TCL has become a significant player in the budget smartphone market, offering compelling features at aggressive price points. The TCL 501 and TCL A30 represent two of their most affordable options, but they aren't identical. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which device delivers the best value for users prioritizing performance and everyday usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the TCL 501 emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G36 chipset, with its higher clock speeds and more modern architecture, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the A30’s Helio P22, making it more responsive for daily tasks and light gaming.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, February 26 | 2021, October 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, April | Available. Released 2021, October 05 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 156.5 x 74.9 x 9.7 mm (6.16 x 2.95 x 0.38 in) | 145.8 x 71.1 x 9.9 mm (5.74 x 2.80 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 171 g (6.03 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Asahi Glass |
| Resolution | 540 x 1092 pixels (~203 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.3 cm2 (~78.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~75.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition) | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.8 | 5 MP, 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 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 | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 3000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Glacial Blue | Black |
| Models | T433D | 5102, 5102L |
| Price | - | About 90 EUR |
TCL 501
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- More responsive user experience
- Slightly better power efficiency
- 10W charging is slow
- Likely basic camera performance
TCL A30
- Very affordable price point
- Suitable for basic smartphone tasks
- Potentially longer battery life due to lower performance demands
- Slower processor leads to noticeable lag
- Less responsive user interface
Display Comparison
Both the TCL 501 and TCL A30 likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price segment. Specific details like resolution and brightness are not provided, but the focus here is on internal processing power. Display quality will likely be similar, with neither phone expected to offer exceptional color accuracy or viewing angles. Bezels are also likely to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The absence of information regarding sensor size or aperture suggests neither phone will excel in low-light conditions. Image processing will likely be similar, focusing on basic enhancements rather than advanced computational photography features. Any differences in image quality will likely be minimal and attributable to software tuning rather than hardware capabilities.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The TCL 501’s Mediatek Helio G36 (12nm) features an octa-core configuration split into 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This contrasts with the TCL A30’s Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12nm) which utilizes a uniform octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 setup. While both are 12nm chips, the G36’s higher clock speeds on its performance cores translate to faster processing for demanding tasks. The G36’s architecture, while still Cortex-A53, benefits from later optimizations, offering a slight edge in efficiency. This means the 501 will likely feel more responsive when launching apps or browsing the web. The A30, while capable for basic tasks, will exhibit more noticeable lag under heavier loads.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Helio G36 in the TCL 501 is slightly more power-efficient. This, combined with the potential for optimized software, could result in comparable or even slightly better real-world battery life on the 501 despite potentially having a similar capacity battery to the A30. Expect approximately 2.5-3.5 hours to fully charge both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 501 if you need a phone that feels snappier in everyday use, handles multitasking more efficiently, and offers a slightly better gaming experience. It’s ideal for users who frequently switch between apps or enjoy casual mobile games. Buy the TCL A30 if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize maximizing battery life over raw performance. It’s a solid option for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the TCL 501 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
While the Helio G36 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it can handle PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at lower graphics settings. Expect frame rate dips during intense action, but it's playable for casual gaming. The TCL A30’s Helio P22 will struggle more with these titles, requiring even lower settings and potentially resulting in a less enjoyable experience.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio G36 and Helio P22 noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The TCL 501 with the Helio G36 will feel snappier when opening apps, switching between them, and scrolling through web pages. The TCL A30 with the Helio P22 will exhibit more lag and may feel sluggish during these common tasks.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge both phones from 0%?
Given the 10W charging on both devices, expect a full charge to take approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The actual time will depend on usage during charging and the charger used.
