TCL has become a significant player in the budget smartphone market, offering compelling features at attractive prices. The TCL 40 XL and 40 XE are two popular contenders, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specs, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 40 XE emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset. While both offer decent features for the price, the XE's superior performance makes it the better choice for smoother multitasking and gaming, despite similar charging speeds.
| 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 | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| 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 0 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.0 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, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| 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 | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Gray | Starlight Black |
| Models | T608M | T609SPP |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.38 W/kg (head) 1.12 W/kg (body) |
TCL 40 XL
- Potentially larger battery
- Larger display (likely)
- Good value for money
- Weaker processor
- Lower performance
- May lack 5G connectivity
TCL 40 XE
- Significantly faster processor
- Better performance for gaming and multitasking
- Likely 5G connectivity
- More efficient chipset
- Potentially smaller battery
- Slightly smaller display (likely)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, likely around 6.67 inches, but the XL may have a slightly larger size. Expect similar resolutions (likely FHD+). The XL might offer slightly better brightness due to its name suggesting a larger panel, but both will be adequate for everyday use. Color accuracy will likely be standard for the price range.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a multi-lens camera system, potentially including a main sensor, ultrawide, and macro lens. While megapixel counts might be similar, the XE's more powerful processor could lead to better image processing and overall photo quality, especially in low-light conditions. Expect decent but not exceptional camera performance from both.
Performance
This is where the TCL 40 XE shines. The Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a 7nm process, offers a substantial performance advantage over the Helio G37 (12nm) in the XL. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the XE. The XL will be adequate for basic tasks but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a large battery capacity (around 5000mAh). However, the XL's larger size *might* allow for a slightly larger battery, potentially leading to marginally longer battery life. Real-world battery performance will depend on usage patterns and software optimization.
Buying Guide
The TCL 40 XL is a good option for users prioritizing a larger display and potentially longer battery life (though real-world usage will vary). The TCL 40 XE is ideal for those seeking better performance and a more responsive user experience, especially if they plan on using their phone for gaming or demanding apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the TCL 40 XL have 5G?
The TCL 40 XL likely does not have 5G connectivity. Check the specific model's specifications for confirmation.
❓ Which TCL phone is better for gaming?
The TCL 40 XE is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset.
