Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Wiko Y81 and TCL 306 are both contenders in the budget phone arena, offering essential features at attractive price points. But which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 306 edges out the Wiko Y81 thanks to its superior processor (Helio G25 vs Helio A20), offering noticeably better performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. While both are budget options, the TCL 306 provides a smoother experience and slightly better value.
| 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, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 18. Released 2020, August 18 | 2022, January 31 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, February |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 157.9 x 76.1 x 8.3 mm (6.22 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 | 166 g (5.86 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~79.8% 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 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 12, TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Deep Blue, Gold, Green | Space Gray, Atlantic Blue |
| Models | - | X668, 6102H |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 40 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.56 W/kg (head) 1.61 W/kg (body) | - |
Wiko Y81
- Sleek design
- Lightweight
- Decent display for the price
- Underpowered processor
- Limited performance
- Unspecified charging speed
TCL 306
- Better performance (Helio G25)
- Octa-core processor
- 10W wired charging
- Design may be less premium
- Camera performance is average
- HD+ display
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) and resolution (likely HD+). The Wiko Y81 might have a slightly more modern design with a smaller notch or punch-hole camera, but overall, display quality will be comparable. Expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction for the price.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, with both phones probably featuring a primary rear camera around 13MP-16MP and a depth sensor. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. Expect decent photos in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be limited on both devices. The TCL 306 might have slightly better image processing due to its more powerful chipset.
Performance
This is where the TCL 306 shines. The Helio G25's octa-core processor and higher clock speeds provide a significant performance boost over the Wiko Y81's quad-core Helio A20. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the TCL 306. The Wiko Y81 will likely struggle with more demanding apps and games.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have battery capacities around 4000mAh. The TCL 306's 10W wired charging is a slight advantage over the Wiko Y81, which may lack specified charging speed. Battery life should be comparable under moderate usage, lasting a full day for most users.
Buying Guide
The Wiko Y81 is a good choice for users prioritizing a sleek design and basic functionality. The TCL 306 is ideal for those needing a bit more processing power for multitasking, social media, and casual gaming, even on a tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The TCL 306 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G25 processor. The Wiko Y81 will struggle with even casual games.
❓ Do these phones have 5G connectivity?
No, neither the Wiko Y81 nor the TCL 306 support 5G. They are both 4G LTE devices.
