TCL has become a significant player in the budget smartphone space, offering compelling features at aggressive price points. The 60 SE and 30 SE represent two distinct approaches within that strategy. The 60 SE aims for a balance of performance and endurance, while the 30 SE focuses on affordability. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the TCL 60 SE is the superior choice. Its Helio G81 chipset, featuring more powerful Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeably smoother experience for multitasking and gaming. The 49:13h battery endurance also significantly outlasts the 30 SE, making it ideal for all-day use. While the 30 SE is cheaper, the performance trade-offs are substantial.
| 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 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APAC |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, March 03 | 2022, February 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, July | Available. Released 2022, April 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 76.2 x 8.3 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.33 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 |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 5 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 512GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.51", 0.7µm, PDAF | 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, (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 |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (6165H/6165H1 only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5200 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Obsidian Black, Blizzard White | Atlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue |
| Models | T517H | 6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S |
| Price | About 170 EUR | - |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 49:13h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class B | - |
| Free fall | Class B (180 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
TCL 60 SE
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- Exceptional 49:13h battery endurance
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Likely slightly higher price point
- May be slightly larger/heavier than the 30 SE
TCL 30 SE
- More affordable price
- Potentially more compact design
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks
- Acceptable for light usage
- Noticeably slower processor
- Shorter battery life
- Slower 15W charging
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Display Comparison
Both the TCL 60 SE and 30 SE utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar power efficiency constraints impacting display capabilities. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are not provided, the chipset difference hints at potential variations in display driver performance. The 60 SE’s more powerful processor could allow for smoother animations and faster response times when interacting with the display, even if the panel technology is identical.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the chipset difference indirectly impacts camera performance. The Helio G81 in the 60 SE includes a more capable image signal processor (ISP) than the Helio G25 in the 30 SE. This allows for faster image processing, better noise reduction, and improved dynamic range. While both phones likely feature similar sensor resolutions, the 60 SE will likely produce higher-quality photos and videos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The ISP's ability to handle computational photography tasks is crucial for modern smartphone cameras.
Performance
The core difference between these two devices lies in their chipsets. The TCL 60 SE’s Mediatek Helio G81 features a combination of 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, offering a significant performance advantage over the TCL 30 SE’s Helio G25. The G25 utilizes 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The A75 cores in the G81 are architecturally superior to the A53 cores in the G25, resulting in faster single-core and multi-core performance. This translates to quicker app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the 60 SE. The G81 is better equipped to handle demanding applications and games.
Battery Life
The TCL 60 SE boasts a remarkable 49:13h endurance, a testament to its optimized power management and efficient chipset. In contrast, the TCL 30 SE’s endurance is not specified, but given its less powerful processor and smaller battery (assumed, based on market positioning), it will likely fall significantly short. The 60 SE’s 18W wired charging is also faster than the 30 SE’s 15W charging, meaning less time tethered to an outlet. The 60 SE’s 1000 charge cycles suggest a focus on long-term battery health, indicating a higher-quality battery cell.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 60 SE if you prioritize a responsive user experience, enjoy mobile gaming, or need a phone that can reliably last through a full day of heavy use. Its more powerful processor and longer battery life justify the slight price premium. Buy the TCL 30 SE if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you are on an extremely tight budget. Be prepared for slower app loading times and limited multitasking capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the TCL 30 SE struggle with popular apps like TikTok or Instagram?
The TCL 30 SE’s Helio G25 chipset is designed for basic tasks. While it can run apps like TikTok and Instagram, you may experience noticeable lag, slow loading times, and occasional stuttering, especially when multitasking or using the apps for extended periods. The 60 SE will provide a much smoother experience.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the TCL 60 SE compared to the 30 SE in real-world use?
The 18W charging on the 60 SE will noticeably reduce charging times compared to the 30 SE’s 15W charging. While exact 0-100% times aren't available, expect the 60 SE to gain several percentage points of battery life per minute faster, potentially saving you 30-60 minutes on a full charge.
❓ Is the TCL 60 SE a good option for casual mobile gamers?
Yes, the TCL 60 SE is a solid choice for casual mobile gamers. The Helio G81 chipset provides enough power to run most popular games at medium settings without significant frame drops. The longer battery life also allows for extended gaming sessions.
