Google Pixel 6a vs TCL 40 XE: A Detailed Comparison of Performance and Value
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 6a is the superior choice, offering a significantly faster processor and a brighter, more vibrant display. However, the TCL 40 XE provides a solid experience at a lower price point, making it ideal for users prioritizing affordability over peak performance.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL 40 XE | Google Pixel 6a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - USA | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - USA | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - GX7AS, GB62Z (USA/Canada) |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GX7AS (USA/Canada) |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| eMMC 5.1 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International) | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.4 x 0 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.0 in) | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| OS | Android 13, TCL UI | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 17mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1.25µm |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Starlight Black | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | T609SPP | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | About 100 EUR | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| SAR | 1.38 W/kg (head) 1.12 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 94h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
TCL 40 XE
- Significantly faster processor with Google Tensor
- Brighter and more vibrant OLED display
- Superior camera performance and image processing
- Higher price point
- May experience some software bugs (typical of early Pixel releases)
Google Pixel 6a
- More affordable price
- Solid battery life
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Slower processor compared to the Pixel 6a
- Less impressive display quality
Display Comparison
The Pixel 6a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 876 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the TCL 40 XE. This translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both displays have an 'infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, the Pixel 6a’s OLED panel will deliver deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. The TCL 40 XE’s panel technology is not specified, suggesting it’s likely an LCD, which typically lacks the contrast and color accuracy of OLED. The Pixel 6a’s display is a clear advantage for media consumption and gaming.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 6a’s camera system benefits significantly from the Tensor chip’s image signal processor (ISP). While specific sensor details are missing for both phones, Google’s computational photography prowess is a major selling point. The Pixel 6a excels in low-light photography and offers features like Magic Eraser. The TCL 40 XE likely relies more on hardware limitations, and while it may produce acceptable images in good lighting conditions, it won’t match the Pixel 6a’s dynamic range and detail. The absence of OIS information for the TCL 40 XE suggests it may struggle with video stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 6a is powered by Google’s in-house Tensor chip, fabricated on a 5nm process, featuring a prime Cortex-X1 core clocked at 2.80 GHz. This architecture prioritizes AI and machine learning tasks, enhancing features like voice recognition and image processing. Conversely, the TCL 40 XE utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 700, a 7nm chip with a more traditional octa-core configuration. While the Dimensity 700 is capable for everyday tasks, the Tensor chip offers a substantial performance uplift, particularly in computationally intensive applications. The Tensor’s 5nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, indicating similar overall battery life despite potentially different battery capacities. However, the Pixel 6a supports PD3.0 charging alongside 18W wired charging, offering potentially faster and more efficient charging compared to the TCL 40 XE’s standard 18W wired charging. While the 0-100% charge times are likely similar, the Pixel 6a’s PD3.0 support provides greater flexibility and compatibility with a wider range of chargers.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 40 XE if you need a reliable, everyday smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media, and prioritize maximizing value for your money. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you demand smoother performance for demanding apps, a superior camera experience, and a brighter, more color-accurate display, and are willing to pay a premium for these features.