The Nokia G310 and TCL 40 XL represent compelling options in the sub-$200 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving this. The Nokia leverages Qualcomm's 5G capabilities, while the TCL opts for a MediaTek chipset, creating a key divergence in performance and efficiency.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing 5G connectivity and sustained performance, the Nokia G310 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 480+ 5G chipset, built on a more efficient 8nm process, offers a noticeable advantage over the TCL 40 XL’s Helio G37, despite the TCL’s slightly higher clocked CPU cores.
| 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 | LTE | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - USA |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, August 16 | 2023, February 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, August 24 | Available. Released 2023, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.7 x 8.6 mm (6.5 x 2.98 x 0.34 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 | 195.1 g (6.88 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13, TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5) | GPS |
| Radio | No | 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 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 | 20W wired, PD, QC | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue | Dark Gray |
| Models | - | T608M |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 140 EUR |
Nokia G310
- 5G Connectivity for faster data speeds
- More efficient Snapdragon 480+ chipset
- Faster and more versatile charging (20W, PD, QC)
- Potentially higher price point
- May have less RAM than the TCL 40 XL (spec not provided)
TCL 40 XL
- Potentially lower upfront cost
- Higher CPU clock speeds (on paper)
- Likely larger display size (implied by 'XL')
- Less efficient Helio G37 chipset
- Slower 18W charging
- Lacks 5G connectivity
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifications are missing for both, but given the price point, expect 720p+ LCD panels. The TCL 40 XL’s larger size (implied by the 'XL' designation) likely translates to a larger screen, potentially beneficial for media consumption. However, without knowing the peak brightness or color gamut coverage, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. Expect both to be adequate for everyday use but lacking in vibrancy and sharpness compared to higher-end displays.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Snapdragon 480+ typically supports more advanced image signal processors (ISPs) than the Helio G37, potentially leading to better image processing and low-light performance on the Nokia G310. It’s reasonable to assume both phones will feature a primary camera and potentially depth/macro sensors, but image quality will heavily depend on sensor size and software optimization, data not provided. We can expect the TCL to lean into software enhancements to compensate for the less powerful ISP.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia G310’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm) is a significant advantage over the TCL 40 XL’s MediaTek Helio G37 (12nm). The 8nm process node inherently provides better power efficiency, meaning the Nokia is likely to run cooler and experience less performance throttling under sustained load. While the TCL’s CPU boasts higher clock speeds (2.3 GHz vs 2.2 GHz), the Snapdragon’s Kryo 460 cores, combined with its integrated 5G modem, offer a more balanced and future-proof experience. The Snapdragon’s architecture is also more modern, leading to better instructions-per-clock (IPC) performance.
Battery Life
The Nokia G310 supports 20W wired charging with Power Delivery (PD) and Quick Charge (QC) compatibility, offering greater flexibility and potentially faster charging speeds with compatible chargers. The TCL 40 XL is limited to 18W wired charging. While battery capacity is unknown for both, the Snapdragon 480+’s superior efficiency suggests the Nokia G310 will likely deliver comparable or better battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery capacity. The inclusion of PD and QC on the Nokia also provides future-proofing and wider charger compatibility.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia G310 if you need reliable 5G access for streaming, video calls, or mobile hotspotting, and value a chipset designed for sustained workloads. Buy the TCL 40 XL if you prioritize a potentially slightly snappier experience in basic tasks and are less concerned with 5G or demanding applications, and prefer a potentially lower upfront cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia G310's 5G actually make a difference in my daily use?
If you live in an area with good 5G coverage and frequently stream video, download large files, or participate in video calls, the Nokia G310's 5G connectivity will provide a noticeable improvement in speed and responsiveness. However, if 5G is unavailable or you primarily use Wi-Fi, the benefit will be minimal.
❓ Is the Helio G37 in the TCL 40 XL powerful enough for casual gaming?
The Helio G37 can handle casual gaming titles, but it will likely struggle with more demanding games at higher settings. Expect lower frame rates and potential stuttering in graphically intensive games. The Snapdragon 480+ in the Nokia G310 offers a more consistent gaming experience, though neither phone is a dedicated gaming device.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone?
With their respective chargers, the Nokia G310 (20W) will likely charge from 0-100% in around 1.5-2 hours, while the TCL 40 XL (18W) will take closer to 2-2.5 hours. However, using a compatible PD charger with the Nokia G310 could significantly reduce charging times.
