Looking for a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank? TCL offers several compelling options, and the 40R and 10L are two popular contenders. But which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key features to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 40R generally edges out the 10L thanks to its newer, more efficient Dimensity 700 chipset, offering better performance and potentially improved battery life. However, the 10L's Snapdragon 665 remains a capable performer, and its availability and price might make it a better value for some.
| 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, 13, 17, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - T771K, T771K1 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 7, 28, 66, 71, 78 SA/NSA - T771A | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 26 | 2020, April 06. Released 2020, May 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 21 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 162.2 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.39 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, HDR |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | 64GB eMMC 5.1, 128/256GB UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.25", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| 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 | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO |
| 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stardust Purple, Starlight Black | Arctic White, Mariana Blue |
| Models | T771K, T771K1, T771H, T771A | T770H, T770B, 4187U |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 140 EUR |
TCL 40R
- Newer chipset (Dimensity 700)
- Potentially better performance
- Likely improved battery life
- Potentially better camera
- 15W charging is slow
- May be slightly more expensive
TCL 10L
- Affordable price
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Decent camera for the price
- Older chipset (Snapdragon 665)
- Less efficient
- Potentially shorter battery life
- Slower performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature LCD displays, but the TCL 40R likely has a slightly more modern panel with potentially better color accuracy and brightness. The 10L's display is perfectly adequate for everyday use, but may lack the vibrancy of the 40R. Screen sizes are similar, around 6.67 inches, offering ample viewing space.
Camera Comparison
The TCL 40R likely boasts a more versatile camera system, potentially with a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing. While both phones offer decent camera capabilities for their price range, the 40R is expected to deliver slightly better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Both likely have a main lens, ultrawide, and macro lens.
Performance
The Mediatek Dimensity 700 in the 40R is the clear winner here. Its 7nm process is more efficient than the 10L's 11nm Snapdragon 665, resulting in better performance and potentially less heat generation. Expect smoother multitasking and faster app loading times on the 40R. The 10L's Snapdragon 665 is still capable, but shows its age.
Battery Life
The TCL 40R's more efficient chipset should translate to better battery life. While both phones have similar battery capacities (around 5000mAh), the 40R's Dimensity 700 will consume less power. Expect all-day battery life from both devices with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
The TCL 40R is ideal for users prioritizing performance and future-proofing. It's a good choice for light to moderate gaming and everyday tasks. The TCL 10L is a solid option for those seeking a dependable, affordable phone primarily for calls, texts, and basic app usage, especially if it's available at a significantly lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL 40R worth the extra cost over the TCL 10L?
If performance and battery life are priorities, the TCL 40R is likely worth the extra investment. However, if you're on a tight budget and only need a basic phone, the TCL 10L remains a viable option.
❓ What kind of games can I play on these phones?
The TCL 40R can handle most casual games smoothly. The TCL 10L can play many games, but you may need to lower the graphics settings for optimal performance.
