The TCL 40R and Nokia G42 represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive sub-$200 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver connectivity without breaking the bank, they take different approaches to achieving this goal, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison will dissect the nuances of the Mediatek Dimensity 700 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ to determine which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and faster charging, the Nokia G42 emerges as the stronger contender. Its Snapdragon 480+ chipset, built on a more efficient 8nm process, offers a slight edge in everyday tasks, and the 20W charging with PD3.0/QC3 support significantly reduces downtime compared to the TCL 40R’s 15W charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 13, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - T771K, T771K1 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 7, 28, 66, 71, 78 SA/NSA - T771A | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 26 | 2023, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 21 | Available. Released 2023, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 165 x 75.8 x 8.6 mm (6.50 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 193.8 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 560 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 20W wired, PD3.0, QC3 |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stardust Purple, Starlight Black | Gray, Purple, Red |
| Models | T771K, T771K1, T771H, T771A | - |
| Price | About 240 EUR | $ 545.00 / £ 124.99 |
TCL 40R
- Proven Cortex-A76 CPU architecture
- Competitive price point
- Likely vibrant display tuning
- Slower 15W charging
- Older 7nm chipset process
- Potential for thermal throttling
Nokia G42
- More efficient Snapdragon 480+ chipset (8nm)
- Faster 20W charging with PD3.0/QC3
- Potential for better software support
- Kryo 460 cores may offer slightly less peak performance than A76
- Camera performance is largely unknown
- Build quality may be similar to TCL 40R
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Nokia provide display specifications beyond resolution in their marketing materials. However, given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The key difference lies under the hood. The Snapdragon 480+’s more efficient architecture may allow for slightly better power management, potentially translating to marginally longer screen-on time. Bezels are expected to be comparable, typical of this price bracket. Color accuracy will likely be standard for budget devices, requiring calibration for professional use.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature a primary camera accompanied by auxiliary lenses of limited utility. The aperture and sensor size of the main sensor will be the determining factors in low-light performance. Given Nokia’s history with computational photography, the G42 may offer slightly more refined image processing, but this is speculative. The TCL 40R’s image processing is likely tuned for vibrant colors, a common trait in TCL displays. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia G42’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ (8nm) boasts a slight architectural advantage over the TCL 40R’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm). While both feature octa-core CPUs with similar peak clock speeds (2.2 GHz), the Snapdragon 480+ utilizes Kryo 460 cores, designed for improved efficiency. This 8nm process node generally translates to better thermal management and sustained performance under load. The Dimensity 700’s Cortex-A76 cores are powerful, but the older 7nm process may lead to more throttling during extended gaming sessions. RAM configurations are not specified, but LPDDR4X is expected on both, limiting memory bandwidth.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Nokia G42’s 20W charging with Power Delivery 3.0 and Quick Charge 3.0 support is a significant advantage. This allows for a much faster 0-100% charge time compared to the TCL 40R’s 15W wired charging. While a larger battery capacity on the TCL 40R could partially offset this, the faster charging on the Nokia G42 provides a more convenient user experience, especially for those who frequently need to top up their battery throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 40R if you prioritize a proven chipset architecture (Cortex-A76) and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. It’s a solid choice for users who primarily use their phone for basic communication and light social media. Buy the Nokia G42 if you value a more modern, efficient chipset, faster charging capabilities, and potential for longer-term software support, making it ideal for users who stream video, play mobile games occasionally, and appreciate convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 480+ in the Nokia G42 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 480+ can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The chipset’s efficiency will help mitigate throttling, but it’s not a gaming powerhouse. The TCL 40R’s Dimensity 700 may offer slightly higher peak performance, but is more prone to thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ Does the Nokia G42 support software updates for longer than the TCL 40R?
Nokia generally provides more consistent and longer-term software support than TCL. While neither guarantees extensive updates, the Nokia G42 is more likely to receive security patches and potentially even a major Android version upgrade compared to the TCL 40R. This is a key consideration for long-term usability.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the TCL 40R noticeably slow in daily use?
Yes, 15W charging is considerably slower than the 20W charging on the Nokia G42. Expect a full charge to take significantly longer, potentially over 2.5 hours. This can be inconvenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery throughout the day.
