Unveiling TCL 30 XE 5G Specs Pricing Perks & Pitfalls

Overview of TCL 30 XE 5G

The TCL 30 XE 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers 5G connectivity, a robust design, and competitive specifications in its price range. Announced in January 2022 and released in March of the same year, this device targets users looking for a 5G smartphone without breaking the bank. With features like a triple camera system, solid battery performance, and a decent display, it's an attractive option for those on a budget.

Design and Build

The TCL 30 XE 5G features a simple yet effective design. It comes with a glass front, plastic frame, and plastic back, offering a durable body at an affordable price. The dimensions of the device are 164.1 x 74.9 x 9 mm, and it weighs about 195 grams, making it relatively easy to handle and portable for everyday use. Additionally, it supports a Nano-SIM card, ensuring compatibility with modern SIM standards.

Display

The smartphone boasts a 6.52-inch IPS LCD display, offering a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and transitions. While it may not be the highest resolution display (720 x 1600 pixels) with a pixel density of around 269 ppi, it provides adequate visual clarity for daily tasks such as browsing, streaming, and gaming. The Dragontrail Glass protection adds an extra layer of durability to the display against minor scratches and impacts.

Performance and Software

Powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a 7 nm architecture, the TCL 30 XE 5G delivers commendable performance for its class. The octa-core CPU, comprising two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz, coupled with a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, ensures smooth multitasking and graphic rendering. The device runs on Android 11 with TCL's customization layer, TCL UI, enhancing the user experience with additional features and customizations.

Memory and Storage

This device is equipped with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, which is adequate for casual users who engage in basic smartphone operations. For those who require additional space, it offers a dedicated microSDXC slot, allowing expansion of storage to accommodate more apps, media, and files.

Camera Capabilities

The TCL 30 XE 5G comes with a triple rear camera setup. It includes a 13 MP wide lens with an f/2.2 aperture, a 2 MP depth sensor, and a 2 MP macro lens, enabling users to capture a variety of shots, from wide landscapes to detailed close-ups. The rear camera supports features such as LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode, and can record videos at 1080p@30fps. The 8 MP front camera with f/2.0 aperture provides decent selfie quality and supports video recording at the same resolution and frame rate as the primary camera.

Battery Life and Charging

With a non-removable Li-Po 4500 mAh battery, the TCL 30 XE 5G promises a satisfactory battery life that can last through a full day of moderate usage. The device supports 18W wired charging, allowing users to quickly recharge and get back to their activities without prolonged downtime.

Network and Connectivity

As its name suggests, the TCL 30 XE 5G supports 5G connectivity, ensuring faster internet speeds and improved network performance in areas with 5G infrastructure. It also supports a wide range of network bands for GSM, HSPA, and LTE. Other connectivity options include dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, and USB Type-C 2.0 with OTG support. However, it lacks NFC, which might be a drawback for users who rely on contactless payment solutions.

Sensors and Additional Features

The smartphone comes equipped with a variety of sensors, including a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking. Other sensors include an accelerometer, proximity sensor, compass, gyro, and even a barometer, offering a comprehensive suite of capabilities that enhance user interaction and functionality.

Price and Colour Options

The TCL 30 XE 5G is priced at about 170 EUR, making it one of the more affordable options for a 5G-capable smartphone. It is available in a single color option, Shadow Black, providing a sleek and traditional look.

Conclusion

Overall, the TCL 30 XE 5G presents a strong value proposition for users seeking an affordable 5G-enabled smartphone. While it might not compete with flagship devices in terms of raw power or feature richness, it offers a balanced combination of design, performance, and connectivity, suitable for everyday users or those venturing into the 5G landscape on a budget.