Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely compromise on features? TCL's 30 XL and 40 XL are both contenders in the budget space, offering large displays and decent battery life. But which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 40 XL edges out the 30 XL thanks to its slightly more powerful processor and improved CPU clock speeds. While both offer similar battery life and charging speeds, the 40 XL's performance boost makes it the preferable choice for smoother multitasking and gaming, especially considering the similar price points.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - USA |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - USA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 01 | 2023, February 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 01 | Available. Released 2023, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 172.2 x 77 x 9.1 mm (6.78 x 3.03 x 0.36 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 | 204.4 g (7.20 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | 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 MT6762V Helio A25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI 3.0 | Android 13, TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 50 MP, f/1.9, 29mm (wide), PDAF
5 MP, 17mm, 115˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue | Dark Gray |
| Models | T671G | T608M |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 140 EUR |
TCL 30 XL
- Large display
- Long battery life
- Affordable price
- Slower performance
- Basic camera
- Older chipset
TCL 40 XL
- Improved performance over 30 XL
- Large display
- Long battery life
- Slightly newer chipset
- Still a budget phone
- Camera not exceptional
- 18W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.67-inch displays, likely with similar resolutions (likely FHD+). Expect vibrant colors and decent viewing angles, though brightness might be average. The 40 XL *may* have slightly improved color accuracy, but this is difficult to confirm without detailed testing.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, with both phones featuring a multi-lens setup including a main sensor, ultrawide, and potentially a macro lens. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. The 40 XL *might* have slightly improved image processing due to its newer chipset, resulting in marginally better photos in certain conditions.
Performance
The key difference lies in the chipset. The TCL 40 XL's Helio G37 offers a slight performance advantage over the 30 XL's Helio A25. This translates to snappier app loading, smoother scrolling, and potentially better gaming performance. Don't expect flagship-level speeds, but the 40 XL will feel more responsive.
Battery Life
Both phones boast large 5000mAh batteries, suggesting comparable battery life. Expect all-day usage with moderate use. 18W wired charging is standard on both, offering reasonable charging speeds.
Buying Guide
The TCL 30 XL is a good option for users prioritizing a large screen and long battery life on a very tight budget. The TCL 40 XL is ideal for those who want a bit more performance for everyday tasks and occasional gaming without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL 40 XL worth the upgrade from the TCL 30 XL?
Yes, the slight performance boost from the Helio G37 chipset makes the TCL 40 XL a worthwhile upgrade, especially if you use your phone for more than just basic tasks.
❓ What is the camera quality like on these phones?
Both phones offer decent camera quality for their price range, but don't expect flagship-level performance. The TCL 40 XL *may* have slightly better image processing.
