TCL 40 SE vs TCL 30+: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 40 SE edges out the 30+ due to slightly improved software features and potentially a more modern design. While both share the same core chipset, the 40 SE's refinements make it a better overall value for most users seeking an affordable and reliable smartphone.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL 40 SE | TCL 30+ |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - T610K | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APAC |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T610K | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 38, 40, 66 - T610E, T610P | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 - LATAM | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 05 | 2022, February 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 04 | Available. Released 2022, April 20 |
| 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) | 164.5 x 75.2 x 7.7 mm (6.48 x 2.96 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 184 g (6.49 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ) | AMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak) |
| 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 MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 13, TCL UI 5.0 | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB 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 | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (T610K, T610K2, T610P, T610P2) | Yes (T676K only) |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5010 mAh | Li-Po 5010 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Dark grey, Twilight purple | Tech Black, Muse Blue |
| Models | T610K | T676K, T676J |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 220 EUR |
TCL 40 SE
- Slightly more modern software
- Potentially improved design
- Good value for money
- Decent battery life
- Helio G37 chipset limits performance
- Camera performance is average
- 18W charging is slow
TCL 30+
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Large display for media consumption
- Affordable price
- Good battery life
- Older software version
- Camera performance is average
- 18W charging is slow
- Design may feel dated
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.67-inch IPS LCD display, likely with a resolution around 1080 x 2400 pixels. The TCL 40 SE may offer slightly improved color accuracy or brightness due to potential software optimizations or panel upgrades, though this is often subtle. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
The TCL 30+ typically features a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. The TCL 40 SE often boasts a 50MP main camera, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro lens. Image quality will be comparable, with both phones struggling in low-light conditions. Software processing will play a significant role in the final results.
Performance
Powered by the Mediatek Helio G37, both devices offer adequate performance for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect blazing-fast speeds or demanding gaming capabilities. The 40 SE might have slightly better thermal management due to potential design tweaks.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are identical at 18W wired, so expect similar charging times.
Buying Guide
The TCL 40 SE is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly more modern software experience and potentially a more refined design. The TCL 30+ is a great choice for those seeking a dependable budget phone with a focus on essential features and a familiar interface.