The Wiko Sunny5 and TCL 30 SE represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at the lowest possible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Sunny5 relies on a simpler, older processor, while the TCL 30 SE opts for a more modern, albeit still entry-level, chipset. This comparison will dissect the key differences to determine which device offers the best experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the TCL 30 SE is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a significantly more responsive experience than the Wiko Sunny5’s quad-core Cortex-A7. While neither phone excels, the TCL 30 SE offers a noticeable performance boost for everyday tasks and light multitasking.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APAC |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September. Released 2020, September | 2022, February 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, April 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 161 x 77.6 x 9 mm (6.34 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) | 165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 166 g (5.86 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.99 inches, 92.6 cm2 (~74.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T820 MP1 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go Edition) | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 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 | 480p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (6165H/6165H1 only) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Gold, Green | Atlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue |
| Models | - | 6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S |
| Price | About 60 EUR | - |
| SAR | 0.57 W/kg (head) 1.69 W/kg (body) | - |
Wiko Sunny5
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic communication
- Simple and easy to use
- Very slow performance
- Outdated processor
- Likely limited software support
TCL 30 SE
- Significantly better performance
- Faster charging (15W)
- More modern chipset
- Still an entry-level device
- Camera quality likely limited
- May still struggle with demanding apps
Display Comparison
Neither Wiko nor TCL provide display specifications beyond the basic panel size. However, given the price points, it’s safe to assume both utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The TCL 30 SE’s chipset suggests a potentially higher refresh rate capability, though it’s unlikely to be above 60Hz. The Sunny5’s older processor may struggle to drive even a basic 60Hz panel smoothly. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs are unavailable for both devices. However, given the market segment, it’s reasonable to expect basic camera setups. The TCL 30 SE likely benefits from the image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Helio G25 chipset, which could offer slightly better image processing capabilities than the Sunny5. The presence of a more modern chipset also suggests potential for software optimizations that improve camera performance. Expect both phones to struggle in low-light conditions.
Performance
The TCL 30 SE’s Mediatek Helio G25 is the clear winner here. Its octa-core configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) offers a substantial advantage over the Wiko Sunny5’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7. The Helio G25’s 12nm process node is also more efficient, potentially leading to better battery life and reduced thermal throttling. The Cortex-A53 cores, while not high-end, are significantly more capable than the aging Cortex-A7 found in the Sunny5. Users will experience faster app launches, smoother scrolling, and improved multitasking on the TCL 30 SE.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the TCL 30 SE’s 15W wired charging is a significant advantage. The Wiko Sunny5 likely relies on slower charging speeds, meaning longer wait times to reach a full charge. While a larger battery capacity on the Sunny5 could offset the slower charging, the Helio G25’s more efficient 12nm process node in the TCL 30 SE could result in comparable or even better real-world battery life despite a potentially smaller battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Wiko Sunny5 if you absolutely need the cheapest possible smartphone for basic communication – calls, texts, and very light app usage. It’s a functional device for those with minimal demands. Buy the TCL 30 SE if you prioritize a smoother user experience, even for simple tasks, and appreciate the benefit of faster app loading times and slightly better multitasking capabilities. The 15W charging is also a plus for those who don't want to wait all day for a full charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the TCL 30 SE be able to run popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the TCL 30 SE’s Mediatek Helio G25 chipset is capable of running popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram without significant lag. While it won’t offer a high-end experience, it will provide a usable and reasonably smooth experience for browsing feeds and recording short videos.
❓ Is the Wiko Sunny5 suitable for playing mobile games?
The Wiko Sunny5 is not well-suited for playing mobile games. Its quad-core Cortex-A7 processor lacks the power to run most modern games at playable frame rates. Even less demanding games may experience significant lag and stuttering. The TCL 30 SE is a slightly better option, but still not ideal for gaming.
❓ How long will the battery last on the TCL 30 SE with moderate usage?
With moderate usage (browsing, social media, calls), the TCL 30 SE should last a full day on a single charge. The Helio G25’s 12nm process node contributes to improved power efficiency, and the 15W charging allows for quick top-ups when needed. Exact battery life will depend on individual usage patterns.
