TCL has become a significant player in the budget smartphone market, offering compelling features at aggressive price points. The TCL 403 and TCL 30 SE represent two of their offerings, both targeting cost-conscious consumers. However, a key difference lies under the hood: the TCL 30 SE boasts a more powerful octa-core processor, while the 403 utilizes a quad-core chip. This comparison will dissect these differences and determine which device provides the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the TCL 30 SE is the better choice. Its Helio G25 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, provides a noticeable performance boost over the 403’s Helio A22, especially in multitasking and light gaming. While the 403 is more recent, the performance gains of the 30 SE justify the potential price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - T431D | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APAC |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - T431D | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T431Q | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 05 | 2022, February 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 04 | Available. Released 2022, April 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 78.2 x 9.6 mm (6.27 x 3.08 x 0.38 in) | 165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF
or
5 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm - T431Q only | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps or 720p@30fps (T431Q only) | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.8
or
2 MP, f/2.8 - T431Q only | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (6165H/6165H1 only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prime Black, Mauve Mist | Atlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue |
| Models | T431D, T431U, T431Q, T431P, T431A, T431E | 6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S |
| Price | About 80 EUR | - |
TCL 403
- More recent model
- Potentially lower price
- Slightly simpler software experience (potentially)
- Significantly weaker processor
- No fast charging support
- Less responsive user interface
TCL 30 SE
- More powerful octa-core processor
- Faster 15W charging
- Improved multitasking performance
- Older model
- Potentially higher price
- May receive fewer software updates
Display Comparison
Neither TCL provides detailed display specifications beyond resolution. However, given their price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO is expected. The real-world difference in display quality will likely be minimal, focusing on color accuracy and viewing angles, which are difficult to assess without direct comparison. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the budget nature of both devices.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable. However, given the market segment, both phones likely feature basic camera setups. Focusing on the chipset, the Helio G25 in the 30 SE includes an integrated image signal processor (ISP) that is more advanced than the one found in the Helio A22. This translates to potentially better image processing, improved dynamic range, and faster image capture speeds on the 30 SE. The absence of OIS on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The TCL 30 SE’s Mediatek Helio G25 is an octa-core processor (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) built on a 12nm process. This configuration allows for more efficient multitasking and better handling of demanding applications compared to the TCL 403’s Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22, which features a quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 setup. The G25’s additional cores provide a significant advantage in parallel processing, resulting in smoother app switching and faster loading times. While both are 12nm, the architectural advantage of the G25 is substantial. The 30 SE also benefits from a more capable GPU, making it the better choice for casual gaming.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the TCL 30 SE includes 15W wired charging, a feature absent in the 403’s specifications. This faster charging capability provides a tangible benefit, allowing users to quickly top up their battery when needed. While a larger battery capacity is always preferable, the 30 SE’s 15W charging partially mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery, offering a more convenient charging experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 403 if you prioritize a newer device and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s suitable for users who rarely run demanding applications. Buy the TCL 30 SE if you value smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, and a more responsive user experience. This phone is ideal for users who want a bit more power without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the TCL 30 SE handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The TCL 30 SE’s Helio G25 chipset can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but likely at lower graphics settings and frame rates. Expect playable performance at medium settings, but don't anticipate a high-end gaming experience. The Helio A22 in the 403 would struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio A22 and Helio G25 noticeable in everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. While both chips can handle basic tasks, the Helio G25’s octa-core configuration provides a smoother and more responsive experience when multitasking, opening apps, and browsing the web. The 403 may exhibit lag or slowdowns when running multiple apps simultaneously.
❓ Does the TCL 30 SE support software updates for security patches?
TCL’s software update policy for the 30 SE is limited. While it likely received initial Android updates, long-term security patch support is not guaranteed. Given its age, expect limited future updates. The 403, being newer, *might* have slightly better long-term support, but neither phone is a strong contender for extended software maintenance.
