Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The TCL 40R and 40 SE are both contenders in the budget market, offering a range of features at attractive price points. But which one comes out on top? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 40R takes the lead thanks to its significantly more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset, offering noticeably better performance for everyday tasks and gaming. While the 40 SE has slightly faster charging, the 40R's superior processing power makes it the better overall 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T610K |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - T771K, T771K1 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 7, 28, 66, 71, 78 SA/NSA - T771A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 38, 40, 66 - T610E, T610P |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 26 | 2023, January 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 21 | Available. Released 2023, April 04 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 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 | 192 g (6.77 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 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 | Android 13, TCL UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (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, 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, (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 | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (T610K, T610K2, T610P, T610P2) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5010 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stardust Purple, Starlight Black | Dark grey, Twilight purple |
| Models | T771K, T771K1, T771H, T771A | T610K |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 120 EUR |
TCL 40R
- Significantly faster processor
- Ultrawide camera lens
- Generally better image processing
- Good battery life
- Slower charging speed
- 720p display resolution
TCL 40 SE
- Slightly faster charging
- Affordable price
- Weaker processor
- No ultrawide camera
- Less responsive performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with a 720 x 1600 resolution. While the panels are similar in size and resolution, the TCL 40R might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially better panel technology, though this is difficult to confirm without direct testing. Expect adequate viewing experiences for both.
Camera Comparison
The TCL 40R typically features a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. The TCL 40 SE usually has a 50MP main camera, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. While megapixels aren't everything, the 40R's ultrawide lens provides more versatility. Image quality is generally decent on both, but the 40R's processor likely contributes to better image processing.
Performance
This is where the TCL 40R shines. The Dimensity 700 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G37. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better experience with demanding games on the 40R. The 40 SE will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with more intensive applications.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate users. The TCL 40 SE supports 18W charging, slightly faster than the 40R's 15W charging. However, the difference in charging speed is unlikely to be a major factor for most users.
Buying Guide
The TCL 40R is ideal for users who prioritize performance and smoother multitasking. If you're a casual user who primarily needs a phone for calls, texts, and basic apps, and value slightly faster charging, the TCL 40 SE is a viable option. Consider your budget and usage habits carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL 40R worth the extra money?
Yes, if performance is a priority. The Dimensity 700 chipset provides a noticeable upgrade over the Helio G37, making the 40R a more enjoyable device to use.
❓ Which TCL phone has better battery life?
Both offer excellent battery life, but the TCL 40 SE charges slightly faster.
❓ Can I play games on the TCL 40R?
Yes, the TCL 40R is much better suited for gaming than the 40 SE due to its more powerful processor. You can expect smoother gameplay and better graphics.
