ZTE Blade A76 4G vs TCL 30 SE: A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Trade-offs

The ZTE Blade A76 4G and TCL 30 SE represent two distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The A76 focuses on maximizing battery endurance, while the 30 SE leverages a more modern, albeit entry-level, chipset for potentially improved efficiency. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing all-day battery life and longevity, the ZTE Blade A76 4G is the better choice. Its impressive 54:20h endurance significantly outweighs the TCL 30 SE’s slightly faster CPU, especially considering the 30 SE’s slower 15W charging.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE Blade A76 4G TCL 30 SE
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APAC
4G bandsLTE1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 -2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM
Launch
Announced2025, October2022, February 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, OctoberAvailable. Released 2022, April 20
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions-165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight-190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
ProtectionMohs level 4-
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size6.75 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzIPS LCD, 450 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core 1.8 GHzOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)
Chipset-Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)
GPU-PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 15Android 12, TCL UI 4.0
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
 -eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, (wide), AF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flash, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-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
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
SingleYes8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
BluetoothYes5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCUnspecifiedYes (6165H/6165H1 only)
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsYesFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging22.5W wired15W wired
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsSilver, Gold, VioletAtlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue
ModelsZ24746165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S
Price€ 93.19-
EU LABEL
Battery54:20h endurance, 800 cycles-
EnergyClass A-
Free fallClass C (90 falls)-
RepairabilityClass B-

ZTE Blade A76 4G

  • Exceptional battery endurance (54:20h)
  • High charge cycle count (800 cycles)
  • Faster 22.5W charging
  • Potentially better long-term battery health

  • Likely slower CPU performance
  • Older chipset architecture (details unknown)

TCL 30 SE

  • More modern Mediatek Helio G25 chipset
  • Potentially smoother app loading times
  • More efficient 12nm process node
  • Slightly more responsive user experience

  • Significantly lower battery endurance
  • Slower 15W charging
  • May require more frequent charging

Display Comparison

Neither device provides display specifications, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given their price points, both likely utilize LCD panels. The TCL 30 SE’s Mediatek Helio G25 chipset *may* offer slightly better video decoding capabilities, potentially leading to smoother playback of high-resolution content, but this is speculative. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, typical for this segment.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a meaningful comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The absence of information regarding sensor size or aperture suggests neither device will excel in low-light conditions. Any mention of a 2MP macro camera on either device should be viewed with skepticism, as these sensors typically offer limited practical benefit.

Performance

The TCL 30 SE’s Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) features an octa-core configuration split into two clusters: four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and four at 1.5 GHz. This architecture aims to balance performance and power efficiency. The ZTE Blade A76 4G’s octa-core 1.8 GHz CPU lacks specific architectural details, but its lower clock speed suggests a focus on power conservation rather than raw speed. The Helio G25’s 12nm process node is more efficient than older, unspecified nodes likely used in the A76, but the A76’s overall system optimization could mitigate this advantage. For basic tasks like browsing and social media, the difference will be minimal, but the 30 SE will likely exhibit faster app loading times.

Battery Life

The ZTE Blade A76 4G’s standout feature is its exceptional 54:20h endurance rating. This indicates significantly longer battery life compared to typical smartphones. Coupled with 800 charge cycles, it suggests a focus on long-term battery health. The TCL 30 SE, with its 15W wired charging, will charge slower than the A76’s 22.5W capability. While the 30 SE’s chipset *may* be more power-efficient, the A76’s larger endurance rating likely offsets this advantage, providing a more reliable all-day experience.

Buying Guide

Buy the ZTE Blade A76 4G if you need a phone that can reliably last through a full day of heavy use, or even two days with moderate usage, and value long-term battery health with its 800 charge cycles. Buy the TCL 30 SE if you prioritize a slightly more responsive user experience for basic tasks and prefer a phone with a newer chipset, understanding that you’ll likely need to charge it more frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ How much faster will apps load on the TCL 30 SE compared to the ZTE Blade A76 4G?
While the TCL 30 SE’s Helio G25 chipset is newer and clocked slightly higher, the real-world difference in app loading times will likely be modest. Expect a fraction of a second improvement for most apps, noticeable primarily when launching more demanding applications. The A76’s software optimization could also play a role in mitigating this difference.
❓ Does the 22.5W charging on the ZTE Blade A76 4G translate to significantly faster charging times?
Yes, the 22.5W charging is a notable advantage. While a precise 0-100% time isn't available, it will be considerably faster than the TCL 30 SE’s 15W charging. This means less time tethered to a wall outlet and more time using the phone.
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio G25 in the TCL 30 SE capable of handling basic mobile games?
The Helio G25 can handle less demanding mobile games at lower settings. Titles like Candy Crush or simple puzzle games will run without issue. However, more graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile will likely require significant compromises in graphics settings and frame rates to achieve playable performance.