Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Motorola Edge (2022) and the TCL 40 SE. As always, we'll focus less on raw numbers and more on how these phones actually fit into your daily life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the key specs, with an eye towards real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | TCL 40 SE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 160.9 x 74.2 x 8 mm | 167.9 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm | The Motorola is smaller and more pocketable, while the TCL is noticeably larger and may feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 170g | 190g | The Motorola is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use, particularly one-handed. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.75" | The TCL offers slightly more screen real estate. The difference is there but not that significant. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1600 | The Motorola has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text and crisper images and videos. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 399 | 260 | The Motorola delivers significantly sharper details. The lower PPI on the TCL might result in pixelation. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | OLED offers much richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast than IPS LCD. The Motorola display will look more vibrant. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 90Hz | The Motorola offers much smoother animations, scrolling, and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | The TCL will be dramatically more visible in direct sunlight. The "0 nits" on the Motorola seems to be an error, it still has a very bright screen, but the TCL will win here |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6nm) | Mediatek Helio G37 (12nm) | The Motorola's chipset is considerably more powerful, offering better performance across the board. |
| Antutu Score | 522,375 | 160,000 | The Motorola is significantly faster, leading to quicker app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. The TCL performance will be limited to casual use. |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | PowerVR GE8320 | The Motorola has a much more capable GPU, resulting in better graphics performance for gaming and demanding applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | 50MP, f/1.85 | Motorola's larger sensor and wider aperture should translate to better low-light performance and more detailed photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45 | 8MP, f/2.0 | The Motorola's front camera captures significantly more detail. TCL has wider aperture for better low light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP, f/1.5 | None | Motorola lets you capture more in your shots |
| Portrait Depth Sensor | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | TCL can produce portrait photos with a bokeh effect. |
| Macro Camera | 20MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Motorola's macro camera is much higher resolution, capturing more detail in close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | The Motorola can capture video with more detail and better stabilization. |
| Image Stabilization | OIS+EIS | No | Motorola has both digital and optical image stabilization, making for smoother videos and photos, while the TCL lacks any stabilization |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5010mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacities, suggesting comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging, 15W wireless charging | 18W fast charging | The Motorola charges significantly faster with its 30W wired and 15W wireless charging. |
| Features | Reverse, wireless | None | The Motorola can reverse charge other devices and supports wireless charging, while the TCL is more basic. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Android 13 | The TCL has the latest version of android while the Motorola will get it with an upgrade |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) | The Motorola offers faster, more reliable wifi connection |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | The Motorola has the latest version of bluetooth, with faster speeds and lower latency |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | The Motorola offers the option of using a virtual sim with eSIM and two physical sims |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both come with different options for storage. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 4/6GB | The Motorola comes with more RAM for better multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation mic, 3 microphones | Stereo Speakers | Motorola offers better sound and call quality |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Motorola's screen is protected with scratch resistant Gorilla Glass |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge (2022) Strengths: The Motorola Edge (2022) is the clear winner when it comes to performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. Its OLED screen with a high refresh rate provides a much more enjoyable viewing experience, and its more powerful chipset ensures smoother performance for demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking. The more capable cameras provide sharper photos with more detail and better low light capabilities. It also has an advantage with faster charging, reverse charging capabilities, and wireless charging.
TCL 40 SE Strengths: The TCL 40 SE shines with its display brightness, making it better for outdoor visibility. It's also the newer phone with Android 13 out of the box. The main strength of this phone is that its a low cost option.
Trade-offs: The biggest trade-off is performance for cost. You can either have a phone with high end capabilities for an elevated price or a basic phone with a much more affordable price.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge (2022): Ideal for users who prioritize performance, display quality, and photography. This phone is best suited for:
- Gamers who want a smooth and responsive experience.
- Multimedia enthusiasts who enjoy watching videos and consuming content on the go.
- Users who want a capable camera system for capturing high quality photos and videos.
TCL 40 SE: Best for those who want a basic phone at a low price, prioritizes screen brightness and battery life. It is suitable for:
- Budget-conscious users looking for a simple, functional smartphone.
- Users who spend a lot of time outdoors and need a display that is visible in direct sunlight.
- People who need a long lasting phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and calls.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is screen quality to you? If you watch a lot of videos or play games, the Motorola's OLED display is a huge advantage. If you spend most of your time in direct sunlight, the TCL's display will be more visible.
- How much performance do you need? For heavy multitasking, gaming, or fast loading times, the Motorola's chipset is a must. If you only use your phone for basic tasks, the TCL is adequate.
- What is your budget? If budget is the primary concern, the TCL is more affordable. The Motorola is a better option if you have the money.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious): If you need a phone that covers the basics and budget is the main constraint, the TCL 40 SE is the practical choice due to its lower price point and decent battery life.
- Scenario 2 (Performance Focused): If you are a gamer, content creator, or user that needs top tier performance, the Motorola Edge (2022) is a significantly better option due to its powerful processor, great display, and overall enhanced performance.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced Use): If you're looking for a well-rounded phone that's good for daily use and want the best experience, but without breaking the bank, the Motorola Edge (2022) strikes the better balance, delivering a premium experience.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would without a doubt pick the Motorola Edge (2022). The reason is simple. As a tech journalist and smartphone enthusiast, I value performance, screen quality, and camera capabilities. The Motorola is superior in all aspects, providing a much more enjoyable user experience. Its smoother animations, more vivid display, and significantly more powerful chipset make it worth the extra investment. While the TCL is more affordable, the Motorola is worth it for anyone who wants a device that can handle both everyday tasks and more demanding use cases with ease. The vastly improved camera, build quality, and wireless charging are the icing on the cake.
