TCL 40 XE vs TCL 40 X: A Detailed Comparison

The TCL 40 XE and 40 X are both aiming for the budget smartphone market, offering compelling features at an accessible price point. But with seemingly identical specs on paper, how do they truly stack up? This comprehensive comparison will delve into every aspect, helping you determine which phone is the right fit for your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The TCL 40 XE and 40 X share the same core chipset and charging speed. The key differences likely lie in software experience, camera tuning, and potentially design/build quality. While both are solid budget options, the TCL 40 X *might* offer a slightly refined experience, but it depends on pricing and specific features.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL 40 XE TCL 40 X
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - USAHSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - USA
4G bands2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - USA2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - USA
5G bandsSA/NSA2, 5, 66, 77 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 eMMC 5.1-
Launch
Announced2023, February 262023, February 26
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, JuneAvailable. Released 2023, June
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)164.5 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.35 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight195 g (6.88 oz)195 g (6.88 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzIPS LCD, 90Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 13, TCL UIAndroid 13, TCL UI
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC
Internal64GB 4GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) 1/4.0", 1.12µm8 MP, (wide)
Triple13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens50 MP, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) 1/4.0", 1.12µm8 MP, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with dual speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS
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
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer (USA only)
Battery
Charging18W wired18W wired
TypeLi-Ion 5000 mAhLi-Ion 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsStarlight BlackBlack
ModelsT609SPPT609M
PriceAbout 100 EURAbout 190 EUR
SAR1.38 W/kg (head)     1.12 W/kg (body)-

TCL 40 XE

  • Affordable price
  • Reliable performance for basic tasks
  • Large display
  • Decent battery life

  • Potentially less refined camera
  • Basic design
  • Software updates may be slower

TCL 40 X

  • Potentially improved camera performance
  • Slightly more polished software
  • Possibly better build quality
  • Large display
  • Decent battery life

  • Slightly higher price
  • Performance largely similar to XE
  • Software updates may be slower

Display Comparison

Both phones likely feature a 6.6-inch display, potentially with a 90Hz refresh rate. Expect similar resolution (likely FHD+). Differences might be in panel type (IPS vs AMOLED, though unlikely at this price) and brightness levels. We'll need to test actual displays to confirm.

Camera Comparison

While both have the same chipset, camera performance can vary significantly based on sensor size, lens quality, and image processing algorithms. The TCL 40 X *may* have slightly improved camera software or a better sensor, leading to better image quality, especially in low light. Expect a main camera around 50MP on both.

Performance

Powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 700, both phones offer adequate performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. Expect similar speeds in app loading and multitasking. Software optimization will be a key differentiator here.

Battery Life

Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 18W wired, so expect similar charging times.

Buying Guide

The TCL 40 XE is a great choice for users prioritizing a reliable, no-frills smartphone experience at the absolute lowest price. The TCL 40 X is better suited for those willing to spend a bit more for potentially improved camera performance, a more polished software experience, or a slightly more premium design.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Are the TCL 40 XE and 40 X the same phone?
No, while they share the same chipset, there are likely differences in camera tuning, software experience, and potentially design and build quality. The 40 X is positioned as a slightly more premium option.
❓ Which TCL phone has the better camera?
Based on available information, the TCL 40 X *potentially* has a better camera due to possible improvements in sensor or software processing. However, a full camera comparison is needed to confirm.