TCL has been making waves in the budget smartphone market, and the 40 XL and 40 X are two of their latest contenders. Both offer compelling features at affordable prices, but which one is the better choice for you? This comprehensive comparison will dive deep into their specs and performance to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 40 X is the clear winner thanks to its significantly more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset. While the 40 XL offers a larger screen, the 40 X's superior performance in gaming and everyday tasks makes it the more desirable option 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 | - | 2, 5, 66, 77 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2023, February 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May | Available. Released 2023, June |
| 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) | 164.5 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 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) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, TCL UI | Android 13, TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, (wide), 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, (wide) | 8 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 | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| 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 | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer (USA only) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Gray | Black |
| Models | T608M | T609M |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 190 EUR |
TCL 40 XL
- Larger Display
- Potentially Lower Price
- 5000mAh Battery
- Weaker Processor
- Slower Performance
- 18W Charging
TCL 40 X
- Faster Processor (Dimensity 700)
- Smoother Performance
- More Efficient Chipset
- Slightly Smaller Display
- Potentially Higher Price
Display Comparison
The TCL 40 XL boasts a larger 6.78-inch display compared to the 40 X's 6.67-inch screen. Both utilize IPS LCD panels, likely with similar color accuracy and brightness, though the XL's size provides a more immersive viewing experience. Resolution is likely FHD+ on both.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a similar camera setup, potentially including a 50MP main sensor, ultrawide lens, and macro lens. Image quality will likely be comparable in good lighting conditions, but the 40 X's more powerful processor could provide slightly better image processing and low-light performance. Expect video recording capabilities around 1080p at 30fps on both.
Performance
This is where the 40 X shines. The Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a 7nm process, offers a substantial performance advantage over the 40 XL's Helio G37 (12nm). Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the 40 X. The 40 XL will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both devices feature a 5000mAh battery, suggesting similar battery life. However, the 40 X's more efficient chipset could translate to slightly better real-world battery performance. Both support 18W wired charging, which is relatively slow by modern standards.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the TCL 40 XL? Users prioritizing a larger display for media consumption and those on a very tight budget might find the 40 XL appealing. Who should buy the TCL 40 X? Anyone seeking a smoother, faster experience for gaming, multitasking, and general use will benefit from the 40 X's more capable processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL 40 XL good for gaming?
The TCL 40 XL can handle basic games, but its weaker processor will struggle with more demanding titles. The TCL 40 X is a much better choice for gamers.
❓ What is the difference between the TCL 40 XL and 40 X cameras?
While both likely have similar camera hardware, the TCL 40 X's more powerful processor may allow for slightly better image processing and low-light performance.
