TCL

TCL 40 XE: Pros and Cons

Android OS v13.0
Mediatek Dimensity 700
Mali-G57 MP2
4 GB / 64 GB
6.56 inch (720 x 1612 px)
13 + 2 + 2 MP, 4160 x 3120 px, autofocus

TCL announced the launch of the 40 XE smartphone in 2023. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 6.56 inch IPS display, Mediatek Dimensity 700 SoC, and 4 GB of RAM. The 40 XE series was launched with Android OS v13.0 pre-installed, but it is upgradable. This phone features a high resolution 720 x 1612 px IPS display. The size of screen is 6.56 inch. The 40 XE has a multi-camera setup. The lens offers versatility. It lets you capture a wide range of subjects and scenes from different perspectives. Does this phone justify its price tag? I hope to provide clarity by the conclusion of my review.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the TCL 40 XE smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

TCL 40 XE / 1

TCL 40 XE specifications

BrandTCL
Name40 XE
Model40XE
Release date2023

Weight, dimensions, colors

Colorsblack
SIM typeNano SIM

Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a small chipcard for a subscriber identity module (SIM).

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v13.0
SoCMediatek Dimensity 700
CPUOcta-core, Quad-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A76, Quad-core 2 GHz Cortex-A55
GPUMali-G57 MP2
PerformanceAnTuTu v9: 371831

The TCL 40 XE comes with Android OS v13.0 out of the box. The Android operating system uses the Linux kernel as its foundation. It includes a user interface, middleware, and many pre-installed applications. An advanced scheduler manages this octa-core CPU. It assigns tasks to the CPU for real-time speed and power efficiency. Many mobile devices use ARM Mali GPUs. They are well known for their good performance and power efficiency. 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 size6.56 inch
Resolution720 x 1612 px
Multitouch supportyes

The 6.56 inch IPS display has better features. These include optimal viewing angles, color accuracy, and unchanging color reproduction. The 6.56 inch display should be big enough for your needs. It will make viewing comfortable. This is true whether you're reading, browsing, or watching. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.

TCL 40 XE / 1

Memory, storage

RAM4 GB
Internal storage64 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

The TCL 40 XE comes with 4 GB of RAM, which is considered to be sufficient for most users' needs. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services you use. 64 GB of storage is usually seen as good for a smartphone. It should be enough for most users. You can expand the internal storage (64 GB) with a compatible microSD card.

Cameras, flash

Main camera13 + 2 + 2 MP, 4160 x 3120 px, autofocus
FlashDual LED
Selfie camera8 MP

The 40 XE has a multi-camera setup. It lets you adapt to different photography situations. You can achieve various perspectives and compositions. The 40 XE comes with a basic camera setup and lacks any advanced features.

Connectivity, network, wireless

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

The 5G networks use advanced technologies. These include millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequencies, massive MIMO, and network slicing. The phone is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The 40 XE smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. The GPS allows this smartphone to find their exact location. It provides accurate navigation and mapping. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Po 5000 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 XE isn't removable without voiding the warranty.

Features, sensors, specials

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

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The 40 XE smartphone has an accelerometer. The 40 XE 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 you need quick juice on your 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

  • appropriate screen size
  • adequate memory
  • microSD slot
  • multicamera setup
  • 5G support
  • good battery
  • Dual SIM support

Cons

  • weak performance
  • no OIS function
  • no NFC feature
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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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