Looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The TCL 40 XL and TCL 10L are both contenders, offering a range of features at an accessible price point. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 10L generally edges out the 40 XL thanks to its superior Snapdragon 665 chipset, offering noticeably better performance and efficiency. While the 40 XL boasts a larger screen and potentially better battery life depending on usage, the 10L's processing power makes it the more versatile choice.
| 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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2020, April 06. Released 2020, May 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 167.9 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm (6.61 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 162.2 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.39 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, HDR |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 13, TCL UI | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | 64GB eMMC 5.1, 128/256GB UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.25", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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, barometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Gray | Arctic White, Mariana Blue |
| Models | T608M | T770H, T770B, 4187U |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 140 EUR |
TCL 40 XL
- Larger Display
- Potentially Longer Battery Life
- More Affordable (typically)
- Weaker Processor
- Slower Performance
- Less Detailed Camera
TCL 10L
- Faster Processor (Snapdragon 665)
- Better Performance
- Versatile Camera System
- More Efficient
- Smaller Display
- Slightly Shorter Battery Life (potentially)
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
The TCL 40 XL features a larger 6.78-inch display compared to the TCL 10L's 6.43-inch screen. Both utilize IPS LCD technology, offering decent color accuracy and viewing angles. However, the 40 XL's larger size might be preferable for those who enjoy watching videos or browsing the web.
Camera Comparison
The TCL 10L typically features a versatile quad-camera setup (48MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth) offering good image quality in well-lit conditions. The TCL 40 XL's camera setup (50MP main, 2MP depth, 2MP macro) is adequate but generally produces less detailed and vibrant images. Low-light performance is also better on the 10L.
Performance
Here's where the TCL 10L shines. The Snapdragon 665 chipset is significantly more powerful and efficient than the Helio G37 in the 40 XL. Expect smoother app launches, faster multitasking, and better gaming performance on the 10L. The 40 XL can feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The TCL 40 XL has a larger 5000mAh battery compared to the TCL 10L's 4000mAh battery. While this suggests longer battery life, the 10L's more efficient chipset can partially offset this difference. Real-world battery life will depend on usage patterns, but the 40 XL *may* offer slightly longer endurance.
Buying Guide
The TCL 40 XL is ideal for users prioritizing a large display for media consumption and potentially longer battery life. The TCL 10L is better suited for those who need a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The TCL 10L is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 665 chipset. The 40 XL's Helio G37 struggles with demanding games.
❓ Does the TCL 40 XL have expandable storage?
Yes, the TCL 40 XL typically includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, a feature often present in budget-friendly TCL devices.
