Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely compromise on features? The TCL 405 and 40 SE are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 40 SE emerges as the clear winner thanks to its faster processor, significantly quicker charging, and generally improved performance. While the 405 is a decent budget option, the 40 SE's upgrades make it a more compelling choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - T610K |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T610K |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps | 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 | 2022, November 02 | 2023, January 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 02 | Available. Released 2023, April 04 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 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· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition), TCL UI | Android 13, TCL UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| Triple | - | 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 | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 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 stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (T610K, T610K2, T610P, T610P2) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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 | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5010 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Lavender Purple, Space Dark | Dark grey, Twilight purple |
| Models | T506D | T610K |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 120 EUR |
TCL 405
- More affordable
- Compact size (slightly)
- Decent battery life
- Slower processor
- Slow charging
- Less versatile camera
- Lower overall performance
TCL 40 SE
- Faster processor (Helio G37)
- Faster charging (18W)
- Better camera system
- Improved performance
- More future-proof
- Slightly more expensive
- Potentially larger size
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display, likely with similar resolutions (likely 720+ HD+). The 40 SE *might* have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially better panel calibration, but this is difficult to confirm without testing. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
The TCL 40 SE typically features a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor (likely 50MP vs 13MP on the 405) and potentially an ultrawide lens. While image quality will depend on software processing, the 40 SE generally offers better low-light performance and more creative options. Both likely have a front-facing camera around 8-13MP.
Performance
The Helio G37 in the TCL 40 SE offers a noticeable performance boost over the Helio G25 in the 405. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the 40 SE. Gaming performance will also be better on the 40 SE, though neither phone is a gaming powerhouse.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. However, the TCL 40 SE's 18W fast charging is a significant advantage, allowing you to recharge much faster than the 405's 10W charging.
Buying Guide
The TCL 405 is a good option for users on an extremely tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and a slightly smaller form factor. The TCL 40 SE is ideal for those who want a smoother experience, faster charging, and a more future-proof device without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL 405 good for gaming?
The TCL 405 is adequate for very light gaming, but don't expect smooth performance in demanding titles. The TCL 40 SE is a better choice for gaming due to its more powerful processor.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
Both phones offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the TCL 40 SE's faster charging means you can quickly top up the battery when needed.
