TCL has become a significant player in the budget smartphone space, offering compelling features at aggressive price points. The TCL 50 NxtPaper and TCL 30 V 5G represent two distinct approaches: the NxtPaper prioritizes a unique display experience and endurance, while the 30 V 5G focuses on bringing 5G connectivity to a wider audience. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device delivers the best overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing long battery life and a more modern chipset, the TCL 50 NxtPaper emerges as the stronger contender. Its Dimensity 6300 offers a performance edge and superior efficiency, while the 30 V 5G’s Snapdragon 480 feels dated in comparison, despite its 5G capabilities.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42 | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 46, 48, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 2, 5, 48, 66, 77, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 04 | 2022, January 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September | Available. Released 2022, January 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 167.6 x 75.5 x 8 mm (6.60 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) | 165.9 x 76 x 9.1 mm (6.53 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 200.4 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 7 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades | Android 11, TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.0, 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), gyro, accelerometer, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass, gyro, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5010 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Moon Gray, Midnight Blue, Pale Gold, Rosy Purple | Midnight Gray |
| Models | T702D | - |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 270 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 45:11h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class B | - |
| Free fall | Class B (180 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
TCL 50 NxtPaper
- Superior performance with the Dimensity 6300 chipset
- Exceptional battery life (45:11h endurance)
- Faster 33W wired charging
- Unique NxtPaper display for comfortable reading
- May lack 5G connectivity (unconfirmed)
- Display brightness may be lower than competitors
TCL 30 V 5G
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Lower price point (potentially)
- Familiar LCD display technology
- Widely available
- Older Snapdragon 480 chipset with limited performance
- Slower 18W wired charging
- Potentially shorter battery life
- May experience performance throttling under load
Display Comparison
While specific display details beyond the 'NxtPaper' branding are absent for the TCL 50, the core benefit is a matte, paper-like texture designed to reduce eye strain. The TCL 30 V 5G likely features a standard LCD panel. The NxtPaper’s focus on readability suggests a lower peak brightness, but a more comfortable viewing experience in direct sunlight. The absence of high refresh rates on either device indicates a focus on power efficiency rather than fluid animations. The NxtPaper’s unique texture is the key differentiator, appealing to users who spend significant time reading.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price points, both devices likely feature modest camera setups. The TCL 30 V 5G’s 5G focus may have resulted in compromises in camera quality. The TCL 50 NxtPaper, with its more modern chipset, potentially benefits from improved image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, leading to better image quality, even with similar sensor hardware. It's reasonable to assume both phones will include a primary camera and depth/macro sensors, but image quality will likely be the deciding factor, and the Dimensity 6300's ISP gives the NxtPaper an edge.
Performance
The TCL 50 NxtPaper’s Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6nm) significantly outperforms the TCL 30 V 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) in both CPU and GPU performance. The Dimensity 6300’s Cortex-A76 cores, clocked at 2.4 GHz, provide a substantial boost over the Snapdragon 480’s 2.0 GHz Kryo 460 cores. The 6nm process node of the Dimensity 6300 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, meaning less performance throttling during sustained tasks. While the 30 V 5G offers 5G connectivity, the Dimensity 6300’s superior architecture translates to a smoother, more responsive experience for gaming and multitasking.
Battery Life
The TCL 50 NxtPaper boasts an impressive 45:11h endurance rating, indicating exceptional battery life. Coupled with its 33W wired charging, it offers a compelling combination of longevity and relatively fast replenishment. The TCL 30 V 5G, with its 18W charging, will take considerably longer to fully charge. While the exact battery capacity of the 30 V 5G is unknown, the slower charging speed suggests a smaller battery. The Dimensity 6300’s superior power efficiency further contributes to the NxtPaper’s longer runtime, making it ideal for users who prioritize all-day battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 50 NxtPaper if you need exceptional battery life, a more responsive user experience thanks to the Dimensity 6300, and appreciate a unique, paper-like display for comfortable reading. Buy the TCL 30 V 5G if 5G connectivity is absolutely essential and you're on a very tight budget, accepting compromises in processing power and overall efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 480 in the TCL 30 V 5G struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 480 is a budget-oriented chipset and will likely exhibit noticeable frame drops and stuttering in graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile, even on medium settings. The TCL 50 NxtPaper’s Dimensity 6300 offers a significantly smoother gaming experience.
❓ How does the NxtPaper display affect video playback on the TCL 50 NxtPaper?
The matte texture of the NxtPaper display can slightly reduce contrast and color vibrancy when watching videos. However, it also minimizes glare and eye strain, making it a more comfortable experience for extended viewing sessions. It's a trade-off between visual pop and long-term comfort.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the TCL 30 V 5G slow compared to other phones?
Yes, 18W charging is relatively slow by today's standards. Expect a full charge to take well over two hours. The TCL 50 NxtPaper’s 33W charging will significantly reduce charging times, offering a more convenient experience.
❓ Does the TCL 50 NxtPaper support widevine L1 for HD streaming?
While not explicitly stated, TCL phones in this price range typically support Widevine L1, allowing for HD streaming on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. However, it's best to verify this information with TCL directly or through user reports.
