Google Pixel 7a vs TCL 40 SE: A Detailed Comparison of Performance, Camera, and Value
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 7a is the superior choice, offering significantly better performance, a more capable camera system, and a brighter display. However, the TCL 40 SE provides excellent value for those prioritizing affordability and basic smartphone functionality.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL 40 SE | Google Pixel 7a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - T610K | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T610K | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 - GWKK3, G0DZQ |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 38, 40, 66 - T610E, T610P | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GHL1X, G82U8 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 05 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 04 | Available. Released 2023, May 10 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 167.9 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm (6.61 x 3.01 x 0.33 in) | 152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 193.5 g (6.84 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ) | OLED, HDR, 90Hz |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
| OS | Android 13, TCL UI 5.0 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (T610K, T610K2, T610P, T610P2) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 5010 mAh | Li-Po 4385 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Dark grey, Twilight purple | Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral |
| Models | T610K | GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | € 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980 |
TCL 40 SE
- Superior performance with the Google Tensor G2 chip
- Exceptional camera quality and Google's image processing
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Higher price point
- May experience some thermal throttling under sustained load
Google Pixel 7a
- Significantly more affordable
- Decent battery life for basic usage
- Lightweight and portable
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
- Inferior camera quality compared to the Pixel 7a
Display Comparison
The Pixel 7a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1070 nits, compared to an assumed lower peak brightness on the TCL 40 SE (typical of its price bracket). This translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both likely utilize LCD panels, the Pixel 7a’s higher brightness and potentially better color calibration offer a more vibrant and enjoyable viewing experience. The TCL 40 SE’s display specifications are not provided, suggesting a focus on cost reduction rather than display quality.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 7a’s camera system is a clear differentiator. While specific sensor details aren’t provided, Google’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor G2, elevates image quality significantly. The Pixel 7a excels in low-light photography and offers features like Super Res Zoom. The TCL 40 SE’s camera specifications are not detailed enough to make a direct comparison, but its price point suggests a more basic camera experience focused on adequate performance in good lighting conditions. The absence of OIS on the TCL 40 SE will likely result in less stable videos and blurrier low-light photos.
Performance
The performance gap between these devices is substantial. The Google Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2, built on a 5nm process, features a tri-cluster configuration with high-performance Cortex-X1 cores, delivering a significant leap in CPU and GPU capabilities compared to the TCL 40 SE’s MediaTek Helio G37. The G37, fabricated on a 12nm node, relies on older Cortex-A53 cores, making it suitable for basic tasks but struggling with demanding applications and multitasking. The Tensor G2’s advanced AI processing also enables features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur, unavailable on the TCL 40 SE. The Pixel 7a’s likely use of faster LPDDR5x RAM further enhances its responsiveness.
Battery Life
The Pixel 7a has an endurance rating of 76 hours, indicating solid battery life despite not having a massive capacity. The TCL 40 SE’s battery capacity is unknown, but its less power-hungry chipset could potentially offer comparable longevity in light usage scenarios. Both devices support 18W wired charging, but the Pixel 7a adds the convenience of 7.5W wireless charging and PD3.0 support for faster wired charging with compatible adapters. The efficiency of the 5nm Tensor G2 likely contributes to the Pixel 7a’s respectable battery performance.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 40 SE if you need a reliable, affordable smartphone for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and aren't concerned with demanding gaming or advanced photography. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you prioritize camera quality, smooth performance for apps and multitasking, and access to Google's AI-powered features, even if it means spending more.