TCL has become a significant player in the budget smartphone market, offering impressive features at competitive prices. The TCL 40 XL and TCL 30 XL are two popular contenders, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 40 XL edges out the 30 XL thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and potentially improved software experience. While both offer excellent value, the 40 XL's performance boost makes it the better choice for most users, especially those seeking smoother multitasking.
| 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 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - USA | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2022, June 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May | Available. Released 2022, June 01 |
| 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) | 172.2 x 77 x 9.1 mm (6.78 x 3.03 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 204.4 g (7.20 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| 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 MT6762V Helio A25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 13, TCL UI | Android 12, TCL UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 50 MP, f/1.9, 29mm (wide), PDAF
5 MP, 17mm, 115˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 13 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 13 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | 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 | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Gray | Dark Blue |
| Models | T608M | T671G |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 150 EUR |
TCL 40 XL
- Slightly better performance
- Potentially improved camera processing
- Larger software update support likely
- Modern design
- May be slightly more expensive than the 30 XL
- 18W charging is relatively slow
TCL 30 XL
- Excellent value for money
- Large display for media consumption
- Long battery life
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Less powerful chipset
- Older processor may receive fewer updates
- Camera performance may be slightly inferior
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.78-inch displays, likely with similar resolutions (likely FHD+). The TCL 40 XL *may* have slightly improved color accuracy or brightness, but this is difficult to confirm without detailed testing. Expect similar viewing experiences overall, suitable for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
While both likely have multi-lens camera setups (likely a 50MP main sensor on both), the 40 XL's more powerful processor *could* translate to better image processing and improved low-light performance. Expect similar camera quality in ideal conditions, but the 40 XL might have a slight edge in challenging scenarios. Both likely offer decent video recording capabilities.
Performance
The key difference lies in the chipset. The TCL 40 XL's Helio G37 offers a noticeable performance advantage over the 30 XL's Helio A25. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and potentially better gaming performance on the 40 XL. The G37's GPU is also likely more capable.
Battery Life
Both phones boast large 5000mAh batteries, suggesting excellent battery life. Real-world usage will depend on individual habits, but both should easily last a full day on a single charge. Charging speeds are identical at 18W wired.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the TCL 40 XL? Users prioritizing a bit more performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and smoother app usage. Who should buy the TCL 30 XL? Those seeking a reliable, budget-friendly phone with a large display and long battery life, and are less concerned about top-tier performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL 40 XL worth the extra money?
If you value performance and anticipate using demanding apps or games, the TCL 40 XL is likely worth the slight price premium. Otherwise, the 30 XL offers excellent value for basic users.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the two phones?
Both likely run TCL's custom Android skin. However, the 40 XL, being a newer model, is more likely to receive software updates and feature enhancements over its lifespan.
