Complete Guide to TCL 305 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

The TCL 305 comes with a thoughtful design and sturdy build quality. It features dimensions of 165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm, offering a comfortable handfeel for extended use. Weighing in at 190 g, the device feels solid yet not overly heavy. The glass front adds a premium touch, while the plastic frame and back contribute to the durability, making it less prone to shattering upon drops.

The phone is available in two colors: Space Gray and Atlantic Blue, catering to different aesthetic preferences. The presence of a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor adds a layer of security and ease for unlocking the device.

Display

The TCL 305 is equipped with a 6.52-inch IPS LCD display. This screen offers a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels, which is adequate for daily tasks like browsing, social media, and watching videos. The 20:9 aspect ratio provides an immersive viewing experience, while the screen-to-body ratio of approximately 82.3% ensures minimal bezels, offering more screen real estate.

With a brightness of 450 nits, the display performs reasonably well under direct sunlight, although it may struggle in very bright outdoor conditions.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the TCL 305 is powered by the Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 chipset, built on a 12 nm process. The Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, coupled with the PowerVR GE8320 GPU, ensures smooth operation for basic tasks. However, it may face challenges with more demanding applications and multitasking.

The phone runs on Android 11 (Go edition) with TCL UI, designed to optimize performance on devices with entry-level specifications. The addition of Go apps ensures that the device remains responsive, even with the modest 2GB of RAM.

Camera

Main Camera

The TCL 305 features a triple-camera setup, which includes a 13 MP wide camera with an f/2.2 aperture, a 2 MP depth sensor, and a 2 MP macro lens. The main camera is capable of capturing decent photos in well-lit conditions, offering features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama. Video recording is supported at 1080p at 30fps, which is standard for phones at this price range.

Selfie Camera

For selfies, the device is equipped with a 5 MP front-facing camera. While it doesn't offer the highest resolution, it still performs adequately for video calls and occasional selfies, supported by HDR for enhanced dynamic range.

Battery and Charging

The TCL 305 is powered by a substantial 5000 mAh battery, which ensures that the device can comfortably last through a day of extensive use. Paired with a 10W wired charging option, it caters to users who prioritize battery longevity. However, the charging speed may feel slow compared to fast-charging standards available in higher-end models.

Storage and Memory

The phone offers two storage variants: 32GB and 64GB, both coupled with 2GB RAM. For users who require more storage, the TCL 305 provides a dedicated microSDXC card slot for expandable memory, a useful feature for those who store a lot of media or apps.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The TCL 305 is equipped with standard connectivity features, including Wi-Fi 802.11 g/n and Bluetooth 5.0. The positioning systems include GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO, ensuring accurate location tracking. While it does not support NFC, it includes an FM radio and USB Type-C with OTG capabilities.

The device maintains the presence of a 3.5mm audio jack, a valuable feature for users who prefer wired headphones. Sensors include a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, providing basic functionality expected from modern smartphones.

Network Capabilities

The TCL 305 supports a variety of network technologies including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, with multiple bands for 2G, 3G, and 4G. This ensures broad compatibility with network providers worldwide, capable of HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps and LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps speeds.

Price and Availability

Announced on January 31, 2022, and released in February 2022, the TCL 305 is available in the market at an approximate cost of 200 EUR. This pricing positions it as an affordable option for budget-conscious consumers seeking a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

The TCL 305 presents a well-rounded package for users who demand practicality and longevity from their smartphones. While it may not boast cutting-edge performance or stunning photography capabilities, it impresses with a solid design, dependable battery life, and essential modern features. It is particularly well-suited for users needing a second phone or an entry-level device with the reliability of longstanding phone functionalities.