TCL 40 X vs Google Pixel 7a: A Head-to-Head Showdown

The smartphone market is overflowing with options, making it tough to choose. Today, we're pitting the budget-friendly TCL 40 X against the mid-range powerhouse, the Google Pixel 7a. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which device deserves your hard-earned cash.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Google Pixel 7a is the clear winner, offering superior performance, a class-leading camera, and a smoother software experience. While the TCL 40 X provides decent value, the Pixel 7a's overall package justifies its higher price tag, especially for photography enthusiasts.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL 40 X Google Pixel 7a
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - USAHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - USA1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 - GWKK3, G0DZQ
5G bands2, 5, 66, 77 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GHL1X, G82U8
Launch
Announced2023, February 262023, May 10
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, JuneAvailable. Released 2023, May 10
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions164.5 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.35 in)152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight195 g (6.88 oz)193.5 g (6.84 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzOLED, HDR, 90Hz
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G710 MP7
OSAndroid 13, TCL UIAndroid 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCNo
Internal64GB 4GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual-64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, (wide)-
Triple50 MP, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, (wide)13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer (USA only)Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging18W wired18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless
TypeLi-Ion 5000 mAhLi-Po 4385 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackCharcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral
ModelsT609MGWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8
PriceAbout 190 EUR€ 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980

TCL 40 X

  • Affordable price
  • Large display
  • Decent battery life
  • Expandable storage (likely via microSD)

  • Lower performance
  • Mediocre camera
  • Less premium build quality
  • Slower charging (no wireless)

Google Pixel 7a

  • Excellent camera
  • Smooth performance
  • Guaranteed software updates
  • Bright and vibrant display
  • Wireless charging

  • Higher price
  • Slower charging than some competitors
  • No expandable storage

Display Comparison

The Pixel 7a boasts a significantly brighter display (1070 nits peak) compared to the TCL 40 X, offering better visibility in sunlight. While both have FHD+ resolution, the Pixel 7a's color accuracy and overall visual quality are noticeably superior. The TCL 40 X may offer a slightly larger screen, but the Pixel 7a's display is the clear winner.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 7a's camera is a standout feature, renowned for its exceptional image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. Google's computational photography algorithms produce stunning results. The TCL 40 X's camera is adequate for casual snapshots, but it can't compete with the Pixel 7a's capabilities. The Pixel 7a also offers video recording advantages.

Performance

Google's Tensor G2 chipset in the Pixel 7a delivers a substantial performance advantage over the TCL 40 X's Dimensity 700. The Pixel 7a handles demanding apps and games with ease, while the TCL 40 X may exhibit some lag. The Tensor G2's AI capabilities also enhance features like photography and voice assistance.

Battery Life

The Pixel 7a's endurance rating of 76h suggests excellent battery life, likely outperforming the TCL 40 X despite similar battery capacities. While both support 18W wired charging, the Pixel 7a adds the convenience of 7.5W wireless charging, a feature absent in the TCL 40 X.

Buying Guide

The TCL 40 X is ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize affordability and a large display. The Google Pixel 7a is perfect for those seeking a premium camera, smooth performance, and guaranteed software updates, even if it means spending a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the TCL 40 X a good phone for gaming?
The TCL 40 X can handle basic games, but demanding titles may experience lag due to its less powerful chipset. The Pixel 7a is a much better choice for gamers.
❓ How long will the Google Pixel 7a receive software updates?
Google guarantees at least 3 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates for the Pixel 7a.