TCL 60 vs OnePlus Nord N30 SE: A Deep Dive into Battery, Performance, and Value

The TCL 60 and OnePlus Nord N30 SE represent compelling options in the crowded sub-$250 smartphone market. While both leverage Mediatek Dimensity chipsets, they diverge significantly in their approach to battery endurance and charging speed, creating a clear trade-off for potential buyers. This comparison dissects these differences to help you choose the right device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing all-day battery life and long-term reliability, the TCL 60 emerges as the winner. Its exceptional 52:47h endurance and 1000 battery cycles outweigh the OnePlus Nord N30 SE’s faster 33W charging, making it ideal for heavy users and those seeking longevity.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL 60 OnePlus Nord N30 SE
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, March 032024, January 29
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, MayAvailable. Released 2024, January 31
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions165.6 x 76.2 x 8.2 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.32 in)165.6 x 76 x 8 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight190 g (6.70 oz)193 g (6.81 oz)
Display
ProtectionMohs level 5-
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, 480 nits (typ)IPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 15Android 13, OxygenOS 13.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal256GB 6GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.5", 0.7µm, PDAF 5 MP, (ultrawide)50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired33W wired, 51% in 30 min
Type5200 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsSpace Gray, Midnight BlueBlack Satin, Cyan
ModelsT521HCPH2605
PriceAbout 170 EURAbout 510 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery52:47h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass B-
Free fallClass B (180 falls)-
RepairabilityClass B-

TCL 60

  • Exceptional battery life (52:47h endurance)
  • Long battery lifespan (1000 cycles)
  • Slightly faster CPU clock speed

  • Slower charging speed (18W)
  • Display specifications unknown

OnePlus Nord N30 SE

  • Faster charging (33W, 51% in 30min)
  • More power-efficient 7nm chipset
  • Potentially more responsive due to process node

  • Shorter battery life compared to TCL 60
  • Battery cycle life not specified

Display Comparison

Display specifications are not provided in the context data. However, given the price point, both devices likely utilize LCD panels with 60Hz refresh rates. The TCL 60, being a newer release, *may* benefit from slightly improved color calibration or brightness, but this is speculative. Bezels are expected to be comparable, typical of this segment.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are limited. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the context data doesn't reveal sensor sizes or optical image stabilization (OIS). The absence of information suggests neither phone will excel in low-light photography. Focusing on the chipset's image signal processor (ISP) capabilities, the Dimensity 6300 *may* offer slightly improved image processing, but the difference is likely minimal. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors present on either device should be considered supplementary features with limited practical value.

Performance

Both the TCL 60 and OnePlus Nord N30 SE are powered by Mediatek Dimensity chipsets featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 2x Cortex-A76 and 6x Cortex-A55 cores. The TCL 60’s Dimensity 6300 (6nm) has a slightly higher peak clock speed (2.4 GHz vs 2.2 GHz) on its prime cores, suggesting a marginal performance advantage in CPU-intensive tasks. However, the OnePlus Nord N30 SE utilizes a 7nm process, which generally translates to improved power efficiency. This difference in manufacturing process could offset the clock speed advantage, leading to similar real-world performance. The impact of RAM speed (LPDDR4X vs LPDDR5) is not specified, but faster RAM would benefit multitasking.

Battery Life

The TCL 60’s standout feature is its exceptional battery endurance, rated at 52:47 hours. This is significantly longer than what’s typically found in this price range. Crucially, TCL also claims 1000 battery cycles, indicating a longer lifespan before significant capacity degradation. The OnePlus Nord N30 SE compensates with 33W wired charging, capable of delivering 51% charge in 30 minutes. While faster than the TCL 60’s 18W charging, the Nord N30 SE’s smaller battery capacity (not specified, but likely around 5000mAh) means it needs this faster charging to compensate for quicker depletion. The TCL 60 prioritizes longevity and minimizing charging frequency, while the Nord N30 SE focuses on rapid top-ups.

Buying Guide

Buy the TCL 60 if you need a phone that can reliably last through a full day – and beyond – on a single charge, and if you value a longer lifespan for your battery. Buy the OnePlus Nord N30 SE if you prioritize quick top-ups and frequently find yourself needing to recharge throughout the day, even if it means sacrificing some overall battery endurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 in the TCL 60 get noticeably hotter than the Dimensity 6020 during extended gaming sessions?
While both chipsets are efficient, the 6nm process of the Dimensity 6300 *could* lead to slightly lower temperatures under sustained load compared to the 7nm Dimensity 6020. However, thermal performance is also heavily influenced by the phone's cooling system, which is not specified in the provided data. Expect both phones to exhibit some throttling during prolonged gaming.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the OnePlus Nord N30 SE compared to the 18W charging on the TCL 60 in a real-world scenario?
The OnePlus Nord N30 SE’s 33W charging can deliver a 51% charge in 30 minutes. The TCL 60’s 18W charging will take considerably longer to reach the same charge level – likely around 60-90 minutes. This makes the Nord N30 SE ideal for users who need a quick power boost, while the TCL 60 requires a longer charging period.
❓ Will the TCL 60's battery hold a charge effectively after two years of use, given its 1000 cycle claim?
The 1000 battery cycle claim suggests the TCL 60 is designed for long-term battery health. While all batteries degrade over time, reaching 1000 cycles indicates the battery should retain a significant portion of its original capacity (typically 80% or more) after two years of typical use, offering a longer usable lifespan than many competitors.