The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for your money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the TCL 40 SE and the vivo iQOO Z7i. Both promise a lot, but which one delivers the best overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo iQOO Z7i takes the crown thanks to its significantly more powerful Dimensity 6020 chipset and more efficient 7nm process. While the TCL 40 SE offers a decent experience, the iQOO Z7i's performance advantage 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T610K | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 38, 40, 66 - T610E, T610P | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 05 | 2023, March 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 04 | Available. Released 2023, March 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) | 164.1 x 75.6 x 8.2 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 186 (6.56 oz) |
| 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) | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| 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 6020 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, TCL UI 5.0 | Android 13, OriginOS Ocean |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 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 | 5 MP, f/1.8, (wide) |
| 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 | 5 MP, f/1.8, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes (T610K, T610K2, T610P, T610P2) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C, 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, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5010 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark grey, Twilight purple | Black, Blue |
| Models | T610K | V2230EA |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 130 EUR |
TCL 40 SE
- Potentially more versatile camera system
- Larger screen (likely)
- Decent value for the price
- Weaker chipset
- Less efficient processor
- Slower charging (marginally)
vivo iQOO Z7i
- Significantly faster processor
- More efficient chipset (better battery life)
- Modern 7nm process
- Slower charging speed
- Potentially less versatile camera system
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, likely around 6.6-6.7 inches. The TCL 40 SE might have a slightly higher resolution (likely FHD+), but the iQOO Z7i's display could benefit from vivo's display tuning. Expect similar viewing experiences overall, with the iQOO Z7i potentially having slightly better color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
The TCL 40 SE likely features a more versatile camera setup with potentially more lenses (e.g., ultrawide, macro). However, the iQOO Z7i's Dimensity 6020 chipset often provides better image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in slightly better image quality, especially in low light. Expect both to offer decent camera performance for the price.
Performance
This is where the iQOO Z7i shines. The Dimensity 6020's 7nm process and Cortex-A76 cores offer a substantial performance boost over the TCL 40 SE's Helio G37 and 12nm process. Expect smoother app loading, better gaming performance, and overall snappier responsiveness on the iQOO Z7i.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have large batteries (5000mAh or greater). However, the iQOO Z7i's more efficient chipset should translate to better battery life despite the slower charging speed. The TCL 40 SE's 18W charging is slightly faster than the iQOO Z7i's 15W.
Buying Guide
The TCL 40 SE is a good option for users prioritizing a larger screen and potentially a slightly better camera experience (though this is marginal) on a very tight budget. The vivo iQOO Z7i is ideal for those who value performance and smooth multitasking, even within the budget segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The vivo iQOO Z7i is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful chipset and efficient processor.
❓ Does the TCL 40 SE have expandable storage?
Yes, the TCL 40 SE typically offers a microSD card slot for expandable storage, a feature that may or may not be present on the iQOO Z7i.
