TCL has become a significant player in the budget smartphone market, offering compelling features at attractive prices. The TCL 40 X and 40 XL are two popular contenders, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specs, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 40 X takes the win thanks to its significantly more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset. While the 40 XL offers a larger display and potentially better battery life depending on usage, the 40 X's superior performance makes it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - USA | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - USA |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - USA | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - USA |
| 5G bands | 2, 5, 66, 77 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2023, February 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June | Available. Released 2023, May |
| 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 8.8 mm (6.61 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 195 g (6.88 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 |
| 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 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Dark Gray |
| Models | T609M | T608M |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 140 EUR |
TCL 40 X
- Significantly faster performance
- More efficient chipset
- Slightly more compact design
- Potentially shorter battery life than XL
- Smaller display
TCL 40 XL
- Larger display for media consumption
- Potentially longer battery life
- Often more affordable
- Slower performance
- Less responsive
- Larger and heavier
Display Comparison
The TCL 40 XL boasts a larger 6.78-inch display compared to the 40 X's 6.67-inch screen. Both likely utilize IPS LCD technology with similar resolutions (likely FHD+), but the XL's size provides a more immersive viewing experience. Expect similar color accuracy and brightness levels.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a similar camera setup, potentially including a 50MP main sensor, ultrawide lens, and macro lens. Image quality will likely be comparable in good lighting conditions, but the 40 X's more powerful processor might offer slightly better image processing and low-light performance. Video recording capabilities should be similar.
Performance
This is where the TCL 40 X shines. The Dimensity 700 chipset 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 XL will feel sluggish in comparison, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
The TCL 40 XL likely has a larger battery capacity (potentially 5000mAh or higher) compared to the 40 X. This *could* translate to longer battery life, but it's heavily dependent on usage patterns. The 40 X's more efficient chipset might partially offset the XL's larger battery.
Buying Guide
The TCL 40 X is ideal for users who prioritize performance and smooth multitasking, even on a budget. The TCL 40 XL is a good option for those who value a larger screen for media consumption and potentially longer battery life, and are less concerned about raw processing power.
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 smoother and more enjoyable experience.
❓ Which TCL 40 phone has the best battery life?
The TCL 40 XL likely has better battery life due to its potentially larger battery capacity, but real-world performance depends on usage. The 40 X's more efficient chipset could narrow the gap.