The Plum Ram 10 LTE and TCL 40 XL represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an accessible price, but they take different approaches. The Plum focuses on basic connectivity, while the TCL 40 XL attempts to offer a more robust multimedia experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device provides the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and occasional gaming, the TCL 40 XL is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G37 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Plum Ram 10 LTE’s Unisoc T107. While neither phone excels in any single area, the TCL 40 XL offers a more balanced experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - USA |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 17, 26, 41, 66 | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - USA |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 18 | 2023, February 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 18 | Available. Released 2023, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 133.4 x 64.4 x 15.8 mm (5.25 x 2.54 x 0.62 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 | 109 g (3.84 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Flashlight | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~20.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 256K colors | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T107 | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | - | Android 13, TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128MB, 48MB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 2 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 1.3 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio, built-in antenna | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | No | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS | - |
| Sensors | - | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 1700 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Black/Orange | Dark Gray |
| Models | - | T608M |
| Price | - | About 140 EUR |
Plum Ram 10 LTE
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful chipset
- Lower price point (likely)
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Significantly slower performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Basic camera system
TCL 40 XL
- Faster and more responsive performance
- 18W fast charging
- Better suited for multimedia consumption
- Potentially shorter battery life
- May be slightly more expensive
- Camera quality is still limited
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the lack of detailed display specs for the Plum Ram 10 LTE, we can assume it utilizes a basic IPS LCD panel. The TCL 40 XL, while also likely IPS LCD, benefits from a larger screen size. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO on either device suggests a focus on cost reduction. Color accuracy and peak brightness are likely similar, leaning towards the basic side, suitable for indoor use but potentially washed out in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, leaning towards basic functionality. Without detailed sensor information for the Plum Ram 10 LTE, it’s safe to assume a standard configuration. The TCL 40 XL likely features a primary sensor with a modest resolution. Both phones will likely struggle in low-light conditions, and image processing will be limited. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the TCL 40 XL is a common marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit due to its low resolution and fixed focus.
Performance
The TCL 40 XL’s Mediatek Helio G37 represents a significant advantage over the Plum Ram 10 LTE’s Unisoc T107. The Helio G37 is an octa-core processor built on a 12nm process, featuring a cluster of four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz. This contrasts with the Unisoc T107, which lacks core configuration details, suggesting a less powerful architecture. The Helio G37’s architecture allows for smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience, particularly noticeable when switching between apps or browsing the web. While neither chipset is designed for demanding games, the TCL 40 XL will handle less intensive titles with greater ease.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. The TCL 40 XL’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Plum Ram 10 LTE, which lacks charging speed specifications. While neither phone is expected to offer exceptional battery life, the faster charging on the TCL 40 XL will reduce downtime. A full charge on the TCL 40 XL will likely take around 2-3 hours, while the Plum Ram 10 LTE could take considerably longer.
Buying Guide
Buy the Plum Ram 10 LTE if you need a simple, reliable phone primarily for calls, texts, and light web browsing, and battery life is paramount. It’s ideal for users who prioritize affordability above all else. Buy the TCL 40 XL if you prefer a phone capable of handling more demanding tasks like social media, streaming video, and light gaming, and appreciate the convenience of faster charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio G37 in the TCL 40 XL capable of running popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G37 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it can run PUBG Mobile at lower settings (balanced graphics, medium frame rate). Expect occasional frame drops during intense action. The Plum Ram 10 LTE’s Unisoc T107 would struggle significantly with this title.
❓ How does the charging speed of the TCL 40 XL compare to other phones in this price range?
18W charging is relatively fast for phones under $150. Many competitors in this segment offer only 10W or 5W charging. This means the TCL 40 XL will recharge significantly faster, minimizing downtime.
❓ Does the Plum Ram 10 LTE support VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling?
Given its focus on basic connectivity, the Plum Ram 10 LTE likely supports VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling, but compatibility will depend on your carrier. It's crucial to check with your mobile provider to ensure these features are supported.
❓ What type of storage does the TCL 40 XL use, and is it expandable?
The TCL 40 XL likely uses eMMC storage, which is standard for this price range. It also features a dedicated microSD card slot, allowing you to expand the storage capacity to accommodate more photos, videos, and apps.
