TCL has become a significant player in the budget smartphone market, offering compelling features at affordable prices. The TCL 40 SE and 40 XL are two popular contenders, but what are the key differences? This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 40 XL generally edges out the 40 SE due to its larger display and battery. While both share the same processor, the XL's bigger size allows for a larger battery, offering extended usage. If screen real estate and battery life are priorities, the XL is the better choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - T610K | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - USA |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T610K | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - USA |
| 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 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 04 | Available. Released 2023, May |
| 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) | 167.9 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm (6.61 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| 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 MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 13, TCL UI 5.0 | Android 13, TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB 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 | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, (wide), 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, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (T610K, T610K2, T610P, T610P2) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5010 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark grey, Twilight purple | Dark Gray |
| Models | T610K | T608M |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 140 EUR |
TCL 40 SE
- More compact and pocketable
- Decent display quality
- Affordable price
- Smaller battery
- Performance can be sluggish with demanding apps
- Camera performance is average
TCL 40 XL
- Larger display for immersive viewing
- Longer battery life
- Good value for money
- Larger size may be unwieldy for some
- Performance is similar to the SE
- Camera performance is average
Display Comparison
The TCL 40 XL boasts a significantly larger 6.78-inch display compared to the 40 SE's 6.6-inch screen. Both utilize an IPS LCD panel, offering decent color accuracy and viewing angles. The XL's larger size makes it better for watching videos and playing games, while the SE is more pocketable.
Camera Comparison
The TCL 40 SE and 40 XL feature similar camera setups, typically including a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. Image quality is acceptable in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. The XL's slightly larger size *might* allow for marginally better image stabilization due to a larger physical space for components.
Performance
Both phones utilize the Mediatek Helio G37 chipset, meaning performance will be largely similar. Expect adequate performance for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect flagship-level speeds; these are budget devices.
Battery Life
This is where the TCL 40 XL truly shines. It packs a larger 5000mAh battery compared to the 40 SE's 4500mAh battery. This translates to noticeably longer battery life, easily lasting a full day of moderate to heavy use. The 40 SE will likely require charging before the end of the day for heavier users.
Buying Guide
The TCL 40 SE is ideal for users who prioritize a more compact phone and don't need the absolute longest battery life. The TCL 40 XL is a better fit for those who enjoy larger screens for media consumption and gaming, and who value extended battery performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference in screen size between the TCL 40 SE and 40 XL?
The TCL 40 XL has a 6.78-inch display, while the TCL 40 SE has a 6.6-inch display. This is a noticeable difference, with the XL offering a more immersive viewing experience.
❓ Do both phones have the same processor?
Yes, both the TCL 40 SE and 40 XL utilize the Mediatek Helio G37 chipset, resulting in similar performance levels.
