TCL 408 vs TCL 40 SE: A Detailed Comparison

Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely compromise on features? The TCL 408 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.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The TCL 40 SE emerges as the clear winner thanks to its faster processor, significantly quicker 18W charging, and generally improved performance. While the 408 is a decent budget option, the 40 SE provides a noticeable upgrade for a small price difference.

PHONES
Phone Names	TCL 408	TCL 40 SE

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - T507A, T507U, T507U1, T507U2, T507J	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - T610K
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T507U, T507U1, T507U2	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, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 - T507D1	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 38, 40, 66 - T610E, T610P

Launch
Announced	2023, January 05	2023, January 05
Status	Available. Released 2023, March 31	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 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density)	720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density)
Size	6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.3% 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	Android 13, TCL UI 5.0

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM	128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM
	eMMC 5.1	eMMC 5.1

Main Camera
Dual	50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens	-
Features	LED flash	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4", 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
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 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	Yes (T507U only)	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	Fingerprint (side-mounted), 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	Gravity Grey, Midnight Blue	Dark grey, Twilight purple
Models	T507D1, T507A, T507U, T507U1, T507U2, T507J	T610K
Price	About 130 EUR	About 120 EUR

TCL 408

Very affordable
Decent battery life
Basic functionality

Slow performance
Slow charging
Limited camera capabilities

TCL 40 SE

Faster processor
Faster charging (18W)
Improved camera
Better overall performance

Slightly more expensive than the 408
Still a budget phone with limitations

Display Comparison

Both phones likely feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) and resolution (likely HD+). The 40 SE might have slightly better color accuracy or brightness, but differences will be minimal. Expect a decent viewing experience for everyday use.

Camera Comparison

While both phones likely have a multi-lens setup (likely including a main sensor, ultrawide, and macro), the 40 SE's processor and potentially improved image processing algorithms should result in better image quality, especially in low light. Expect more detail and less noise in photos taken with the 40 SE.

Performance

The Helio G37 in the TCL 40 SE offers a tangible performance boost over the Helio G25 in the 408. Expect snappier app loading, smoother multitasking, and better overall responsiveness on the 40 SE. The 408 will feel noticeably slower, especially with demanding apps.

Battery Life

Both phones likely have a similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh). However, the 40 SE's 18W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the 408's 10W charging. This is a major advantage for users who need to top up their phone quickly.

Buying Guide

The TCL 408 is a good choice for users on the absolute tightest budget who prioritize basic functionality and don't need fast charging. The TCL 40 SE is ideal for those who want a smoother experience, faster charging, and a slightly more capable camera system without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the TCL 40 SE worth the extra money compared to the TCL 408?

Yes, the TCL 40 SE's improved performance and faster charging make it a worthwhile upgrade, especially if you use your phone for more than just basic tasks.

❓ What kind of storage and RAM do these phones have?

Typically, both phones come in configurations around 64GB/4GB RAM or 128GB/6GB RAM. Check the specific model you're purchasing for exact specifications.