The ZTE Blade V70 Design and TCL 30 SE represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at a low price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The ZTE prioritizes extended battery life, while the TCL focuses on a slightly more powerful, though less efficient, processor. This comparison will dissect their key specifications to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing longevity, the ZTE Blade V70 Design emerges as the winner. Its significantly superior 40:47h battery endurance and 800 charge cycles outweigh the TCL 30 SE’s marginally faster CPU, making it ideal for users who demand all-day (and beyond) usage without frequent charging.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, November 22 | 2022, February 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, November 28 | Available. Released 2022, April 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back or silicone polymer (eco leather) back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.8 x 77.1 x 8.2 mm (6.53 x 3.04 x 0.32 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 | 206 g (7.27 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 4 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 107.8 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED 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 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (6165H/6165H1 only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stone gray, Rose pink, Citrus orange, Jade green | Atlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue |
| Models | Z2458 | 6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S |
| Price | £ 114.95 / € 89.00 | - |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 40:47h endurance, 800 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class C | - |
| Free fall | Class D (45 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
ZTE Blade V70 Design
- Exceptional battery life (40:47h endurance)
- Long-lasting battery health (800 charge cycles)
- More efficient processor architecture (Unisoc T606)
- Faster charging (22.5W)
- Potentially slightly slower initial app launch times
- Likely less powerful GPU for demanding games
TCL 30 SE
- Slightly higher CPU clock speed (on paper)
- Potentially more responsive for basic tasks
- Competitive price point
- Widely available
- Significantly shorter battery life
- Lower battery longevity (fewer charge cycles)
- Less efficient processor (MediaTek Helio G25)
- Slower charging (15W)
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on internal components, we can infer both likely utilize standard LCD panels common in this price bracket. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, and color accuracy will likely be tuned for vibrancy rather than precision. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO is standard for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The prevalence of 2MP macro and depth sensors in this segment suggests these are largely marketing features. Image processing will likely be heavily reliant on software algorithms to enhance detail and dynamic range. The TCL 30 SE might have a slight edge if it incorporates a larger main sensor, but without that information, it’s a speculative advantage.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The ZTE Blade V70 Design utilizes the Unisoc T606, a 12nm chip with an octa-core configuration featuring two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores, also at 1.6 GHz. This architecture suggests a focus on sustained performance and efficiency. Conversely, the TCL 30 SE employs the MediaTek Helio G25, also a 12nm chip, but with a less sophisticated core arrangement: four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz and another four at 1.5 GHz. While the G25’s higher clock speed *appears* advantageous, the older Cortex-A53 architecture is less efficient and offers lower IPC (Instructions Per Clock) than the A75 cores in the Unisoc chip. This translates to potentially faster initial app launches on the TCL, but the ZTE will likely maintain smoother performance during multitasking and prolonged use. The Unisoc’s architecture is better suited for handling more complex tasks.
Battery Life
This is where the ZTE Blade V70 Design truly shines. Its 40:47h endurance rating is exceptional for a budget smartphone, indicating significantly longer usage times between charges. The 800 charge cycle rating also suggests superior battery longevity, meaning it will retain a higher capacity over time compared to the TCL 30 SE. The TCL 30 SE’s 15W charging is slower than the ZTE’s 22.5W, further exacerbating the difference. While 15W isn’t *slow*, the ZTE will replenish its battery faster, minimizing downtime. The Unisoc T606’s efficiency directly contributes to this extended battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade V70 Design if you need a phone that can reliably last through a full day of heavy use, or even two days of moderate use, and you value long-term battery health. Buy the TCL 30 SE if you prioritize slightly snappier app loading times and occasional light gaming, and are willing to compromise on battery life and potentially replace the battery sooner.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T606 in the ZTE Blade V70 Design struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Unisoc T606 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings. However, expect frame rate drops during intense action. The TCL 30 SE’s Helio G25 might offer slightly better peak performance in short bursts, but the ZTE’s more efficient architecture will likely provide more consistent frame rates over longer gaming sessions, albeit at lower settings.
❓ How much faster is the 22.5W charging on the ZTE Blade V70 Design compared to the 15W charging on the TCL 30 SE?
The 22.5W charging on the ZTE Blade V70 Design will noticeably reduce charging times. While exact 0-100% times aren't available, expect the ZTE to charge significantly faster, potentially shaving off 30-60 minutes compared to the TCL 30 SE. This is particularly beneficial given the ZTE’s larger focus on battery endurance.
❓ Is the TCL 30 SE a better choice for someone who frequently uses their phone for social media and web browsing?
For primarily social media and web browsing, the TCL 30 SE is adequate. The Helio G25 will handle these tasks without issue. However, the ZTE Blade V70 Design’s superior battery life will be more beneficial in the long run, as it will require less frequent charging, even with moderate usage.
