TCL A30 Review

In the ever-growing world of budget smartphones, finding a reliable device for under $100 is a challenge. But a couple of years ago, I stumbled upon the TCL A30 and was pleasantly surprised. TCL, known for its high-quality TVs, seemed to be extending its expertise to the mobile market. Now, after two years of using the A30 as my daily driver, it's time for an honest assessment.

Image taken from TCL's website.


Specs at a Glance:

  • Display: 5.5-inch TFT LCD
  • Cameras: 8MP rear, 5MP front
  • Processor: Mediatek Helio P22
  • RAM: 3GB
  • Storage: 32GB (expandable)
  • Software: Android 11
  • Battery: 3000 mAh
  • Other: Headphone jack, removable battery

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly:

Display: The A30's screen is a mixed bag. Colors are vibrant, and viewing angles are decent for a TFT panel, but it struggles in sunlight. Indoor visibility is fine, but if you're often outdoors, this might be a dealbreaker.

Performance: Surprisingly, the A30 handles most tasks smoothly. Don't expect to juggle multiple demanding apps, but gaming, social media, and everyday use are all within its capabilities. The 3GB of RAM is the limiting factor here.

Software: TCLUI, a light skin over Android 11, is a breath of fresh air. It's clean, clutter-free, and feels close to stock Android, which is a major plus for a budget phone.

Battery Life (The Ugly): This is where the A30 takes a nosedive. Initially, the 3000 mAh battery lasted all day, but after two years, it's degraded significantly. Expect 3-4 hours of use, and charging takes an eternity. If you can find replacement batteries, it's a game-changer, but good luck with that.

Cameras: The 8MP rear camera isn't award-winning, but it gets the job done for casual snapshots. Colors are decent, and images are good enough for social media.





Who Should Buy the TCL A30 (in 2024)?

Honestly? Probably no one. While the A30 was a decent option a couple of years ago, its battery issues make it a hard sell now. If you absolutely need a phone for under $100, and you don't mind the battery limitations, it might still be worth considering. However, there are better options on the market, even in this price range.

Recommendation:

Check out the TCL ION series. They offer similar features and performance to the A30, but with more modern specs and hopefully better battery life. I'll have a review of those coming soon.


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All my reviews are written after extensive testing and daily use, if you have any further questions about this product, please leave a comment and I will answer it as I am able. If you want to support me, consider Buying Me A Coffee with the link in my Linktree.

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