There are explicit and implicit differences in features and specifications between the TCL 30 Z and TCL A3X. This time, we will compare these two gadgets for your next decision.
Smartphones under $100 are not hard to look for. There are many of them on the market, so you’re currently looking for one; you’ll easily find what you want. Two smartphones of this kind are the TCL 30 Z and TCL A3X.
These two devices are affordable and contain a lot of interesting features. It’ll not be very clear to compare them both at the time. That’s why we try them first and let you know our experience with these two.
The article below is a comparison review between the two smartphones. We hope you have an insight and be more thoughtful towards the decisions you’ll make later for your new smartphone. Let’s dig in now and see what smartphone is a steal.
Page Contents:
Main Differences
The camera is the main difference between the TCL 30 Z and TCL A3X. The TCL 30 Z has only a single-rear camera on the back which is standard. Meanwhile, the TCL A3X comes wiser with a triple-rear camera.
However, having a triple-rear camera still makes the TCL A3X feel lighter than the TCL 30 Z. It weighs just 164g, while the TCL 30 Z is heavier with 183g of weight. We notice how big the difference in weight is between these two phones, whereas the phone’s dimensions are not that different.
Specifications
TCL 30 Z (T602DL) and TCL A3X (A600DL) specifications:
| Weight | 183g | 164g |
| Dimensions | 156 x 74 x 10mm | 156.6 x 75.5 x 8.6mm |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11 |
| Screen size | 6.1-inch | 6.0-inch |
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 | 720 x 1440 |
| Processor | MediaTek Helio A22 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 |
| CPU | Quad-core (4×2.0GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4×1.8 GHz Kryo 240 Gold & 4×1.8 GHz Kryo 240 Silver) |
| RAM | 3GB | 2GB |
| Storage | 32GB | 32GB |
| Battery | 3,000mAh, Removable | 3,500mAh, Non-removable |
| Rear camera | 8MP | 13MP + 5MP + 2MP |
| Front camera | 5MP | 5MP |
| Features | Face Unlock | Face Unlock |
Design
Because the TCL 30 Z and TCL A3X have different camera setups, these phones also come in different layouts and dimensions. First of all, the dimensions. Actually, there is no significant difference from its measurement. The TCL 30 Z is 156 x 74 x 10mm, while the TCL A3X is 156.6 x 75.5 x 8.6mm.
The front appearances of both of them are different. First, let’s talk about the TCL 30 Z; this phone knows today’s trend by applying minimum bezels around the screen. It makes the device screen more stretched and wider. They also choose to use a pin-hole camera style on its device.
Meanwhile, the TCL A3X looks outdated. There are many spaces around the screen, and for the camera, they still place it on the bezels. This is annoying, especially if you want to enjoy a more satisfying watching of movies or playing games-experiences.
Nevertheless, we’re more impressed with the TCL A3X for the back area. Besides its triple rear camera, this phone designs a more mature and eye-catching style with subtle textures on its back. The TCL 30 Z is not much different, it also has the textures, but it comes more obvious, and in some points, it’s uncomfortable to see.
Read also: TCL 30 Z Review
Display
The two phone screens have no significant difference. Between the TCL 30 Z and TCL A3X smartphone, there’s only a 1-inch gap. The TCL 30 Z has a 6.1-inch screen display, and TCL A3X only has a 6-inch screen.
It also does the same for the quality; since the TCL 30 Z has a bigger screen, the quality comes slightly better with a 720 x 1560-pixel resolution. Meanwhile, the TCL A3X has a 720 x 1440-pixel resolution. However, both come with HD+ quality which means the quality is high-resolution with a vibrant yet detailed output.
However, the two of them don’t have a wide aspect ratio. You can’t enjoy a cinematic-viewing experience with these smartphones. The bezels and notch are making many distractions for its users.
Read also: TCL A3X Review
Camera
The camera’s aspect is one of the biggest differences between the TCL 30 Z and the TCL A3X. Just by looking at it, the TCL A3X is so much better because it offers us a triple rear camera, while the TCL 30 Z is only coming up with the single one.
