TCL 408 vs TCL 30 SE: A Detailed Budget Phone Showdown

Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The TCL 408 and TCL 30 SE are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The TCL 30 SE edges out the TCL 408 thanks to its faster 15W charging. Both phones share the same processor, but the 30 SE's slightly better charging speed and potentially improved software support make it the more compelling choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	TCL 408	TCL 30 SE

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - T507A, T507U, T507U1, T507U2, T507J	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APAC
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T507U, T507U1, T507U2	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 - T507D1	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, March 31	Available. Released 2022, April 20

Body
Build	-	Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions	164.7 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.35 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	190 g (6.70 oz)	190 g (6.70 oz)

Display
Resolution	720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density)	720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size	6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio)	6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)	IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)	Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)
Chipset	Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)	Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)
GPU	PowerVR GE8320	PowerVR GE8320
OS	Android 12	Android 12, TCL UI 4.0

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
	eMMC 5.1	eMMC 5.1

Main Camera
Dual	50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens	-
Features	LED flash	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm	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	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	-	HDR
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm	8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1, A2DP, LE	5.0, A2DP, LE
NFC	Yes (T507U only)	Yes (6165H/6165H1 only)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
Radio	FM radio	Unspecified
USB	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG	USB Type-C 2.0
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
	Virtual proximity sensing	-

Battery
Charging	10W wired	15W wired
Type	Li-Po 5000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Gravity Grey, Midnight Blue	Atlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue
Models	T507D1, T507A, T507U, T507U1, T507U2, T507J	6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S
Price	About 130 EUR	-

TCL 408

Very affordable
Large display
Decent battery life

Slow 10W charging
Basic performance
Potentially outdated software

TCL 30 SE

Faster 15W charging
Potentially better camera
Slightly more polished software

Still basic performance
HD+ display
May be slightly more expensive

Display Comparison

Both phones likely feature similar 6.6-inch HD+ displays. Expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction for everyday use, but don't expect flagship-level quality. The TCL 30 SE might have slightly better brightness or color calibration, but this is often difficult to confirm without direct testing.

Camera Comparison

The TCL 30 SE generally has a slightly better camera setup, often including a higher resolution main sensor and potentially improved image processing. Expect decent photos in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be limited on both devices. The 408 might have a slightly different camera configuration, but overall, the 30 SE is expected to perform better.

Performance

Sharing the same Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, performance will be virtually identical. Expect smooth navigation and basic app usage, but demanding games and multitasking will likely result in noticeable slowdowns. Neither phone is a powerhouse.

Battery Life

Both phones likely feature a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life under moderate usage. However, the TCL 30 SE's 15W charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the TCL 408's 10W charging.

Buying Guide

The TCL 408 is a good option for users prioritizing a very low price point and basic functionality. The TCL 30 SE is ideal for those who want a slightly faster charging experience and potentially a more polished software experience, without spending much more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the TCL 408 worth buying?

The TCL 408 is a decent option if you're on a very tight budget and only need basic smartphone functionality. However, the TCL 30 SE offers better value for a slightly higher price.

❓ What is the difference between the TCL 408 and TCL 30 SE?

The main differences are the charging speed (15W vs 10W) and potentially the camera quality and software experience. Both share the same processor and display.