The entry range that includes the most economically affordable mobiles tends to gain prominence in times like the present, in which inflation hardly pauses the pocket. Some of the most interesting models in this niche are the TCL 40R 5G and 40 SE, as are the new cheap TCL mobiles with which it seeks to offer reliable features without entailing a great expense for users.
Both the TCL 40R 5G and the TCL 40 SE are already available for sale in Spain, and their price varies between 170 euros and 240 euros, depending on the configurations of each model. However, it is possible to find them with lower prices in offers from various mobile phone operators.
DATASHEET OF THE TCL 40R 5G AND 40 SE MOBILES
| TCL40R 5G | TCL 40SE | |
| Screen | 6.6-inch NXTVISION panel HD+ resolution (720 x 1600 pixels) Refresh rate: 90 Hz Screen ratio: 20:9 Screen-to-body ratio: 89% Color gamut: NTSC 70% Brightness: 400 nits |
6.75-inch NXTVISION panel HD+ resolution (720 x 1600 pixels) Refresh rate: 90 Hz Screen ratio: 20:9 Screen-to-body ratio: 90% Color gamut: NTSC 70% Brightness: 450 nits |
| main chamber | 50 MP primary sensor with f/1.8 focal aperture Secondary sensor with 2 MP depth lens with f/2.4 focal aperture Tertiary sensor with 2 MP macro lens with f/2.4 focal aperture Capture and playback of Video: 1080p@30FPS |
50 MP main sensor with f/1.8 focal aperture Secondary sensor with depth lens with f/2.4 focal aperture Tertiary sensor with 2 MP macro lens with f/2.4 focal aperture Video capture and playback: 1080p at 30 FPS |
| selfie camera | 8 MP main sensor with f/2.0 focal aperture Video capture and playback: 1080p at 30 FPS |
8 MP main sensor with f/2.0 focal aperture Video capture and playback: 1080p at 30 FPS |
| Internal memory | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB or 256GB |
| Extension | Up to 1TB | Up to 1TB |
| Processor and RAM | MediaTek Dimensity 700 RAM: 4 GB |
MediaTek Helio G37 RAM: 4 GB |
| Battery | Battery: 5,000 mAh with 15 W fast charging with included charger | Battery: 5,000 mAh with 18 W fast charging with included charger |
| OS | Android 12 under TCL UI 4.0 (Will update to Android 13) | Android 13 under TCL UI 5.0 |
| connectivity | WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 5G Bluetooth 5.1 Audio jack: 3.5mm USB 2.0 Type C NFC GPS |
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 4G Bluetooth 5.1 Audio jack: 3.5 mm USB 2.0 type C NFC (depends on the model) GPS |
| SIM | Dual nano SIM | Dual nano SIM |
| Design | Plastic finish Colors: starlight black and stardust purple |
Matt PMMA/Polycarbonate back finish Colors: Dark Gray and Dusk Purple |
| Dimensions | Size: 164.46 x 75.4 x 8.99 mm Weight: 192 g |
Size: 167.91 x 76.5 x 8.45 mm Weight: 190 gr |
| Featured Features | Face unlock, side fingerprint sensor | Face unlock, side fingerprint sensor |
| Release date | Available | Available |
| Price | 240 euros | €170 (128 GB) €200 (256 GB) |
SMALL DIFFERENCES, DIFFERENT PROCESSORS
Although the TCL 40R 5G and TCL 40 SE have many similarities, some small differences are key. The main one is in the processor, which in the case of the TCL 40R 5G is a MediaTek Dimensity 70 0, whose main contribution to this phone is that it does support 5G technology. The TCL 40 SE has the MediaTek Helio G37 processor, which stays in 4G.
Both mobiles’ screens are practically identical, presenting separate NXTVISION panels from TCL. In this case, the one that ends up prevailing is the 40 SE, which is 6.75 inches compared to the 6.6 of the TCL 40R 5G. For the rest, both have similar characteristics ( HD+ resolution, 90 Hz refresh rate, and a 20:9 screen ratio ). The TCL 40 SE is also slightly brighter, reaching 450 nits to the 400 that the 40R 5G has.
5,000 MAH BATTERIES AND EXPANDABLE MEMORY UP TO 1 TB
TCL’s flagship models come with 5,000mAh batteries with fast charging in both cases (and charger included), though the 40 SE’s fast charging is slightly higher, clocking in at 18 watts.
As for internal storage, the TCL 40R 5G is available in two configurations of 64 or 128 GB, while the TCL 40 SE can be purchased with 128 or 256 GB internal memory. Expanding the storage capacity up to a terabyte through a micro SD card will be possible in both cases. Both TCL models have four gigabyte RAM.
CAMERAS AND OPERATING SYSTEM
The TCL 40R 5G standard operating system is Android 12 under the customization layer of TCL UI 4.0. However, this model plans to update to Android 13 when available. The latest version of Android does come standard on the 40 SE.
Although the camera is not one of the main purchase factors in a mid-range mobile, the TCL 40R 5G and the 40 SE have the same characteristics. Both models have a 50-megapixel main sensor, with two secondary 2-megapixel macro and depth lens sensors. As for the front camera, TCL’s 40R 5G and 40 SE have an 8-megapixel sensor. Video capture and playback reach 1080p with 30 FPS in the main and selfie cameras.
TCL 408, 406, 405, AND 403 ARE AFFORDABLE MOBILE
The novelties of TCL to cover the sector of the most economical range are not limited to the two previous models. The Taiwanese brand also has the 403, 405, 406, and 408 models available for sale, with prices ranging from 90 euros for the TCL 403 to 150 euros for the TCL 408. The TCL 406 stands out for offering a 5,000 mAh battery and sharing the NXTVISION screen of its older brothers with dual speakers that allow you to enjoy multimedia content in good condition.
As for the cheaper models, the main feature of the TCL 405 is its 6.6-inch screen and dual speakers. The TCL 403, the cheapest in the catalog with a price of 90 euros, is a good solution for users looking for a mobile with the necessary features without further decorations, equipped with the 12 Go Edition of the Android operating system.
TCL MOVE AUDIO NEO AND MOVEAUDIO AIR HEADPHONES
Another field in which TCL wants to gain a presence is wireless headphones, with two models called MOVEAUDIO Neo and MOVEAUDIO Air that complement their mobile phones and tablets. The TCL MOVEAUDIO Neo headphones reach 25 decibels of sound, enhancing the bass and offering four equalization settings so that the sound clarity is as desired depending on each content. They also feature call and active noise cancellations so you can focus on your music or podcasts without distraction. The MOVEAUDIO Neo will go on sale in April or May and be priced at 50 euros.
The MOVEAUDIO Air model (40 euros) has three equalization modes and promises up to nine hours of autonomy without charging, and can reach 32 with charges in the case.
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