TCL

TCL 40 SE (2023)

Android OS v13.0
Mediatek Helio G37
PowerVR GE8320
4 GB / 128 GB
6.75 inch (720 x 1600 px)
50 + 2 + 2 MP, 8120 x 6180 px, autofocus

The manufacturer offers this phone with a 6.75 inch IPS display, a Mediatek Helio G37 SoC, and 4 GB of RAM. It comes with Android OS v13.0 out of the box, and a Li-Po 5010 mAh, non-removable battery.

Is this phone a good value for its price? My review aims to answer that question by the end.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the TCL 40 SE smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device.

TCL 40 SE / 1

TCL 40 SE specifications

BrandTCL
Name40 SE
Model40SE
Release date2023
Price$150

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight6.7 oz
Dimensions6.61 x 3.01 x 0.33 inch
Colorsdark gray, twilight purple
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of TCL 40 SE is about 6.7 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a small chipcard for a subscriber identity module (SIM).

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v13.0
SoCMediatek Helio G37
CPUOcta-core, Quad-core 2.3 GHz Cortex-A53, Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53
GPUPowerVR GE8320
PerformanceAnTuTu v9: 113273

The TCL 40 SE comes with Android OS v13.0 out of the box. Android is a mobile operating system. Google built it using a modified version of the Linux kernel. They also used other open-source software. It's a powerful Mediatek Helio G37 octa-core processor. It can handle complex tasks and run many applications. PowerVR GPUs have a reputation for being power-efficient and delivering strong performance. We use AnTuTu app to measure general processing performance. AnTuTu Benchmark is the most popular benchmark app for Android phones.

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size6.75 inch
Resolution720 x 1600 px
Multitouch supportyes

The 6.75 inch IPS display has better features. These include optimal viewing angles, color accuracy, and unchanging color reproduction. The 6.75 inch display should be big enough for our needs. It will make viewing comfortable. This is true whether we're reading, browsing, or watching. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.

TCL 40 SE / 1

Memory, storage

RAM4 GB
Internal storage128 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

The TCL 40 SE comes with 4 GB of RAM, which is considered to be sufficient for most users' needs. More RAM lets us keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. The 40 SE has 128 GB of internal storage, which is more than enough for their needs. We can expand the internal storage (128 GB) with a compatible microSD card.

Cameras, flash

Main camera50 + 2 + 2 MP, 8120 x 6180 px, autofocus
FlashDual LED
Selfie camera8 MP

Using multiple cameras has advantages. They provide more versatility and creative possibilities. They let us capture a wider range of subjects. The main camera of 40 SE smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetoothv5.1, A2DP
GPSA-GPS
NFCyes
FM radioyes
USBUSB Type-C
Headphone3.5 mm jack

The 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. This phone like all modern smartphones, is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The 40 SE smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS. The 40 SE comes with NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows us to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Po 5010 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Po 5010 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The battery of 40 SE isn't removable without voiding the warranty.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, fingerprint, light, proximity
SpecialsDual SIM, Fast charging

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. The 40 SE phone has a fingerprint scanner. The light sensor detects the level of light in the environment. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use. The fast charging technology comes in handy when we need quick juice on our device.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this TCL phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • pocket-friendly price
  • appropriate screen size
  • adequate memory
  • generous internal storage
  • microSD slot
  • multicamera setup
  • good battery
  • Dual SIM support

Cons

  • weak performance
  • no OIS function
  • no 5G support
  • no digital compass
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Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
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