means spending a little more. The N30 SE is better suited for users who occasionally game or use demanding applications.