The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the TCL 40 SE and Motorola Moto G13 are two strong contenders vying for your attention. Both offer compelling features at affordable prices, but which one truly comes out on top? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Motorola Moto G13 edges out the TCL 40 SE thanks to its superior processor and slightly faster charging. While both are solid budget options, the G13's performance advantage makes it the more appealing choice for most users seeking a smooth and responsive experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - T610K | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T610K | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| 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 | 2023, January 05 | 2023, January 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 04 | Available. Released 2023, January 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 167.9 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm (6.61 x 3.01 x 0.33 in) | 162.7 x 74.7 x 8.2 mm (6.41 x 2.94 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 183.5 g (6.49 oz) |
| | - | Water-resistant design |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, TCL UI 5.0 | Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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 | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, 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, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (T610K, T610K2, T610P, T610P2) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 20W or 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5010 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark grey, Twilight purple | Matte Charcoal, Blue Lavender, Rose Gold |
| Models | T610K | - |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 160 EUR |
TCL 40 SE
- Large Display
- Potentially Longer Software Support
- Affordable Price
- Weaker Processor
- Slower Charging
- Less Vibrant Display
Motorola Moto G13
- Better Performance (Helio G85)
- Faster Charging (20W)
- Potentially Better Camera
- Software Updates Less Guaranteed
- Design May Be Less Appealing to Some
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.6-inch displays, but the Moto G13 likely has a slightly better panel with potentially more accurate colors and brightness. The TCL 40 SE's display is adequate, but may lack the vibrancy of the G13.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer multiple rear cameras, the Moto G13 likely has a more capable main sensor. Image quality in good lighting should be comparable, but the G13 may offer better low-light performance and more detailed photos. Both likely offer decent selfie cameras.
Performance
The Moto G13's Helio G85 chipset is significantly more powerful than the TCL 40 SE's Helio G37. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Moto G13. The TCL 40 SE will handle basic tasks fine, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones boast large batteries (likely around 5000mAh), offering all-day battery life. The Moto G13's 20W charging is slightly faster than the TCL 40 SE's 18W, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The TCL 40 SE is a good choice for users prioritizing a large display and potentially longer software support (TCL often promises extended updates). The Motorola Moto G13 is ideal for those who value performance and a smoother user experience, especially for gaming or multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Motorola Moto G13 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G85 chipset.
❓ How long will the battery last on each phone?
Both phones offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. Expect around 8-10 hours of screen-on time.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
TCL often promises longer software support, but Motorola's near-stock Android experience is a plus for many users.
