Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely compromise on features? The TCL Ion X and TCL 40 SE are both contenders in the budget space, offering a range of capabilities at attractive price points. But which one truly comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 40 SE is the clear winner. While the Ion X is a decent budget option, the 40 SE's faster processor, significantly improved charging speed, and likely better camera performance make it the more compelling choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - T610K |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T610K |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 38, 40, 66 - T610E, T610P |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 26 | 2023, January 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 26 | Available. Released 2023, April 04 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 156.5 x 75.2 x 8.9 mm (6.16 x 2.96 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 |
| Weight | 177.4 g (6.24 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~78.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | 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, TCL UI | Android 13, TCL UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide) 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF | 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 | 5 MP, (wide) 1/5.0", 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 |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (T610K, T610K2, T610P, T610P2) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5010 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Dark grey, Twilight purple |
| Models | - | T610K |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 120 EUR |
TCL Ion X
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Basic functionality
- Slow processor
- Slow charging
- Likely inferior camera
- Limited storage options
TCL 40 SE
- Faster processor (Helio G37)
- Faster charging (18W)
- Potentially better camera
- More modern design
- Slightly more expensive than Ion X
- Still a budget phone with limitations
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with HD+ resolution. The TCL 40 SE might have slightly better color accuracy or brightness due to potentially more advanced panel technology, but this is difficult to confirm without detailed reviews. Expect adequate viewing experiences for everyday use on both.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely feature a multi-lens camera system (likely a main lens, macro, and depth sensor), the TCL 40 SE's G37 chipset likely provides better image processing capabilities. Expect slightly better image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance from the 40 SE. Both will likely produce acceptable photos in good lighting conditions.
Performance
The Helio G37 in the TCL 40 SE offers a noticeable performance boost over the Helio G25 in the Ion X. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the 40 SE. The Ion X will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with more demanding apps or games.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh. However, the TCL 40 SE's 18W charging is a significant advantage over the Ion X's 10W charging. This means the 40 SE will charge much faster, a crucial factor for many users.
Buying Guide
The TCL Ion X is best suited for users on an extremely tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and don't need high performance. The TCL 40 SE is ideal for those seeking a more well-rounded experience with better performance, faster charging, and a potentially improved camera, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL Ion X good for gaming?
The TCL Ion X's Helio G25 chipset is not ideal for demanding games. It can handle basic games, but expect low frame rates and potential lag.
❓ How long does the battery last on the TCL 40 SE?
With moderate usage, the TCL 40 SE's 5000mAh battery should easily last a full day. Heavy users may need to charge it before the end of the day.
❓ What storage options are available for each phone?
Storage options vary by region, but both phones typically offer 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
