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TCL 40 XE vs TCL 40 SE: A Detailed Comparison

Looking for an affordable smartphone without sacrificing too many features? The TCL 40 XE and 40 SE are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
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TCL 40 XE vs 40 SE: Which Budget Phone Wins?

🏆 Quick Verdict

The TCL 40 XE takes the win thanks to its significantly more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset, offering noticeably better performance for everyday tasks and gaming. While the 40 SE is a solid option, the XE's processing power makes it the superior choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL 40 XE TCL 40 SE
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - USAHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - T610K
4G bands2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - USA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T610K
5G bandsSA/NSA-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
 eMMC 5.11, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 38, 40, 66 - T610E, T610P
Launch
Announced2023, February 262023, January 05
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, JuneAvailable. Released 2023, April 04
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions164.5 x 75.4 x 0 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.0 in)167.9 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm (6.61 x 3.01 x 0.33 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight195 g (6.88 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzIPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 13, TCL UIAndroid 13, TCL UI 5.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM
 -eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) 1/4.0", 1.12µm8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm
Triple13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) 1/4.0", 1.12µm8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes (T610K, T610K2, T610P, T610P2)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity
Battery
Charging18W wired18W wired
TypeLi-Ion 5000 mAhLi-Po 5010 mAh
Misc
ColorsStarlight BlackDark grey, Twilight purple
ModelsT609SPPT610K
PriceAbout 100 EURAbout 120 EUR
SAR1.38 W/kg (head)     1.12 W/kg (body)-

TCL 40 XE

  • Significantly faster processor
  • Better performance for gaming
  • Potentially slightly better display color accuracy
  • All-day battery life
  • May be slightly more expensive than the 40 SE
  • Design might be less appealing to some

TCL 40 SE

  • More affordable
  • Decent battery life
  • Good for basic tasks
  • Sleek design
  • Slower processor
  • Less responsive performance
  • May struggle with demanding apps
  • Image processing could be better

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with a 720 x 1600 resolution. While the screens are similar in size and resolution, the 40 XE might offer slightly better color accuracy due to its more modern chipset. Expect decent viewing angles and brightness for everyday use, but don't expect flagship-level display quality.

Camera Comparison

The TCL 40 SE typically features a 50MP main camera, while the 40 XE often has a similar or slightly improved main sensor. Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting conditions, but the 40 XE's more powerful processor may allow for slightly better image processing. Low-light performance is likely to be average on both devices.

Performance

This is where the TCL 40 XE truly shines. The Dimensity 700 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G37. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. The 40 SE will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with more demanding apps or games.

Battery Life

Both phones typically offer a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. Actual battery performance will depend on usage patterns, but both should comfortably last a full day for moderate users. Charging speeds are identical at 18W wired.

Buying Guide

The TCL 40 XE is ideal for users who prioritize performance and want a smoother experience with apps and games. The TCL 40 SE is a good fit for those on a tighter budget who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and social media.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the TCL 40 XE worth the extra money?
If performance is a priority, then yes. The Dimensity 700 chipset provides a noticeable upgrade over the Helio G37, making the 40 XE a more enjoyable device to use.
❓ Which TCL 40 phone has better battery life?
Both phones typically offer excellent battery life, around a full day of use. Actual performance will vary based on usage.