Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The TCL 40 X and TCL 20 SE are both contenders in the budget market, offering a range of features at attractive price points. But which one is the better choice for you?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 40 X generally edges out the 20 SE thanks to its significantly more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset, offering a smoother experience for everyday tasks and gaming. While the 20 SE remains a solid budget option, the 40 X provides better overall performance and future-proofing.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - USA | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA, SEA, APAC |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - USA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA, SEA, APAC |
| 5G bands | 2, 5, 66, 77 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2021, January 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June | Available. Released 2021, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 172.1 x 77.1 x 9.1 mm (6.78 x 3.04 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 13, TCL UI | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 (128GB only) |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 16 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens
2 MP (macro)
or
48 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens
2 MP (macro) |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
or
13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with dual speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer (USA only) | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Aurora Green, Nuit Black |
| Models | T609M | T671H, T671F, T671O, T671E |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 150 EUR |
TCL 40 X
- More powerful chipset (Dimensity 700)
- Potentially better camera
- Slightly improved display
- Better future-proofing
- May be slightly more expensive
- Design might be less appealing to some
TCL 20 SE
- More affordable
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Decent battery life
- Slower performance (Snapdragon 460)
- Less versatile camera
- May feel sluggish with demanding apps
Display Comparison
Both phones feature LCD displays, but the TCL 40 X likely has slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its newer generation. The 20 SE's display is perfectly adequate for everyday use, but the 40 X offers a marginally improved viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer decent camera systems for their price range, the TCL 40 X likely has a more versatile setup with potentially better low-light performance. Both phones likely feature a main sensor around 13-50MP, and a depth sensor. The 40 X may have an ultrawide lens.
Performance
This is where the TCL 40 X shines. The Dimensity 700 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 460. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the 40 X. The 20 SE can feel sluggish at times, especially with multiple apps open.
Battery Life
Both phones offer similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh) and charging speeds (18W). Expect all-day battery life from either device with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
The TCL 40 X is ideal for users who prioritize performance and want a phone capable of handling more demanding apps and games. The TCL 20 SE is a good choice for those on a tighter budget who primarily need a reliable phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL 40 X worth the extra money?
If performance is a priority, then yes. The Dimensity 700 offers a significant upgrade over the Snapdragon 460, making the 40 X a more future-proof choice.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones offer similar battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage.
❓ Can the TCL 20 SE handle gaming?
It can handle basic games, but don't expect smooth performance with graphically intensive titles. The TCL 40 X is a better option for gamers.
