Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely compromise on features? The TCL 40 XL and TCL 30 SE are both contenders in the budget market, offering a range of capabilities at attractive price points. But which one reigns supreme?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 40 XL edges out the 30 SE thanks to its more powerful processor, slightly faster charging, and potentially improved camera capabilities. While both are solid budget options, the 40 XL offers a noticeable performance boost for a similar price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - USA | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APAC |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - USA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2022, February 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May | Available. Released 2022, April 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | 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) | 165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 13, TCL UI | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| 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 |
| NFC | No | Yes (6165H/6165H1 only) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Gray | Atlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue |
| Models | T608M | 6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S |
| Price | About 140 EUR | - |
TCL 40 XL
- More powerful processor (Helio G37)
- Larger display (6.78 inches)
- Faster charging (18W)
- Potentially better camera performance
- May have slightly shorter battery life due to higher power consumption
- Larger size may not be ideal for everyone
TCL 30 SE
- Compact design
- Good battery life
- Affordable price
- Less powerful processor (Helio G25)
- Slower charging (15W)
- Lower overall performance
Display Comparison
The TCL 40 XL boasts a larger 6.78-inch display compared to the 30 SE's 6.67-inch screen. Both likely utilize IPS LCD technology, offering decent color accuracy and viewing angles, but the 40 XL's size advantage provides a more immersive experience for videos and gaming. Resolution is likely FHD+ on both.
Camera Comparison
While specific camera specs are often similar across TCL's budget lines (likely a 50MP main sensor on both), the G37 in the 40 XL should allow for better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance. Both likely include ultrawide and macro lenses.
Performance
Here's where the 40 XL truly shines. The Helio G37 chipset is a step up from the 30 SE's Helio G25. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better overall responsiveness on the 40 XL. Gaming performance will also be noticeably improved.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a large 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life. However, the 40 XL's 18W charging is slightly faster than the 30 SE's 15W, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The TCL 40 XL is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a larger display for media consumption. The TCL 30 SE is a great choice for those seeking a reliable, basic smartphone with a focus on battery life and a more compact design.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference in performance between the TCL 40 XL and TCL 30 SE?
The TCL 40 XL has a significantly more powerful Helio G37 chipset compared to the TCL 30 SE's Helio G25, resulting in smoother performance and faster app loading times.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones feature a 5000mAh battery, so battery life should be comparable. However, the 40 XL's more powerful processor might slightly reduce battery life under heavy use.
