TCL 40 SE vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S: A Detailed Comparison

The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for your money. Two contenders vying for your attention are the TCL 40 SE and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. Both promise a solid experience, but which one truly delivers? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S edges out the TCL 40 SE thanks to its superior chipset, faster charging, and generally more refined software experience. While the TCL 40 SE offers a decent package, the Redmi Note 12S provides a better overall performance and value proposition.

PHONES
Phone Names	TCL 40 SE	Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S

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
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, March 06
Status	Available. Released 2023, April 04	Available. Released 2023, April 26

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)	159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in)
SIM	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	190 g (6.70 oz)	176 g (6.21 oz)

Display
Resolution	720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size	6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio)	6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ)	AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)	Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm)	Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
GPU	PowerVR GE8320	Mali-G57 MC2
OS	Android 13, TCL UI 5.0	Android 13, MIUI 14

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM	64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB 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	-
Triple	50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	-
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm	16 MP, f/2.4, (wide)
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1, A2DP, LE	5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared port	-	Yes
NFC	Yes (T610K, T610K2, T610P, T610P2)	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1), BDS (B1)
Radio	Unspecified	Stereo FM radio, recording
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

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	18W wired	33W wired
Type	Li-Po 5010 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Dark grey, Twilight purple	Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green
Models	T610K	2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L
Price	About 120 EUR	€ 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89

TCL 40 SE

Large Display
Long Battery Life
Affordable Price
Decent Camera

Slower Performance
Basic Design
Slower Charging
Less Refined Software

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S

Faster Performance
Faster Charging
Better Camera
Sleek Design
120Hz Display (often)

Slightly Higher Price
Battery life slightly less than TCL 40 SE in some tests

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.67-inch display, but the Redmi Note 12S often boasts a slightly higher refresh rate (typically 120Hz vs. 60Hz on the TCL 40 SE), resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. Color accuracy and brightness are generally comparable, though the Redmi Note 12S may have a slight edge in outdoor visibility.

Camera Comparison

The Redmi Note 12S typically features a higher resolution main camera (often 108MP vs. 50MP on the TCL 40 SE), allowing for more detailed photos. Both phones offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but the Redmi Note 12S generally produces better results in low light thanks to its more capable image processing. Video recording capabilities are also slightly better on the Redmi Note 12S.

Performance

This is where the Redmi Note 12S shines. The Helio G96 chipset is noticeably more powerful than the Helio G37 in the TCL 40 SE. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Redmi Note 12S. The TCL 40 SE is adequate for everyday tasks but struggles with more demanding applications.

Battery Life

The TCL 40 SE often has a larger battery capacity (typically 5000mAh) compared to the Redmi Note 12S (typically 5000mAh as well). However, the Redmi Note 12S's 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging times, making it more convenient to top up the battery.

Buying Guide

The TCL 40 SE is a good choice for users prioritizing a large display and extended battery life on a tight budget. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is ideal for those seeking a smoother performance, faster charging, and a slightly more premium feel without breaking the bank.