The TCL 40 XE and LG Stylo 6 represent distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The LG Stylo 6, while older, was a popular choice for its stylus and large display. The TCL 40 XE aims to deliver more modern performance at a similar price point, leveraging a newer chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which offers the best value in 2024.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the TCL 40 XE is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the LG Stylo 6’s Helio P35, making it better suited for multitasking and demanding apps. While the Stylo 6 offers a stylus, the performance gap justifies the trade-off for most.
| 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 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - USA | LTE |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2020, May 20. Released 2020, May 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.4 x 0 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.0 in) | 171.2 x 77.7 x 8.6 mm (6.74 x 3.06 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 219 g (7.72 oz) |
| | - | Stylus |
| Display |
|---|
| 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) | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| 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 P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 13, TCL UI | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) 1/4.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, 120˚, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starlight Black | White |
| Models | T609SPP | LMQ730TM, LM-Q730TM |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | 1.38 W/kg (head) 1.12 W/kg (body) | - |
TCL 40 XE
- Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 700)
- More efficient 7nm chipset for better battery life
- Supports 5G connectivity
- Faster 18W charging
- No stylus included
- Detailed display specs unavailable
LG Stylo 6
- Integrated stylus for note-taking and drawing
- Large display (likely)
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- Lower initial cost (potentially)
- Outdated and slow Helio P35 processor
- Less efficient 12nm chipset
- No 5G support
- Slower charging speeds
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor LG provide detailed display specs beyond resolution in their marketing materials. However, given the Stylo 6’s age, it likely utilizes an older IPS LCD panel. The TCL 40 XE, being newer, may benefit from improved color calibration and viewing angles. The absence of high refresh rates on both devices suggests a focus on power efficiency rather than visual fluidity. Bezels are likely comparable, typical of this price segment.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs are unavailable for both devices. However, given the market positioning, both likely feature modest camera setups. The LG Stylo 6’s camera system was known for its simplicity, while TCL typically focuses on providing acceptable image quality for the price. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. The presence of a stylus on the Stylo 6 *could* be used for photo editing, but the processing power limitations may hinder its effectiveness. We can assume both phones will struggle in low-light conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The TCL 40 XE’s Mediatek Dimensity 700, built on a 7nm process, offers a significant advantage over the LG Stylo 6’s 12nm Mediatek Helio P35. The Dimensity 700’s Cortex-A76 cores (2x2.2 GHz) are considerably more powerful than the Stylo 6’s Cortex-A53 cores (4x2.3 GHz). This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The Dimensity 700 also supports 5G connectivity, a feature absent in the Stylo 6. The Helio P35, while adequate for basic tasks, will struggle with demanding applications and may exhibit noticeable lag.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the TCL 40 XE’s 18W wired charging is a notable advantage over the Stylo 6, which likely supports slower charging speeds. The more efficient 7nm Dimensity 700 in the TCL 40 XE should also contribute to better battery life, even with a similarly sized battery. The faster charging will allow users to quickly top up their device when needed, reducing downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 40 XE if you need a phone that can handle modern apps, light gaming, and multitasking without significant lag. It’s ideal for users who value performance and want a device that will remain usable for longer. Buy the LG Stylo 6 if you specifically require a stylus for note-taking or drawing, and your usage is primarily focused on basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Be prepared for slower performance and potential limitations with newer applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the TCL 40 XE handle popular mobile games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Mediatek Dimensity 700 in the TCL 40 XE is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a playable experience that the Helio P35 in the LG Stylo 6 would struggle to achieve consistently. Expect some frame drops during intense action.
❓ Is the lack of a stylus on the TCL 40 XE a dealbreaker if I frequently take handwritten notes?
If stylus input is essential to your workflow, the LG Stylo 6 is the better choice. However, consider that the slower processor on the Stylo 6 may make note-taking apps feel sluggish. If you only occasionally need a stylus, third-party capacitive styluses are available for the TCL 40 XE, though they won't offer the same integrated experience.
❓ How much faster is the TCL 40 XE in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
You'll notice a significant improvement in responsiveness with the TCL 40 XE. App loading times will be quicker, scrolling will be smoother, and multitasking will be less prone to lag. The Dimensity 700's more powerful cores and improved architecture make a tangible difference in everyday usage.
