The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for your money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the BLU F91 and the TCL 40 XL. Both promise a lot, but which one delivers the best overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The BLU F91 takes the crown thanks to its significantly more powerful Dimensity 810 chipset, offering noticeably better performance and future-proofing. While the TCL 40 XL has a larger screen, the F91's processing power makes it the superior choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - USA |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - USA |
| 5G bands | 2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 77 SA/NSA/Sub6 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 20 | 2023, February 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 20 | Available. Released 2023, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168.7 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm (6.64 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 167.9 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm (6.61 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13, TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide) 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
10W wireless
Reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue | Dark Gray |
| Models | - | T608M |
| Price | About 280 EUR | About 140 EUR |
BLU F91
- Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 810)
- Wireless charging
- Reverse wired charging
- Likely better camera performance
- Potentially smaller screen than TCL 40 XL
- Brand recognition may be lower
TCL 40 XL
- Larger display
- Potentially longer battery life (due to larger capacity)
- Established brand (TCL)
- Weaker processor (Helio G37)
- No wireless charging
- Slower performance
Display Comparison
The TCL 40 XL boasts a larger 6.78-inch display compared to the BLU F91's likely 6.5-6.6 inch screen (spec sheet doesn't explicitly state). While both likely use IPS LCD panels, the TCL's size advantage makes it better for watching videos and browsing. Resolution is likely FHD+ on both, but color accuracy might favor TCL.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a multi-lens camera system, potentially with a 50MP main sensor. However, the BLU F91's more powerful chipset should translate to better image processing and overall photo quality, especially in low light. TCL might offer slightly better video stabilization.
Performance
This is where the BLU F91 shines. The Dimensity 810 is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G37. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and significantly better gaming performance on the F91. The G37 is adequate for basic tasks, but struggles with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The TCL 40 XL likely has a larger battery capacity (potentially 5000mAh or more) compared to the BLU F91 (likely around 4500mAh). However, the Dimensity 810 is more efficient than the Helio G37, so real-world battery life might be comparable, potentially favoring the F91.
Buying Guide
The BLU F91 is ideal for users who prioritize performance and gaming on a budget. The TCL 40 XL is a good option for those who value a larger display for media consumption and are less concerned about raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the BLU F91 worth the extra cost over the TCL 40 XL?
Yes, if performance is a priority. The Dimensity 810 offers a significant performance boost that makes the F91 a better long-term investment.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The TCL 40 XL likely has a larger battery capacity, but the BLU F91's more efficient chipset could result in comparable real-world battery life.
