TCL has become a significant player in the budget smartphone market, offering compelling features at affordable prices. The TCL 40 XE and TCL 30 5G are two popular contenders, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 30 5G edges out the 40 XE thanks to its 5G connectivity. While both share the same chipset and CPU, the 30 5G's added network capability provides a future-proof advantage, making it the slightly better choice for most users, especially if 5G is available in your area.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat13 390/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2022, February 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June | Available. Released 2022, April 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.4 x 0 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.0 in) | 164.5 x 75.2 x 7.7 mm (6.48 x 2.96 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 184 g (6.49 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak) |
| 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 | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 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 | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5010 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starlight Black | Tech Black, Dreamy Blue |
| Models | T609SPP | T776H |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 250 EUR |
| SAR | 1.38 W/kg (head) 1.12 W/kg (body) | - |
TCL 40 XE
- Potentially better camera software
- Slightly larger display
- Good value for money
- No 5G connectivity
- May have slightly less RAM than the 30 5G
TCL 30 5G
- 5G connectivity
- Future-proofed
- Decent performance
- Slightly smaller display
- Camera software might be less refined than the 40 XE
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.67-inch display, likely with a similar resolution (likely FHD+). The TCL 40 XE might have slightly better color accuracy or brightness due to potential software tweaks, but the difference is likely minimal. The TCL 30 5G's display is perfectly adequate for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
While both have similar camera hardware (likely a 48MP main sensor, ultrawide, and macro), the TCL 40 XE might benefit from slightly improved camera software processing, potentially resulting in better image quality in certain conditions. The TCL 30 5G's camera is still capable of capturing decent photos and videos.
Performance
Powered by the same Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset and CPU, performance should be very similar between the two devices. Expect smooth multitasking and decent gaming performance at medium settings. Real-world performance will depend on software optimization and RAM management.
Battery Life
Both devices offer a respectable battery life, likely around a full day of moderate use. Charging speeds are identical at 18W wired, so expect similar charging times.
Buying Guide
The TCL 40 XE is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly larger screen and potentially better camera software optimization (though hardware is similar). The TCL 30 5G is the better pick for those who want 5G connectivity and are willing to accept a slightly smaller display.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL 30 5G worth the extra cost for 5G?
If 5G is available in your area and you plan to keep the phone for a few years, the TCL 30 5G's 5G connectivity makes it a worthwhile investment. Otherwise, the TCL 40 XE offers excellent value.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones offer similar battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate use. Charging speeds are also the same.
