TCL starts the year with these two phones only aimed at the U.S market. The TCL 30 V 5G is for Verizon networks (sub-6 and mmWave), while the TCL 30 XE 5G debuts at T-Mobile right now, and more carriers might get it later.

These phones are built on different hardware platforms as the TCL 30 V is powered by a Snapdragon 480 5G processor (4GB RAM, 128GB storage), and the 30 XE has a MediaTek Dimensity 700 chip with the same RAM and storage mount. Both offer a 4500 mAh battery capacity.

Those who want super-smooth scrolling might notice that the TCL 30 XE comes with a 90Hz 6.52-inch display, while its 30 V nemesis has “only” a 60Hz 6.67-inch one. Size vs. refresh rate: pick one as I’ll assume both have a 1080p resolution.

The camera setup is slightly different since each carrier can define theirs. Verizon went for a 50 MP primary, a 5 MP ultrawide, and 2MP macro camera modules in the 30 V. The 30 XE has a 13 MP primary camera seconded by a Macro camera and a Bokeh sensor. In my opinion, the TCL 30 V’s camera seems to have a clear upper hand.

No pricing has been communicated yet, but the hardware configuration points to very high affordability, so we’ll stay tuned and see what Verizon and T-Mobile will announce on that front. In the meantime, TCL continues to reinforce its smartphone line of products which usually brings excellent value for the price.

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