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.
🏆 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.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - USA | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - USA |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - USA | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - USA |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 2, 5, 66, 77 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2023, February 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June | Available. Released 2023, June |
| 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 75.4 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 |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| 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 13, TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer (USA only) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starlight Black | Black |
| Models | T609SPP | T609M |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 190 EUR |
| SAR | 1.38 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.