The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the HMD Aura 2 and TCL 40 XL aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Aura 2 prioritizing a streamlined experience and the 40 XL focusing on a larger display and faster charging. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and a slightly more modern chipset, the TCL 40 XL emerges as the better choice. Its MediaTek Helio G37, built on a 12nm process, offers a noticeable performance advantage over the HMD Aura 2’s older Unisoc SC9863A, despite the Aura 2’s slightly lower price point. The 18W charging is also a significant benefit.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - USA |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - USA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, February 11 | 2023, February 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, March 13 | Available. Released 2023, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 166.4 x 76.9 x 9 mm (6.55 x 3.03 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 + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185.4 g (6.53 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 576 x 1280 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 460 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition) | Android 13, TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 256GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide), AF | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Icy Blue, Electric Purple | Dark Gray |
| Models | - | T608M |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 140 EUR |
HMD Aura 2
- Potentially lower price point.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Reliable for basic tasks.
- Outdated Unisoc SC9863A chipset.
- Slow 10W charging.
- Likely struggles with multitasking.
TCL 40 XL
- More powerful MediaTek Helio G37 chipset.
- Faster 18W charging.
- Larger display for media consumption.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Software experience may include more bloatware.
- Camera performance is still limited by the sensor.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. However, the TCL 40 XL’s larger size is a clear advantage for media consumption. While specific brightness data is unavailable, the TCL 40 XL’s focus on multimedia suggests a potentially brighter panel. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, given the price bracket. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a priority on either device, with both likely targeting the sRGB color space rather than wider gamuts.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both devices relying on basic sensors. Without specific sensor size information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the TCL 40 XL’s marketing often emphasizes its camera capabilities, suggesting a potentially more refined image processing pipeline. The presence of a dedicated night mode, even a basic one, on the TCL 40 XL would be a significant advantage. It’s safe to assume both devices will struggle in low-light conditions. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors on either device should be considered marketing filler rather than genuine photographic tools.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The TCL 40 XL’s MediaTek Helio G37 (12nm) is a more modern design than the HMD Aura 2’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The 12nm process node allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, translating to better sustained performance and less heat generation. While both utilize octa-core CPUs, the Helio G37’s Cortex-A53 cores are clocked higher (2.3 GHz vs 1.6 GHz/1.2 GHz), providing a tangible boost in application launch times and overall responsiveness. The Aura 2’s older architecture will struggle with more demanding tasks. RAM configurations are unknown, but the chipset difference will be the dominant factor.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but both devices likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The TCL 40 XL’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage over the HMD Aura 2’s 10W charging. This translates to significantly faster top-up times, reducing downtime. While a larger battery capacity would be ideal, the faster charging speed on the TCL 40 XL mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery, offering more convenient usability throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the HMD Aura 2 if you need a basic, reliable smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use, and are comfortable with slower performance. Buy the TCL 40 XL if you prefer a more responsive experience for everyday apps, enjoy consuming media on a larger screen, and value faster charging speeds. The TCL 40 XL is also a better choice for users who occasionally play casual mobile games.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the TCL 40 XL struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While not a powerhouse, the Helio G37 in the TCL 40 XL is sufficiently capable of running popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly. The 12nm process and higher clock speeds provide a noticeable advantage over the HMD Aura 2, minimizing lag and ensuring a responsive experience for everyday use.
❓ Is the HMD Aura 2 a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the HMD Aura 2 is a perfectly adequate choice for users who primarily need a phone for basic communication. Its simpler software and lower processing demands mean it will reliably handle calls and texts without issue. However, be prepared for slower performance if you attempt more demanding tasks.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the TCL 40 XL from 0%?
With 18W charging, the TCL 40 XL should fully charge in approximately 2-3 hours, depending on battery capacity. This is significantly faster than the HMD Aura 2’s 10W charging, which could take upwards of 4-5 hours.
