TCL 20 R 5G vs TCL 30 SE
Shop Android Smartphones
TCL 20 R 5G
Starting at
£89.00
TCL 30 SE
Starting at
£126.00What's the difference between the TCL 20 R 5G and TCL 30 SE?
TCL 20 R 5G vs 30 SE comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the TCL 20 R 5G starts at £89, £37 less than the TCL 30 SE. The TCL 30 SE is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
Mobile network
- Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 700 MT6833V/ZA (7 nm) on the TCL 20 R 5G, Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) on the TCL 30 SE.
- The TCL 30 SE has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh.
- Screen size: 6,52 inch on the TCL 20 R 5G, 6,5 inch on the TCL 30 SE.
TCL 20 R 5G vs TCL 30 SE specs
The TCL 20 R 5G and TCL 30 SE offer different strengths suited to distinct needs. The TCL 20 R 5G supports 5G networks and has a more powerful MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset, making it suitable for those who want faster mobile connectivity and smoother everyday performance. It also has a slightly larger screen and a 4500 mAh battery. The TCL 30 SE focuses on camera capabilities with a high-resolution 50 megapixel main camera and a larger 5000 mAh battery, ideal for users who prioritise photography and longer battery life. Both phones share the same amount of RAM and storage and feature dual SIM slots with microSDXC support, making them flexible for storage and carrier choices.
TCL 20 R 5G vs TCL 30 SE price
Colour
- GreySold out
- GreySold out
Storage
- 64GBSold out
- 64GBSold out
TCL 20 R 5G vs TCL 30 SE battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and operating system are key to how long a phone lasts during daily use.
Battery Capacity
The TCL 20 R 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, which provides solid endurance for everyday activities. The TCL 30 SE offers a larger 5000 mAh battery, which suits users who need longer usage between charges, such as heavy media consumers or those frequently away from charging points.
Software Updates
This consistency means users can expect a stable experience without changes to their interface or core system.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Year of release
TCL 20 R 5G vs TCL 30 SE performance
Performance depends on the chipset and memory, which affect responsiveness and handling of apps. Both devices have the same RAM and storage options, but their chipsets differ.
Processor Type
The TCL 20 R 5G uses a MediaTek Dimensity 700 MT6833V/ZA chipset built on a 7 nm process, which generally offers efficient performance for everyday apps and multitasking. The TCL 30 SE has a MediaTek MT6762G Helio G25 chipset on a 12 nm process, which suits regular use and basic tasks well but focuses on efficiency rather than raw power.
Memory and Storage
Both devices come with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage, supporting a balanced level of multitasking and app storage. This configuration works well for typical daily use, including running social media, messaging, and standard apps.
Chipset
RAM
TCL 20 R 5G vs TCL 30 SE screen
Screen size and resolution affect how you view content. Both devices share the same resolution and screen type, with a small difference in size.
Screen Size and Resolution
The TCL 20 R 5G has a 6.52 inch IPS LCD screen with a 720 x 1600 resolution, providing a roomy display well suited to watching videos and browsing. The TCL 30 SE has a slightly smaller 6.5 inch IPS LCD screen with the same resolution, which still offers clear visuals but with a marginally more compact form factor.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
TCL 20 R 5G vs TCL 30 SE camera
Camera capabilities are often a key factor. Both phones have the same front camera resolution, but their main cameras differ significantly.
Main Camera Detail
The TCL 20 R 5G features a 13 megapixel main camera, suitable for everyday photos with reasonable detail. The TCL 30 SE offers a 50 megapixel main camera, which captures more detail and suits buyers who prioritise photography or want sharper images for printing or cropping.
Front Camera
Both phones have an 8 megapixel front camera, offering comparable quality for selfies and video calls. This consistency ensures similar performance for users who often use their front camera.
Front camera
Main camera
TCL 20 R 5G vs TCL 30 SE size and design
Other practical features include network compatibility, physical size, connectivity, and SIM support. These details influence how the phone fits into your daily routine.
Network and SIM
The TCL 20 R 5G supports 5G mobile networks and includes dual physical SIM slots, making it a good choice if you want faster mobile data and the flexibility of two SIM cards. The TCL 30 SE supports 4G networks and also offers dual physical SIM slots, fitting users who prefer reliable 4G coverage with dual SIM convenience.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The TCL 20 R 5G measures 164.3 mm tall, 75 mm wide, and 9 mm deep, weighing 186 g. The TCL 30 SE is slightly taller at 165.2 mm, wider at 75.5 mm, and 8.9 mm deep, weighing 190 g. These small differences affect hand feel and pocket fit subtly.
Connectivity
Both phones use USB-C connectors, with the TCL 30 SE specifying USB Type-C 2.0.
Storage Expansion
Both devices support microSDXC cards, allowing you to expand storage easily if you need more space for media or apps.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
TCL 20 R 5G or TCL 30 SE: which should you buy?
Buy the TCL 20 R 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £89, £37 less than the TCL 30 SE
- you want 5G
- you want a lighter build (186 g vs 190 g)
Buy the TCL 30 SE if
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (50 megapixels vs 13 megapixels)
TCL 20 R 5G vs TCL 30 SE FAQs
TCL 20 R 5G vs 30 SE comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 700 MT6833V/ZA (7 nm) on the TCL 20 R 5G, Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) on the TCL 30 SE. The TCL 30 SE has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh.
The TCL 20 R 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £89 compared with £126 for the TCL 30 SE.
The TCL 30 SE has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh.
The TCL 30 SE has a higher-resolution main camera: 50 megapixels vs 13 megapixels.
The TCL 30 SE adds a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh) and a higher-resolution main camera (50 megapixels vs 13 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £37 more (from £126 vs £89).
Both come in 64GB refurbished.
