TCL 40 SE
TCL 40 SE

The TCL 40 SE represents a cost-effective mobile device that incorporates commendable attributes for consumers who prioritize reliability and economic value. Its expensive 6.75-inch HD+ display facilitates a seamless experience for scrolling, gaming, and video consumption, attributed to its proficient 90Hz refresh rate. The visual experience is significantly enhanced by the display's vivid colors and superior clarity, which are facilitated by TCL's advanced NXTVISION technology. The operational performance of the TCL 40 SE is underpinned by the MediaTek Helio G37 chipset, which proficiently executes routine tasks such as streaming, web browsing, and moderate multitasking. The device is equipped with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable storage through a microSD card, providing ample space for applications, images, and various files. Photography is a highlight with the triple-camera system, led by a 50MP main lens that captures crisp, vibrant images. Additional macro and depth sensors allow for creative shots, while the 8MP selfie camera ensures quality photos and video calls. The 5,000mAh battery is a standout, providing all-day power for moderate use. Though limited to 10W charging, its longevity makes it dependable. Other features include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, 4G connectivity, and a stylish, ergonomic design with a textured finish for a secure grip. The TCL 40 SE is an ideal pick for cost-conscious users who want a dependable, feature-rich smartphone without a premium price tag, making it a strong contender in the budget market.

 

Build

OS

Android 12 OS  

UI

TCL UI

Dimensions

168.6 x 76.1 x 9 mm

Weight

N/A  

SIM

Dual Sim, Dual Standby (Nano-SIM)  

Colors

Dark Grey, Twilight Purple

Frequency

2G Band

SIM1: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
SIM2: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900  

3G Band

HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100  

4G Band

LTE  

Processor

CPU

Octa-core (4 x 2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 + 4 x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)  

Chipset

MediaTek Helio G37 (12 nm)

GPU

PowerVR GE8320  

Display

Technology

IPS LCD Capacitive Touchscreen, 16M Colors, Multitouch  

Size

6.6 Inches (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio)

Resolution

720 x 1600 Pixels (~266 PPI)  

Extra Features

NXTVISION enhancement

Memory

Smartphone deals

Built-in

64/128GB Built-in, 3/4/6GB RAM  

Card

microSDXC (dedicated slot)  

Camera

Main

50 MP (wide) + 2 MP (macro) + 2 MP (depth), LED flash

Features

HDR, panorama, 1080p@30fps

Front

8 MP (wide), 1080p@30fps

Connectivity

WLAN

Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot  

Bluetooth

v5.1 with A2DP, LE  

GPS

Yes + A-GPS support  

Radio

FM Radio  

USB

USB Type-C 2.0, USB On-The-Go  

NFC

No  

Data

HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps

Features

Sensors

Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity

Audio

3.5mm jack, loudspeaker

Browser

HTML5  

Messaging

SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Mail, IM  

Games

Built-in + Downloadable  

Torch

Yes  

Extra

Photo/video editor • Document viewer (PDF, Word, Excel) • Screen recorder • Dark mode • Digital wellbeing features

Battery

Telephone

Capacity

(Li-Po Non removable), 5000 mAh  

Charging

10W standard charging

 

  1. Affordable Budget Option: Competitively priced for its feature set, offering good value.
  2. Smooth 90Hz Display:  The 6.75-inch IPS LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate ensures fluid scrolling and visuals.
  3. Long Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery easily lasts a full day, even with moderate to heavy use.
  4. Expandable Storage: Dedicated microSD slot for additional storage (beyond the 64GB/128GB built-in options).
  5. Decent Main Camera: The 50MP primary sensor captures detailed photos in good lighting conditions.
  6. Modern Design: Sleek, textured back panel with a premium look (available in Aurora Green and Midnight Black).
  1. Slow 10W Charging: No fast-charging support; takes ~3 hours for a full charge.
  2. HD+ Resolution Only: The 720p display (1600 x 720) lacks sharpness compared to FHD+ competitors.
  3. Average Low-Light Camera Performance: Struggles in dim lighting due to smaller sensor size and lack of OIS.
  4. No NFC Support: Cannot be used for contactless payments (Google Pay, etc.).
  5. Basic Processor: The MediaTek Helio G37 is sufficient for daily tasks but struggles with heavy gaming/multitasking.
  6. Mono Speaker: Single bottom-firing speaker lacks depth and volume compared to stereo setups.
  1. Display:
    The TCL 40 NXTPAPER 5G comes with a 6.75-inch HD+ IPS LCD screen, offering a 90Hz refresh rate that ensures smoother visuals and a more responsive touch experience. With NXTVISION technology, the display is optimized for better color accuracy and enhanced brightness, making it ideal for media consumption and reading.
  2. Performance:
    Powered by the MediaTek Helio G37 chipset, which features an octa-core CPU with four cores clocked at 2.3 GHz, the TCL 40 NXTPAPER 5G provides a smooth and responsive performance. It includes 4GB of RAM and offers storage options of 64GB or 128GB, which can be expanded via a microSD card, ensuring ample space for your apps, photos, and videos.
     
  3. Camera:
    The TCL 40 NXTPAPER 5G is equipped with a triple rear camera setup, consisting of a 50MP main sensor, a 2MP macro lens for close-up shots, and a 2MP depth sensor for portrait photography. The 8MP front camera allows you to capture clear selfies and supports 1080p video recording, ensuring high-quality video calls and content creation.
  4. Battery Life:
    With a 5000mAh battery, the TCL 40 NXTPAPER 5G is designed to last throughout the day on a single charge, offering reliable power for all your activities. It supports 10W wired charging, which is adequate but slower compared to some competitors, making it ideal for overnight charging rather than quick top-ups.
  5. Storage:
    The TCL 40 NXTPAPER 5G provides 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, depending on the model, with a dedicated microSD slot for expandable storage. This allows you to store plenty of photos, videos, and apps without worrying about running out of space.
  6. Design:
    The phone features a sleek, textured back panel available in Aurora Green or Midnight Black, giving it an elegant and modern look. Weighing just 190 grams, the TCL 40 NXTPAPER 5G is lightweight and offers an ergonomic grip, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods.
  7. Software:
    Running on Android 12, the TCL 40 NXTPAPER 5G comes with TCL’s custom UI, which offers a clean and intuitive interface with minimal bloatware. This ensures a smooth and user-friendly experience, allowing you to focus on what matters most without unnecessary distractions.
  8. Connectivity:
    The TCL 40 NXTPAPER 5G supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, and USB-C, providing robust connectivity for your daily needs. However, it lacks NFC for contactless payments, which may be a drawback for some users who rely on mobile payment systems.
  9. Security:
    For security, the TCL 40 NXTPAPER 5G features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and face unlock, providing fast and secure access to your phone. This dual-layer security system ensures your personal information remains safe and easily accessible when needed.

The TCL 40 SE offers great value for budget-conscious users who want a phone with a large display, decent performance, and long battery life without breaking the bank. While it may not be suitable for those needing fast charging, top-tier gaming, or high-end camera quality, it does a solid job for everyday tasks. Its 90Hz refresh rate and 50MP camera make it a solid choice for media consumption and casual use, but its limitations in speed and resolution make it less ideal for power users. Overall, it's a smart choice for those looking for a reliable and affordable device for day-to-day activities.

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  • Published: 5/9/2025
  • Company: TCL
  • Category: Mobile