TCL has become a significant player in the budget smartphone market, offering compelling devices at attractive prices. The TCL 40 X and TCL Stylus are two popular contenders, both boasting the Dimensity 700 chipset. But which one offers the better overall experience? Let's dive in.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL Stylus edges out the 40 X thanks to its integrated stylus for enhanced productivity and note-taking. While both share the same core processor, the Stylus's added functionality and often slightly better software support make it the more versatile 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 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - USA | 2, 4, 5, 12, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | 2, 5, 66, 77 SA/NSA | 25, 41, 66, 77 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2022, June 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June | Available. Released 2022, June 02 |
| 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) | 169.6 x 76.5 x 9 mm (6.68 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 213 g (7.51 oz) |
| | - | Stylus |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | NEG |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.81 inches, 110.1 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, TCL UI | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, 115˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| 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 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 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Lunar Black |
| Models | T609M | T779W |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 240 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.25 W/kg (head) 1.25 W/kg (body) |
TCL 40 X
- Potentially slightly better main camera
- Sleeker design (subjective)
- Clean software experience
- No stylus support
- May receive fewer software updates
TCL Stylus
- Integrated stylus for enhanced productivity
- Often better software support
- More versatile for note-taking and sketching
- Slightly bulkier design
- Potentially slightly lower camera quality in optimal conditions
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.67-inch FHD+ display, likely with similar color accuracy and brightness. However, the Stylus's display might have a slightly more durable coating. The Stylus's stylus integration also allows for more precise interactions.
Camera Comparison
The TCL 40 X is rumored to have a slightly better main camera sensor (likely 50MP vs. the Stylus's 13MP), potentially resulting in marginally improved image quality in optimal lighting conditions. Both phones likely include ultrawide and macro lenses, offering similar versatility. Low-light performance will be comparable.
Performance
Powered by the same Mediatek Dimensity 700, expect similar performance in everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Real-world performance will depend more on software optimization and RAM management. The Stylus may have slightly better software support over time.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are identical at 18W wired, so expect similar charging times.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the TCL 40 X? Users prioritizing a slightly cleaner design and potentially a marginally better camera experience (though differences are minimal) might lean towards the 40 X. Who should buy the TCL Stylus? Anyone who values stylus input for note-taking, sketching, or general navigation will find the Stylus a worthwhile investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL Stylus stylus rechargeable?
Yes, the TCL Stylus stylus is typically rechargeable via a USB-C port.
❓ How much RAM do these phones have?
Both the TCL 40 X and TCL Stylus typically come with 4GB or 6GB of RAM, depending on the specific configuration.
