Looking for a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank? The TCL 40 SE and Xiaomi Redmi 12C are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one reigns supreme? This detailed comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C edges out the TCL 40 SE thanks to its significantly faster Helio G85 chipset, offering a smoother overall experience. While the TCL 40 SE has slightly faster charging, the Redmi 12C's performance advantage makes it the better pick 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 38, 40, 66 - T610E, T610P | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 05 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 04 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | 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) | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| 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 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| 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) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, TCL UI 5.0 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| 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/2.2, (wide) |
| 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, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (T610K, T610K2, T610P, T610P2) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5010 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark grey, Twilight purple | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | T610K | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 120 EUR | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 |
| SAR | - | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
TCL 40 SE
- Faster charging (18W)
- Potentially slightly better display panel
- Decent battery life
- Slower processor (Helio G37)
- Less responsive performance
- Limited camera features
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Faster processor (Helio G85)
- Smoother performance
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Good value for money
- Slower charging (10W)
- Basic camera features
- HD+ display resolution
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.7-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. While the TCL 40 SE *might* have a slightly better panel (potentially brighter and with more accurate colors, though this varies by unit), the difference is unlikely to be substantial for most users. Expect similar viewing experiences for everyday tasks.
Camera Comparison
The TCL 40 SE typically features a 50MP main camera, while the Redmi 12C also has a 50MP main camera. Image quality is generally comparable, with both phones producing decent results in good lighting. Low-light performance is likely to be similar, with noticeable noise. Both lack advanced camera features.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 12C shines. The Helio G85 chipset is a noticeable upgrade over the Helio G37 in the TCL 40 SE. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and a more responsive feel. The G37 is adequate for basic tasks, but struggles with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones have a large 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life. However, the TCL 40 SE supports 18W charging, while the Redmi 12C is limited to 10W. This means the TCL 40 SE will charge faster, but the Redmi 12C's larger battery capacity might offset this slightly in real-world usage.
Buying Guide
The TCL 40 SE is ideal for users prioritizing slightly faster charging and a potentially better display (depending on specific panel variations). The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is the better choice for those who value performance and a smoother user experience, especially for multitasking and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G85 chipset. The TCL 40 SE will struggle with more demanding games.
❓ Does the TCL 40 SE have NFC?
Yes, the TCL 40 SE typically includes NFC for contactless payments. Check the specific model variant for confirmation.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Xiaomi generally provides better software updates and longer support for their devices, although both are budget phones and updates may be limited.
