The TCL 40 series offers compelling budget-friendly smartphones, but choosing between the 40 X and 40 SE can be tricky. Both devices aim to deliver value, but they differ significantly under the hood. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 40 X is the clear winner thanks to its significantly more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset. While the 40 SE offers a more affordable entry point, the 40 X's superior performance makes it the better choice for most users seeking a smooth and responsive experience.
| 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 - T610K |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - USA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T610K |
| 5G bands | 2, 5, 66, 77 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 38, 40, 66 - T610E, T610P |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2023, January 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June | Available. Released 2023, April 04 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 167.9 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm (6.61 x 3.01 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 13, TCL UI | Android 13, TCL UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (T610K, T610K2, T610P, T610P2) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer (USA only) | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5010 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Dark grey, Twilight purple |
| Models | T609M | T610K |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 120 EUR |
TCL 40 X
- Significantly faster performance
- Better camera image processing
- Potentially better display quality
- More efficient chipset
- Likely slightly more expensive than the 40 SE
- May have slightly less RAM/storage depending on configuration
TCL 40 SE
- More affordable
- Decent battery life
- Suitable for basic tasks
- Slow performance
- Subpar camera quality
- Laggy user experience
- Less future-proof
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) and resolution (likely FHD+). However, the 40 X might have slightly better color accuracy or brightness due to its higher-tier chipset allowing for better display drivers. Expect similar viewing experiences overall, with both offering adequate clarity for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely have similar megapixel counts for their main cameras (likely around 50MP), the 40 X's more powerful chipset will likely result in better image processing and overall photo quality. Expect improved dynamic range, noise reduction, and faster autofocus on the 40 X. Video recording capabilities will also likely be superior on the 40 X.
Performance
This is where the 40 X shines. The Dimensity 700 is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G37. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the 40 X. The 40 SE will feel sluggish by comparison, especially when handling demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh). However, the 40 X's more efficient chipset might lead to slightly better battery life in real-world usage, despite its higher performance. Both should comfortably last a full day on a single charge.
Buying Guide
The TCL 40 X is ideal for users who prioritize performance and want a smoother experience for gaming, multitasking, and general use. The TCL 40 SE is a good option for those on a very tight budget who primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL 40 X worth the extra money?
Yes, if performance is a priority. The Dimensity 700 offers a significant upgrade over the Helio G37, making the 40 X a much more enjoyable device to use.
❓ Can the TCL 40 SE handle gaming?
It can handle very basic games, but don't expect a smooth experience with demanding titles. The Helio G37 struggles with graphically intensive games.
