The TCL 40 series offers compelling budget smartphones, but deciding between the XL and SE models can be tricky. Both boast similar core specs, but subtle differences in size, features, and potentially price can sway your decision. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you choose the right phone for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 40 XL generally edges out the 40 SE due to its larger display and potentially slightly better battery life (though both are similar). However, the 40 SE might offer a more compact design and potentially a lower price point, making it a strong contender for those prioritizing portability and value.
| 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 - T610K |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - USA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T610K |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 38, 40, 66 - T610E, T610P |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2023, January 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May | Available. Released 2023, April 04 |
| 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) | 167.9 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm (6.61 x 3.01 x 0.33 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 (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 13, TCL UI | Android 13, TCL UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB 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/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, 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, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (T610K, T610K2, T610P, T610P2) |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5010 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Gray | Dark grey, Twilight purple |
| Models | T608M | T610K |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 120 EUR |
TCL 40 XL
- Larger Display
- Potentially Longer Battery Life
- Potentially Improved Camera Software
- Generally more immersive experience
- Larger Size (less pocketable)
- Potentially Higher Price
TCL 40 SE
- More Compact Design
- Potentially Lower Price
- Easier to Handle with One Hand
- Smaller Display
- Potentially Shorter Battery Life
- Potentially Less Feature-Rich Camera
Display Comparison
The TCL 40 XL features a larger 6.78-inch display compared to the 40 SE's 6.6-inch screen. Both utilize an IPS LCD panel, likely with similar color accuracy and brightness, but the XL offers a more immersive viewing experience. Resolution is likely FHD+ on both.
Camera Comparison
While both likely have a similar primary camera setup (likely a 50MP main sensor), the TCL 40 XL *may* have slightly improved image processing or additional features. The 40 SE likely has a similar configuration with a depth sensor and macro lens. Real-world camera performance will depend on software optimization.
Performance
Both phones share the same Mediatek Helio G37 chipset and CPU configuration. Expect similar performance for everyday tasks, light gaming, and multitasking. Don't expect flagship-level speeds; these are budget devices.
Battery Life
The TCL 40 XL typically has a larger battery capacity (5500mAh vs 4000mAh for the 40 SE), suggesting potentially longer battery life. However, actual usage will vary based on screen size and software optimization.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the TCL 40 XL? Users who prioritize a larger screen for media consumption and gaming. Who should buy the TCL 40 SE? Those seeking a more compact and potentially more affordable option without sacrificing core functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference in size between the TCL 40 XL and 40 SE?
The TCL 40 XL has a 6.78-inch display, while the TCL 40 SE has a 6.6-inch display. This makes the XL noticeably larger and potentially less comfortable for one-handed use.
❓ Are the cameras on both phones the same?
Both phones likely share a similar primary camera setup, but the TCL 40 XL *may* have slightly improved image processing or additional features. The 40 SE likely has a depth sensor and macro lens.
