Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The TCL 30 SE and TCL 40 XL are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 40 XL edges out the 30 SE thanks to its slightly faster processor, improved camera capabilities, and a bit more charging power. While both are budget-friendly, the 40 XL provides a more polished and feature-rich experience overall.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APAC | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - USA |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - USA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 27 | 2023, February 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 20 | Available. Released 2023, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 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 + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 | Android 13, TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| | 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 | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (6165H/6165H1 only) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Atlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue | Dark Gray |
| Models | 6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S | T608M |
| Price | - | About 140 EUR |
TCL 30 SE
- Compact and lightweight design
- Decent battery life
- Affordable price
- Less powerful processor
- Basic camera system
- Slower charging
TCL 40 XL
- Larger display
- Slightly faster performance
- More versatile camera
- Faster charging
- Larger size may not be ideal for everyone
- Still a budget phone with limitations
Display Comparison
The TCL 40 XL boasts a larger 6.78-inch display compared to the 30 SE's 6.67-inch screen. Both utilize IPS LCD technology, offering decent color accuracy and viewing angles. However, the 40 XL's larger size makes it more immersive for media consumption. Resolution is likely similar (likely FHD+ for both), but the 40 XL's size gives it a slight advantage.
Camera Comparison
The TCL 40 XL generally has a more versatile camera system. While specific megapixel counts may be similar, the 40 XL often includes additional features like macro and depth sensors. Image processing is also likely improved on the 40 XL, resulting in better dynamic range and detail. Both phones offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but the 40 XL performs better in low light.
Performance
The Helio G37 in the TCL 40 XL offers a modest performance boost over the Helio G25 in the 30 SE. While neither chip is a powerhouse, the 40 XL's slightly higher clock speeds translate to smoother multitasking and slightly faster app loading times. Both phones are suitable for basic tasks, but demanding games will struggle on either device.
Battery Life
Both phones feature large batteries (likely around 5000mAh). The TCL 40 XL's 18W charging offers a slight advantage over the 30 SE's 15W charging, allowing for slightly faster top-ups. Battery life is expected to be comparable between the two, easily lasting a full day with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
The TCL 30 SE is a good choice for users prioritizing a compact design and basic functionality. The TCL 40 XL is better suited for those who want a larger display, a more capable camera, and a slightly more powerful processor for everyday tasks and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference in performance between the Helio G25 and Helio G37?
The Helio G37 offers a slight performance improvement over the G25, primarily due to higher clock speeds. This results in smoother multitasking and slightly faster app loading times, though neither chip is ideal for demanding games.
❓ Which phone has better camera quality?
The TCL 40 XL generally offers better camera quality due to its more versatile camera system and improved image processing. It performs better in low-light conditions and captures more detail.
