TCL 40 SE vs Motorola Moto G53: The Ultimate Budget Battle
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Motorola Moto G53 edges out the TCL 40 SE thanks to its superior chipset, brighter display, and 5G connectivity. While the TCL offers a slightly larger screen, the G53's performance and display quality make it the better value for most users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL 40 SE | Motorola Moto G53 |
| 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 - EMEA & AP, China |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T610K | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42 - EMEA & AP |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - EMEA & AP |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 38, 40, 66 - T610E, T610P | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA - China | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 05 | 2022, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 04 | Available. Released 2022, December 15 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| 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 + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 183 g (6.46 oz) |
| - | Water-resistant design | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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, 120Hz |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 13, TCL UI 5.0 | Android 13, planned upgrade to Android 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | - | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8 (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) |
| 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 | - |
| 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 or 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm |
| 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, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio (market/region dependent) |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired (China, LATAM) 10W wired (International) Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5010 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Dark grey, Twilight purple | Ink Blue, Arctic Silver, Pale Pink |
| Models | T610K | XT2335-2 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | $ 295.00 / £ 143.15 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 123h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: 1746:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - | -26.0 LUFS (Very good) |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 314195 (v9) GeekBench: 1594 (v5.1), 1797 (v6.0) GFXBench: 29fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
TCL 40 SE
- Larger Display
- Potentially better audio (general TCL reputation)
- Slightly more affordable (potentially)
- Slower Processor
- No 5G
- Older Chipset Technology
Motorola Moto G53
- Faster Processor (Snapdragon 480+ 5G)
- 5G Connectivity
- Brighter Display
- Reverse Wired Charging
- Smaller Display
- Potentially less impressive audio (compared to TCL)
Display Comparison
The Motorola Moto G53 boasts a significantly brighter display at 599 nits (measured) compared to the TCL 40 SE, offering better visibility in sunlight. Both have a high contrast ratio of 1746:1, ensuring deep blacks and vibrant colors. The TCL 40 SE has a slightly larger screen, which may be preferable for media consumption, but the G53's brightness is a key advantage.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is generally comparable between these devices, both offering decent image quality in good lighting conditions. However, the Moto G53's newer processor may allow for slightly better image processing and low-light performance. Specific camera specs are not detailed, so real-world testing is needed for a definitive verdict.
Performance
The Snapdragon 480+ 5G in the Moto G53 is a clear winner here. Its 8nm process and more modern architecture provide noticeably better performance than the Helio G37 in the TCL 40 SE. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the Moto G53. The G53 also supports 5G, a feature absent in the TCL 40 SE.
Battery Life
Both phones offer excellent battery life, with the Moto G53 achieving an impressive endurance rating of 123 hours. The TCL 40 SE's battery capacity is likely similar, suggesting comparable real-world usage. Charging speeds are identical at 18W wired, though the Moto G53 also offers reverse wired charging, a useful addition.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the TCL 40 SE? Users prioritizing a larger display and potentially slightly better audio (based on general TCL audio quality) might lean towards the TCL 40 SE. Who should buy the Motorola Moto G53? Those seeking a faster processor, 5G connectivity, and a brighter, more vibrant display will find the Moto G53 a more compelling choice.