TCL 30 vs TCL 40 SE: A Head-to-Head Budget Battle

The TCL 30 and TCL 40 SE are both contenders in the competitive budget smartphone market. Offering affordability and essential features, they cater to users seeking value without breaking the bank. But which one truly delivers the best experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The TCL 40 SE edges out the TCL 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 budget-conscious buyers.

PHONES
Phone Names	TCL 30	TCL 40 SE

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 - T610K
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41	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
	-	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	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	· 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	64GB 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	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 (macro) Auxiliary lens	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	8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 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	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes, with dual speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers

Comms
Bluetooth	5.0, A2DP, LE	5.1, A2DP, LE
NFC	Yes	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	Li-Po 5010 mAh

Misc
Colors	Tech Black, Muse Blue	Dark grey, Twilight purple
Models	T676H	T610K
Price	About 200 EUR	About 120 EUR

TCL 30

Compact design
Potentially lower price (depending on retailer)
Decent battery life

Less versatile camera
Smaller display
May feel slightly dated

TCL 40 SE

Larger display
More versatile camera system
Modern design
Often better value for money

Slightly larger size may not suit everyone
Performance is still budget-level

Display Comparison

The TCL 40 SE boasts a larger 6.6-inch display compared to the TCL 30's 6.53-inch screen. Both utilize an IPS LCD panel, but the 40 SE's larger size provides a more immersive viewing experience, especially for media consumption. Resolution is likely similar (likely 720+ HD) on both, so pixel density differences will be minimal.

Camera Comparison

The TCL 40 SE generally offers a more versatile camera setup. While both likely feature a primary sensor, the 40 SE often includes additional lenses (macro, depth) for expanded photographic options. Image quality will be comparable in good lighting conditions, but the 40 SE's extra lenses provide more creative flexibility. Both will struggle in low light.

Performance

Both phones utilize the Mediatek Helio G37 chipset, meaning performance will be very similar. Expect adequate performance for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect flagship-level speeds or the ability to handle demanding games at high settings. RAM configurations likely vary, which could impact multitasking performance.

Battery Life

Both phones feature a 5000mAh battery, suggesting similar battery life. Expect a full day of moderate use on either device. Charging speeds are identical at 18W wired, so charging times will be comparable.

Buying Guide

The TCL 30 is a good option for users prioritizing a compact design and a slightly lower price point (if available at a significant discount). 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.