It doesn’t stop there. The TCL A3X also definitely has a higher camera quality than the competitor. This phone has a 13MP main camera, 5MP depth-lens, and 2MP macro camera. These three are responsible for delivering an incredible camera’s output in photo or video formats.
Otherwise, the TCL 30 Z is one step behind the A3X smartphone. In a world of a duo or triple cameras, this phone stays with the single camera one. Even worse, it only has an 8MP quality below the competitor.
The TCL 30 Z also isn’t powered with AI, just like the TCL A3X. You can’t experience the advanced AI-Scene detections on the TCL 30 Z to get the best lens for your background or nuances.
However, both of these front-facing cameras have equal quality. These two are equipped with a 5MP camera for taking a #SelfieOfTheDay.
Storage
Surprisingly, the TCL 30 Z and TCL A3X have an equal internal storage capacity. These two smartphones come with 32GB storage, a standard for entry-level smartphones. In this case, the TCL 30 Z is the winner, though.
Because the TCL 30 Z has lower camera quality, 32GB is enough for us to store our daily files and pictures. But, this may become a burden for the TCL A3X since it has a higher camera quality.
Suppose you’re choosing a TCL A3X smartphone. In that case, you need to be more generous by buying the additional storage to expand the capacity before it runs out of space. Nonetheless, the TCL 30 Z’s storage can be expanded as well. Both storages can be adjusted with a MicroSD card.
Performance
Under the hood, the TCL 30 Z and TCL A3X have different processor systems. The TCL 30 Z relies on the Quad-core MediaTek Helio A22. TCL A3X is supported by an Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 460. Although it has a different system, actually both processors are known for delivering amazing performance in entry-level smartphones.
But in RAM size, the TCL 30 Z is the champ. Its processor is coupled with 3GB RAM, so you’ll get a generous amount of temporary phone traffic. With this, you can expect the device to deliver smooth and seamless multitasking. They are definitely a perfect pair to start your daily hustles.
Meanwhile, the TCL A3X comes with 2GB RAM. The bare minimum for an entry-level smartphone. It doesn’t show any lags or glitches. Still, we must ensure this device is always in good and balanced operation to prevent inconvenient performance.
For the operating system, the TCL 30 Z is also standing in the first place. This phone is the default with Android 12, while the TCL A3X comes with Android 11. Even though it is only one version different, it’s still obvious.
Android 12 definitely has more upgrades than the previous one on its features. The user interface also comes with more fluids and is easy on the eye for us.
The TCL 30 Z and TCL A3X have an easier, more convenient security sensor. Those aren’t fingerprint-readers supported. But instead, they use face recognition to unlock the phones.
Connectivity
There is no difference between both of them in the connectivity aspects. These two are 4G LTE-based smartphones that promise a stable and fast internet network. Even better, this connectivity also has a crystal-clear voice call quality.
They also pack up with other connectivity, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Wi-Fi works well as an internet network alternative for faster and more efficient quality. Bluetooth is great for you to connect with other Bluetooth devices, such as headsets and Bluetooth speakers.
Battery
Last, we will discuss these two smartphones in terms of their battery proportions. The TCL A3X has a 3,500 non-removable battery that allows you to stay online until the end of the day. That’s actually enough for us. On paper, this phone promises us 17 hours of talk time and 440 hours of standby time.
The TCL 30 Z is moving backward (again), this time by providing us with a 3,000mAh removable battery. It’s smaller than the competitor; worse, the removable battery is not our favorite type. This is very fragile and tends to be broken easily.
Verdict
In comparing the TCL 30 Z and TCL A3X, this phone has an equal yet fair quality. Some aspects cover each other. For example, the TCL 30 Z may have a bigger screen but only has a single rear camera instead of a triple one like the TCL A3X.
The TCL A3X has a bigger battery capacity than the TCL 30 Z. Still. Unfortunately, it doesn’t apply to its RAM size, which is smaller than the competitor. However, they have fine quality on their internal storage and security systems. For pricing, the TCL 30 Z is more affordable at $40, and TCL A3X costs $70.
