TCL’s commitment to 5G and the availability of equipment at affordable prices, with enhanced features and functionality, is the basis of the new announcement that the Chinese brand makes today at MWC22, expanding the portfolio of TCL 30 series smartphones, which had been announced at CES 2022.
There are five new models, the TCL 30 5G, TCL 30+, TCL 30, TCL 30 SE, and the TCL 30 , extending the offer in various categories, with prices and features that adjust to different needs and budgets, and prices that start at 189 euros, but do not exceed 350 euros, even in the most “artillery” model. This TCL 30 Series lineup is completed with two models that were launched exclusively in the United States, the TCL 30 XE 5G and TCL 30 V 5G.
In a pre-announcement to which SAPO TEK had access this week, Stefan Streit, TCL global marketing manager, explained that the company is betting on launching some exclusive models for operators in the United States, and that it may extend this model to other regions, including Europe. “It’s a strategy that is being successful in the United States, where we are in 4th place in sales”, he says.
Click on the images for more details
The family resemblances across the series are one of the highlights, with a 50-megapixel camera that is present on all models, even the cheapest. But Stefan Streit also highlights the design and screens with NXTVISION technology, two areas where TCL has specialized to guarantee a quality of finishes and materials that are not usually available in this price range on smartphones.
All models are equipped with a large capacity 5000mAh battery with fast charging support, and the TCL 30 5G, TCL 30+ and TCL 30 share an ultra-thin design of 7.74mm and a weight of 184g.
Despite the commitment to 5G, not all models in the new range already support fifth-generation mobile technology, with the TCL 30 SE and TCL 30 E using only 4G.
Stefan Streit explained to SAPO TEK that in the evolution of technology, transitions between different generations of mobile networks are not immediate and that in many cases 4G is sufficient for the needs of most users. “We have been able to bring an offer of 5G smartphones with increasingly affordable prices, with values below 300 and up to 250 dollars, and this year we should be able to launch models below 200 dollars”, he justifies.
In Portugal, three of the new TCL 30 Series are already on sale, the TCL 30+, TCL 30 and TCL 30 SE, with prices starting at 279, 249 and 199 euros, respectively. Also in April, the most affordable model, the TCL 30 E, should hit stores, with an RRP of 189 euros, and in May it will be the turn of the TCL 30 5G, which has a retail price of 349 euros, and is the more “artillery” of the new range. But TCL’s marketing manager says that more models will be launched later this year, similar to what happened last year, but not committing to dates.
Foldable smartphones still in the realm of promises
In several press conferences, it has revealed several prototypes and concepts of foldable and rollable smartphones, and this year it doesn’t fail to tradition. Once again, they are non-commercial models, where TCL puts its R&D capacity and experience in the development of screens, but without deadlines or guarantees that they will reach the market.
TCL’s marketing manager showed Portuguese journalists new concepts, with the renewed Fold ‘n roll model, the 360º Ultra Flex and the Surround Display and promised that at the stand at MWC22 it will be possible to try out functional prototypes.
In practice, the idea is to “extend” the screen to cover more area, always with the same display. “There are still mechanical and software challenges”, admits Stefan Streit who argues that no one has yet shown any concept like the 360º Ultra Flex.
The big question is when will they hit the stores, but Stefan Streit admits he doesn’t have an answer. “The objective is to bring functional, differentiating and accessible models”, he explains, adding that TCL could already put a folding model on the market, similar to Samsung’s Z Flip, but that the price difference is still not enough for the brand to ensure success in a market where it is still in its infancy against established brands such as Samsung.
Click on the images for more details on the TCL Fold n’ Roll model
In April, during the conference in anticipation of the presentation of the Fold n’ Roll, Stefan Streit, director of global marketing at TCL, admitted to SAPO TEK that the model would not hit stores in 2021. This model is very complex,” he said, adding that the brand is betting on a more cautious approach because it wants to “have a good user experience”.
Remember that the Fold n’Roll concept allows you to transform your smartphone into a 10-inch tablet, opening the screen and even increasing the useful area by sliding a part that is “hidden” inside the body of the equipment, as you can remember in the video what follows.
In addition to smartphones, TCL also announced three new tablets at MWC22, highlighting the TCL TAB 10s 5G. The list of novelties also includes three new routers, including the LINKHUB 5G, designed for small businesses or businesses in need of reinforced connections.
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