The TCL 40R and Realme 11x represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive budget 5G smartphone market. Both devices leverage Mediatek's Dimensity series, but diverge in charging speeds and potentially, pricing. This comparison dissects their specifications to determine which phone delivers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 11x emerges as the slightly better choice. Its 33W charging significantly reduces downtime compared to the TCL 40R’s 15W charging, a crucial advantage for those constantly on the go. While performance is similar, the faster charging and potentially more aggressive pricing make the 11x a more practical daily driver.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - T771K, T771K1 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 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, August 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 21 | Available. Released 2023, August 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ), 680 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| 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 | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stardust Purple, Starlight Black | Midnight Black, Purple Dawn |
| Models | T771K, T771K1, T771H, T771A | RMX3785 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 170 EUR |
TCL 40R
- Potentially lower price point
- Comparable CPU performance to Realme 11x
- Reliable Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset
- Significantly slower 15W charging
- Less efficient 7nm process
- Potentially less refined image processing
Realme 11x
- Faster 33W charging (50% in 29 mins)
- More efficient 6nm Dimensity 6100+ chipset
- Potentially better image processing with Imagiq ISP
- May be slightly more expensive
- Battery capacity not specified
- Similar CPU performance to TCL 40R
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Realme provide display specifications beyond the basic panel type. Assuming both utilize IPS LCDs, the display experience will likely be similar in terms of color accuracy and viewing angles. The absence of high refresh rates is standard in this price bracket. Without knowing the peak brightness nits, it's difficult to assess outdoor visibility, but both will likely struggle in direct sunlight. Bezels are expected to be moderate, typical of budget devices.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are missing for both devices. However, given the market segment, we can expect similar camera performance. The Realme 11x likely benefits from Mediatek’s Imagiq image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Dimensity 6100+, potentially offering slightly better image processing capabilities. Without knowing sensor sizes or lens apertures, it’s difficult to definitively assess camera quality, but the Realme’s ISP advantage could translate to better low-light performance and dynamic range. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and should not be a primary consideration.
Performance
Both the TCL 40R and Realme 11x are powered by octa-core CPUs featuring the same core configuration: 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55. However, the Realme 11x utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ built on a more efficient 6nm process, compared to the TCL 40R’s Dimensity 700 on a 7nm node. This 6nm process gives the 6100+ a slight edge in power efficiency and potentially sustained performance under load, reducing thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. While raw CPU performance will be comparable, the 6100+’s GPU is likely to offer a modest improvement in graphics rendering.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Realme 11x’s 33W wired charging is a significant advantage over the TCL 40R’s 15W charging. The 11x can reach 50% charge in just 29 minutes, while the 40R will require considerably longer. This faster charging speed translates to less downtime and a more convenient user experience. Even with a slightly smaller battery, the 11x’s faster charging can effectively mitigate range anxiety.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 40R if you prioritize a potentially lower upfront cost and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. It’s a solid option for users who don’t heavily rely on their phone throughout the day. Buy the Realme 11x if you value faster charging and a more convenient user experience. This phone is ideal for users who need to quickly top up their battery during short breaks and demand more responsiveness from their device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 11x’s Dimensity 6100+ handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Dimensity 6100+ is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it won’t deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, the 6nm process and improved GPU should provide a smoother experience than the Dimensity 700, especially during prolonged gaming sessions.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the TCL 40R with its 15W charger?
Given the 15W charging speed, a full charge from 0% to 100% on the TCL 40R is estimated to take approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on battery capacity. This is considerably slower than the Realme 11x’s 33W charging.
❓ Is the camera on either phone good enough for casual social media use?
Both phones should be adequate for casual social media photography in good lighting conditions. However, expect limited performance in low-light scenarios. The Realme 11x may offer slightly better image quality due to its Imagiq ISP, but don't expect flagship-level results.
❓ Does the Realme 11x support VoLTE and VoWiFi?
While not explicitly stated, Realme phones generally support VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) for improved call quality and connectivity. However, compatibility depends on your carrier, so it’s best to verify with your provider.
