The TCL 40 series offers compelling budget-friendly smartphones, but choosing between the XE and XL can be tricky. Both devices aim to deliver value, but they differ significantly under the hood. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which phone best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 40 XE takes the win thanks to its significantly more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset. While the XL offers a larger display and potentially better battery life depending on usage, the XE's performance advantage makes it the better overall choice for most users.
| 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 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2023, February 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June | Available. Released 2023, May |
| 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) | 167.9 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm (6.61 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM + eSIM· 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 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% 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 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 13, TCL UI | Android 13, TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB 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 | FM radio |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starlight Black | Dark Gray |
| Models | T609SPP | T608M |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | 1.38 W/kg (head) 1.12 W/kg (body) | - |
TCL 40 XE
- Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 700)
- Smoother performance
- Likely better gaming experience
- Compact size (easier to handle)
- Potentially shorter battery life than XL
- May have slightly less RAM than XL (depending on configuration)
- Camera performance may be marginally behind XL
TCL 40 XL
- Larger display for immersive viewing
- Potentially longer battery life
- May offer more RAM (depending on configuration)
- Larger screen real estate
- Slower processor (Helio G37)
- Laggy performance with demanding apps
- Less comfortable for one-handed use
- Generally slower overall experience
Display Comparison
The TCL 40 XL boasts a larger 6.78-inch display compared to the 40 XE's 6.67-inch screen. Both likely utilize IPS LCD technology with similar resolutions (likely FHD+). The XL's larger size provides a more immersive viewing experience, but the XE's slightly smaller size might be more comfortable for one-handed use. Expect similar color accuracy and brightness on both.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a similar main camera setup (likely a 50MP primary sensor). However, the XE's more powerful processor could lead to slightly better image processing and low-light performance. The XL might offer a slightly larger ultrawide lens, but overall, camera quality will be comparable. Expect decent, but not exceptional, image quality from both.
Performance
This is where the TCL 40 XE shines. The Dimensity 700 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G37 in the XL. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the XE. The XL will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The TCL 40 XL likely has a larger battery capacity (potentially 5000mAh or higher) compared to the 40 XE (likely around 4500mAh). This *could* translate to longer battery life on the XL, but the XE's more efficient chipset might partially offset this difference. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
The TCL 40 XE is ideal for users who prioritize performance and smooth multitasking, even on a budget. The TCL 40 XL is a better fit for those who value a larger screen for media consumption and potentially longer battery life, and are less concerned about raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference in RAM between the TCL 40 XE and 40 XL?
RAM configurations vary depending on the region and specific model. However, the TCL 40 XL often comes with more RAM options (e.g., 6GB or 8GB) compared to the TCL 40 XE (typically 4GB).
❓ Can I play demanding games on the TCL 40 XL?
While the TCL 40 XL can handle basic games, its Helio G37 chipset struggles with demanding titles. Expect lower frame rates and potential lag. The TCL 40 XE is a much better choice for gaming.
