The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for your money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the TCL 40 X and the vivo iQOO Z7. Both promise solid performance and features, but which one truly comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo iQOO Z7 takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster Dimensity 920 chipset, faster charging (44W vs 18W), and generally more premium feel. While the TCL 40 X offers decent value, the iQOO Z7 provides a noticeable performance boost for a relatively small price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - USA | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - USA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 2, 5, 66, 77 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 8, 28, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2023, March 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June | Available. Released 2023, March 21 |
| 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) | 158.9 x 73.5 x 7.8 mm (6.26 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 173 g (6.10 oz) |
| | - | IP54, dust and water resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Schott Xensation glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~413 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.38 inches, 98.3 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 13, TCL UI | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, Funtouch 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP, (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer (USA only) | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 44W wired, 50% in 25 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Norway Blue, Pacific Night |
| Models | T609M | I2207 |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.15 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
TCL 40 X
- Potentially more affordable
- Larger display option
- Decent battery life
- Slower chipset
- Slow charging (18W)
- Less premium design
vivo iQOO Z7
- Faster Dimensity 920 chipset
- 44W fast charging
- Sleeker design
- Higher refresh rate display (likely)
- Slightly more expensive
- May have a smaller display than some TCL 40 X variants
Display Comparison
Both phones feature vibrant displays, but the iQOO Z7 often boasts a slightly higher refresh rate (typically 120Hz vs. 60Hz on the TCL 40 X), resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. The TCL 40 X may have a slightly larger screen size, which some users might prefer for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is generally comparable, with both phones offering decent image quality in good lighting conditions. The iQOO Z7 often has a slightly better main sensor and image processing, leading to marginally better photos, especially in low light. Both likely feature a standard triple camera setup (main, ultrawide, macro).
Performance
This is where the iQOO Z7 shines. The Dimensity 920 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Dimensity 700 in the TCL 40 X. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the iQOO Z7. The iQOO Z7's Cortex-A78 cores also contribute to improved responsiveness.
Battery Life
The iQOO Z7's 44W fast charging is a game-changer. It can charge the battery to 50% in just 25 minutes, a significant advantage over the TCL 40 X's 18W charging. Battery capacity is likely similar (around 5000mAh), so the iQOO Z7 will charge much faster.
Buying Guide
The TCL 40 X is a good choice for users prioritizing a larger display and potentially a slightly more affordable price point. The vivo iQOO Z7 is ideal for those who value performance, faster charging, and a more modern design, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL 40 X good for gaming?
The TCL 40 X can handle casual games, but demanding titles may experience lag or reduced frame rates due to its less powerful chipset.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the iQOO Z7?
With its 44W fast charging, the iQOO Z7 can typically fully charge in around 60-75 minutes.
