Hands-on review: TCL 40 SE smartphone

The TCL 40 SE smartphone stands out as a stylish device that strikes a balance between aesthetics and functionality. With its modern design, impressive battery life, and versatile memory options, it promises to be a reliable companion for your daily mobile needs.

Design

The TCL 40 SE boasts a sleek and modern design with dimensions of 167.91 x 76.5 x 8.45 mm and a weight of 190g, making it comfortable to hold and easy to carry. The device is available in two colours: dark grey and twilight purple, allowing users to choose a style that suits their preference. The matte finish on the back not only adds a premium feel but also minimises fingerprint smudges.

Display

The phone features a 6.75-inch 90Hz display, providing a smooth and enjoyable visual experience. While the HD+ (720×1600 pixels) resolution and 260 PPI may not deliver the sharpest visuals, they are more than sufficient for everyday tasks and media consumption.

The 20:9 aspect ratio and 90 per cent screen-to-body ratio offer a good balance between screen real estate and device size. With a brightness of 450 nits, the display ensures decent outdoor visibility.

Performance, storage and battery

Running on TCL UI 5.0 and Android 13, the TCL 40 SE offers a smooth and responsive user experience. However, its MediaTek Helio G37 chipset and 4 x Cortex-A53 @ 2.3GHz + 4 x Cortex-A53 @ 1.8GHz CPU configuration may struggle with demanding tasks and high-end gaming. For everyday tasks, web browsing, and social media, the device performs adequately.

The device comes in two memory configurations: 6GB RAM + 256GB ROM and 4GB RAM + 128GB ROM. This provides users with ample storage options to suit their needs, and the microSD card support up to 1TB allows for even more expansion possibilities. Having a generous amount of RAM ensures smooth multitasking, while spacious storage can support a vast collection of apps, photos, and videos.

The TCL 40 SE packs a 5010mAh battery, promising all-day battery life for most users. Coupled with efficient power management and a 9V2A Type-C USB 2.0 charger, the device offers reliable endurance. Quick charging support ensures that you can charge your phone quickly when needed. Battery performance is a definite highlight, making this device suitable for users with heavy usage patterns.

Camera

The TCL 40 SE camera setup is versatile, featuring a 50MP main/macro camera, a 2MP depth camera, and a 2MP macro camera. While it offers various features like Bokeh, HDR, Panorama, AI scene detection, and Face detection, the image quality is satisfactory for the mid-range segment. However, it doesn’t excel in challenging lighting conditions. The 8MP front camera is suitable for selfies and video calls, aided by features like Face Beauty and HDR.

Connectivity

The TCL 40 SE is equipped with Bluetooth version 5.1 for seamless wireless connectivity and a 3.5mm audio jack, a feature appreciated by audiophiles who prefer wired headphones. Type-C USB 2.0 ports ensure fast data transfer and charging. The device supports dual SIM cards, adding flexibility for users who need multiple phone numbers or travel frequently.

Should you buy the TCL 40 SE?

The TCL 40 SE excels in design, battery life and memory options. It offers a good balance of features and performance for everyday use, making it an attractive choice for users seeking a budget-friendly device.

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