TCL 30+ vs TCL 40 SE: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 40 SE edges out the 30+ thanks to its slightly improved camera system, larger display, and often more competitive pricing. While both share the same core processor, the 40 SE's refinements make it the better overall choice for most users seeking a budget-friendly device.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL 30+ | TCL 40 SE |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM) | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APAC | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - T610K |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T610K |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 - LATAM | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 38, 40, 66 - T610E, T610P | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 27 | 2023, January 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 20 | Available. Released 2023, April 04 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.2 x 7.7 mm (6.48 x 2.96 x 0.30 in) | 167.9 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm (6.61 x 3.01 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 | Android 13, TCL UI 5.0 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (T676K only) | Yes (T610K, T610K2, T610P, T610P2) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5010 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5010 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Tech Black, Muse Blue | Dark grey, Twilight purple |
| Models | T676K, T676J | T610K |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 120 EUR |
TCL 30+
- Compact and lightweight design
- Generally more affordable
- Decent battery life
- Simpler camera system
- Slightly smaller display
- Performance can be sluggish with heavy multitasking
TCL 40 SE
- Larger display for immersive viewing
- More versatile camera system
- Modern design
- Often better value for money
- Slightly larger and heavier
- Performance is still limited by the chipset
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, but the TCL 40 SE typically boasts a slightly larger screen size (around 6.6 inches vs 6.5 inches on the 30+). Both use IPS LCD technology, offering decent color accuracy and viewing angles, but don't expect flagship-level brightness or vibrancy. Resolution is generally FHD+ on both.
Camera Comparison
The TCL 40 SE generally has a more versatile camera setup, often including a higher resolution main sensor and potentially additional lenses like a macro or depth sensor. The 30+ typically has a simpler dual-camera system. Image quality is decent in good lighting conditions on both, but low-light performance is limited.
Performance
Performance is largely identical. Both devices utilize the Mediatek Helio G37 chipset, which is adequate for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect to run demanding games at high settings. RAM configurations vary, so check specific models.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable on both devices, typically offering all-day usage with moderate use. Both have a capacity around 5000mAh and support 18W fast charging, though charging speeds in real-world use may vary.
Buying Guide
The TCL 30+ is a good option for users prioritizing a compact design and a slightly lower price point. The TCL 40 SE is ideal for those who want a larger screen, a more versatile camera, and a generally more modern feel, even within the budget category.