The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the TCL 40 SE and Samsung Galaxy A14 are two strong contenders vying for your attention. Both offer compelling features at affordable prices, but which one truly delivers the best value? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A14 generally edges out the TCL 40 SE thanks to its more powerful chipset (especially the Exynos version), slightly better camera performance, and the Samsung brand reputation. However, the TCL 40 SE offers a competitive price and a decent overall experience for budget-conscious users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - T610K | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T610K | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 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, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 04 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| 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) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| 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) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, TCL UI 5.0 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (T610K, T610K2, T610P, T610P2) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5010 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark grey, Twilight purple | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | T610K | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | About 120 EUR | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
TCL 40 SE
- Very affordable
- Large display
- Decent battery life
- Expandable storage (microSD card slot)
- Less powerful chipset
- Mediocre camera performance
- Plastic build quality
- Slower charging
Samsung Galaxy A14
- More powerful chipset (especially Exynos version)
- Better camera system
- Samsung brand reputation
- Software updates
- Slightly better display
- Slower charging (15W)
- Can be slightly more expensive than TCL 40 SE
- Plastic build quality
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, but the Galaxy A14 typically has a slightly higher resolution and potentially better color accuracy. The TCL 40 SE often boasts a larger screen size, which can be beneficial for media consumption. Expect both to be LCD panels, not OLED.
Camera Comparison
The Galaxy A14 generally offers a more versatile camera system with potentially better image processing. While both phones have multiple lenses, the A14's main sensor and software optimization often result in superior photo quality, especially in low light. Expect the A14 to have better video recording capabilities as well.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A14, particularly the Exynos 850 version, holds a significant advantage in performance. The Helio G80 is noticeably faster than the Helio G37, resulting in smoother multitasking and gaming. The AExynos version's Cortex-A75 cores provide a boost for demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Battery life is generally comparable between the two, with both offering all-day usage for moderate users. The TCL 40 SE might have a slightly larger battery capacity, but the Galaxy A14's more efficient chipset can offset this difference.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the TCL 40 SE? Users prioritizing a very budget-friendly option and a larger screen might find the TCL 40 SE appealing. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A14? Those seeking a more reliable performance, a slightly better camera, and the Samsung ecosystem should opt for the Galaxy A14.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Samsung Galaxy A14, particularly the Exynos 850 version, offers significantly better gaming performance due to its more powerful chipset.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A14 get software updates for longer?
Yes, Samsung generally provides longer software update support for its Galaxy A series devices compared to TCL.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either phone?
Yes, both the TCL 40 SE and Samsung Galaxy A14 support expandable storage via a microSD card slot.
❓ Which phone has faster charging?
The TCL 40 SE has slightly faster charging at 18W compared to the Galaxy A14's 15W.
