Looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The TCL 20 5G and TCL 40R are both contenders, offering 5G connectivity and a range of features at an affordable price. But which one comes out on top? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 40R edges out the TCL 20 5G thanks to its more efficient Dimensity 700 chipset, slightly better display, and longer software support commitment. While the 20 5G offers faster charging, the 40R provides a more well-rounded and future-proof experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - T771K, T771K1 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | 7, 28, 66, 71, 78 SA/NSA - T771A |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 30. Released 2020, December 07 | 2022, October 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, October 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 166.2 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.54 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) | 164.5 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 206 g (7.27 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, HDR10, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 560 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 560 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6350 Snapdragon 690 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619L | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, TCL UI | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC4 | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mist Gray, Placid Blue | Stardust Purple, Starlight Black |
| Models | T781, T781K, T781H | T771K, T771K1, T771H, T771A |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 240 EUR |
TCL 20 5G
- Faster Charging (18W)
- 5G Connectivity
- Decent Main Camera
- Lower Resolution Display
- Less Efficient Chipset
- Shorter Software Support
TCL 40R
- Better Performance (Dimensity 700)
- Higher Resolution Display
- Longer Battery Life
- Longer Software Support
- Slower Charging (15W)
- Plastic Build Quality
Display Comparison
Both phones feature LCD displays, but the TCL 40R boasts a slightly higher resolution (1080 x 2400 vs 720 x 1600 on the 20 5G) and potentially better color accuracy. The 40R's display also tends to be brighter, offering better visibility in sunlight. While both are LCDs, the 40R's improvements are noticeable.
Camera Comparison
The TCL 20 5G typically features a 48MP main camera, while the TCL 40R often has a 50MP main camera. While megapixels aren't everything, the 40R's camera often produces slightly more detailed and vibrant images, especially in good lighting conditions. Both phones offer decent camera performance for their price range, but the 40R has a slight edge.
Performance
The Mediatek Dimensity 700 in the TCL 40R is generally more efficient and offers better performance than the Snapdragon 690 5G in the TCL 20 5G. The Cortex-A76 cores in the Dimensity 700 provide a noticeable boost in responsiveness and multitasking capabilities. Expect smoother app loading and gaming on the 40R.
Battery Life
The TCL 40R generally has a larger battery capacity (5000mAh vs 4000mAh in the 20 5G) and, coupled with the more efficient Dimensity 700 chipset, provides longer battery life. Expect to get through a full day of moderate use on the 40R without needing to recharge.
Buying Guide
The TCL 20 5G is a good choice for users prioritizing 5G connectivity and faster charging speeds above all else. The TCL 40R is ideal for those seeking a smoother overall experience, a slightly better display, and a longer software update lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better 5G performance?
Both phones support 5G, but real-world performance will depend on network availability and carrier support. The Snapdragon 690 in the TCL 20 5G is a slightly older modem, so the 40R's Dimensity 700 might offer marginally better 5G efficiency.
❓ How long will TCL support these phones with software updates?
TCL has committed to longer software support for the TCL 40R, typically offering more Android updates and security patches compared to the TCL 20 5G.
