TCL has become a significant player in the budget smartphone market, offering compelling features at attractive prices. The TCL 40 SE and 40R are two popular contenders, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specs, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 40R is the clear winner thanks to its significantly more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset. While the 40 SE offers decent value, the 40R's improved performance, especially in gaming and multitasking, makes it the better choice for most 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T610K | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - T771K, T771K1 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 38, 40, 66 - T610E, T610P | 7, 28, 66, 71, 78 SA/NSA - T771A |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 05 | 2022, October 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 04 | Available. Released 2022, October 21 |
| 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 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, TCL UI 5.0 | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (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), 1/2.76", 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 |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (T610K, T610K2, T610P, T610P2) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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 b/g/n |
| 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 | Stardust Purple, Starlight Black |
| Models | T610K | T771K, T771K1, T771H, T771A |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 240 EUR |
TCL 40 SE
- Larger Battery (5000mAh)
- Potentially slightly longer battery life in some scenarios
- Faster Charging (18W)
- Slower Performance (Helio G37)
- Less Efficient Chipset
- May feel sluggish with demanding apps
TCL 40R
- Faster Performance (Dimensity 700)
- More Efficient Chipset
- Better Gaming Experience
- Potentially better camera processing
- Smaller Battery (4500mAh)
- Slower Charging (15W)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch display, likely with similar resolutions (likely FHD+). However, the 40R might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its more modern chipset allowing for better display drivers. Expect similar viewing experiences overall, but the 40R could offer a marginally better visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup, with a primary sensor around 50MP. The 40R's more powerful chipset could lead to better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance. Expect similar camera hardware, but the 40R might produce slightly better results.
Performance
This is where the 40R shines. The Dimensity 700 (7nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G37 (12nm) in the 40 SE. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the 40R. The 40 SE will feel noticeably slower, especially with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The TCL 40 SE is advertised with a 5000mAh battery, while the 40R has a 4500mAh battery. However, battery life is heavily dependent on usage. The 40R's more efficient chipset *could* offset the smaller battery capacity, resulting in comparable or even slightly better battery life in some scenarios. The 40 SE's 18W charging is faster than the 40R's 15W.
Buying Guide
The TCL 40 SE is a good option for users prioritizing a slightly larger screen and potentially longer battery life (though real-world usage will vary). The TCL 40R is ideal for those who want a smoother, faster experience, especially if they plan on using their phone for gaming or demanding apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL 40R worth the extra money?
Yes, if performance is a priority. The Dimensity 700 offers a significant upgrade over the Helio G37, making the 40R a much smoother and more enjoyable device to use.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
On paper, the TCL 40 SE has a larger battery. However, the 40R's more efficient chipset could result in comparable or even slightly better real-world battery life.
