Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely compromise on features? The Ulefone Note 12 and TCL 30 XL are both vying for your attention in the budget phone market. But which one delivers the best experience for your money?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 30 XL edges out the Ulefone Note 12 thanks to its faster processor, significantly better charging speed, and generally more polished software experience. While the Note 12 is a decent option, the TCL offers a more compelling overall package for the price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20, 26, 66 | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July | 2022, June 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July | Available. Released 2022, June 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 173.6 x 79.1 x 10.2 mm (6.83 x 3.11 x 0.40 in) | 172.2 x 77 x 9.1 mm (6.78 x 3.03 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 237 g (8.36 oz) | 204.4 g (7.20 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~80.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T310 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762V Helio A25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, TCL UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 50 MP, f/1.9, 29mm (wide), PDAF
5 MP, 17mm, 115˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7700 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red, Blue | Dark Blue |
| Models | - | T671G |
| Price | - | About 150 EUR |
Ulefone Note 12
- Very affordable
- Large display
- Decent battery life (with conservative usage)
- Slow processor
- Slow charging
- Basic camera
- Potentially buggy software
TCL 30 XL
- Faster processor
- Fast charging (18W)
- Larger battery capacity
- Potentially better display quality
- More polished software
- Still an entry-level phone
- Camera performance is average
- Design might be a bit bland
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, likely around 6.5-6.7 inches, with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles but don't anticipate vibrant colors or high brightness. The TCL 30 XL might have slightly better color accuracy due to TCL's display expertise, but the difference will be minimal.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, both featuring a primary sensor around 13MP-48MP. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. The TCL 30 XL's software might offer slightly better image processing, resulting in more natural-looking photos. Low-light performance will be mediocre on both.
Performance
Here's where the TCL 30 XL pulls ahead. The MediaTek Helio A25, while still entry-level, is generally more powerful than the Unisoc Tiger T310. Expect smoother multitasking and slightly faster app loading times on the TCL. The Ulefone Note 12 might feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
The TCL 30 XL boasts a larger battery capacity (likely 5000mAh or higher) and 18W fast charging, a significant advantage over the Ulefone Note 12's 10W charging. Expect noticeably longer battery life and quicker top-ups with the TCL.
Buying Guide
The Ulefone Note 12 is a good choice for users prioritizing a very basic smartphone experience and extremely tight budget. The TCL 30 XL is ideal for those needing a bit more performance, faster charging, and a slightly more premium feel without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The TCL 30 XL is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful processor. However, don't expect high-end gaming performance from either phone.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
The TCL 30 XL will likely offer longer battery life thanks to its larger capacity and faster charging. Expect a full day of moderate use, while the Ulefone Note 12 might require more frequent charging.
