Motorola Edge 40 Pro vs TCL 40 SE - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
TCL 40 SE
TCL 40 SE
Tcl

General

Launch Date April 4, 2023 April 4, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 102.59 cm³ 109.18 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.35 "/g 3.55 "/g
Weight 199 g 190 g
Height 161.2 mm 167.9 mm
Width 74 mm 76.5 mm
Thickness 8.6 mm 8.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Interstellar Black
  • Lunar Blue
  • Dark grey
  • Twilight purple

Display

Screen Size 6.67 " 6.75 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 90 % 85.6 %
Pixel Density 394 PPI 260 PPI
Refresh Rate 165 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 450 nits
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness 1300 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 103.40 mAh/in² 109.96 mAh/in²
Battery Density 44.84 mAh/cm³ 45.89 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4600 mAh 5010 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPU Adreno 740 PowerVR GE8320

Connectivity

USB Version 3.2 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version 1.4 N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.2, OTG, DisplayPort 1.4 USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 13 13
Maximum OS Version 16

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureMotorola Edge 40 ProTCL 40 SEPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)161.2 x 74 x 8.6167.9 x 76.5 x 8.5The Motorola is slightly smaller and thinner, making it potentially more pocketable.
Weight (g)199190Negligible weight difference in real-world usage.
BuildNot specifiedNot specifiedBuild quality and materials can impact durability and premium feel, but cannot be assessed here.
Display
Display Type6.67" OLED, 1B colors, 165Hz6.75" IPS LCD, 90HzThe Motorola's OLED offers significantly better contrast, deeper blacks, and potentially brighter highlights. The 165Hz refresh rate provides a much smoother and more responsive experience compared to the TCL's 90Hz.
Resolution1080 x 2400 (394 ppi)720 x 1600 (260 ppi)The Motorola's display is considerably sharper and more detailed due to the higher resolution and pixel density.
HDRHDR10+, Dolby VisionNot specifiedThe Motorola supports HDR standards, enabling a wider dynamic range and more vibrant colors in compatible content.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm)Helio G37 (12nm)The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is vastly more powerful, enabling significantly faster performance, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
CPUOcta-core (up to 3.2 GHz)Octa-core (up to 2.3 GHz)The Motorola's CPU cores are clocked higher, leading to a noticeable performance difference in demanding tasks.
RAM12GB4/6GBThe Motorola's 12GB RAM allows for seamless multitasking and app switching, whereas the TCL's 4/6GB might lead to more frequent app reloading.
Camera
Main Camera50MP, f/1.850MP, f/1.85While both have 50MP main sensors, image quality likely differs due to sensor size, processing, and other factors not specified for the TCL.
Other Cameras50MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto2MP depth, 2MP macroThe Motorola offers more versatile camera options with a high-resolution ultrawide and a telephoto lens for optical zoom, compared to the TCL's lower-resolution depth and macro sensors.
VideoUp to 8K@30fpsUp to 1080p@30fpsThe Motorola can record significantly higher resolution video with more advanced features like HDR and EIS.
Battery
Capacity4600 mAh5010 mAhWhile the TCL has a larger battery capacity, actual battery life depends on various factors including display type, processor efficiency, and software optimization.
ChargingNot specifiedNot specifiedCharging speeds are crucial for convenience, but information is missing for both devices.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Motorola Edge 40 Pro Advantages:

  • Significantly more powerful: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 provides a massive performance advantage for demanding tasks and gaming.
  • Superior display: The OLED with 165Hz refresh rate offers a dramatically better visual experience.
  • More versatile camera system: Includes a high-resolution ultrawide and telephoto lens.
  • Higher resolution video recording: Up to 8K@30fps.

TCL 40 SE Advantages:

  • Potentially longer battery life: Larger 5010 mAh battery.
  • Lower price: Positioned in the low price range, offering budget-friendly accessibility.

Trade-offs:

  • The Motorola's superior performance and features come at a significantly higher price.
  • The TCL compromises on performance, display quality, and camera versatility for affordability.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Motorola Edge 40 Pro: Ideal for power users, gamers, photography enthusiasts, and those who prioritize a premium experience. Excels in demanding tasks, content consumption, and mobile photography.

TCL 40 SE: Suitable for budget-conscious users who prioritize basic communication, web browsing, and light media consumption. Best for users with less demanding needs who value affordability above all else.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The price difference between these phones is substantial.
  2. What are your primary smartphone usage patterns? Consider your needs for performance, gaming, photography, and display quality.
  3. How important is long-term software support and updates? The Motorola is likely to receive longer software support. The TCL's "os_max_version" is not specified.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Heavy user with a high budget: Motorola Edge 40 Pro.
  • Light user with a limited budget: TCL 40 SE.
  • User who values a balance of performance and price: Consider mid-range alternatives not listed in this comparison.

My Choice: Motorola Edge 40 Pro

While significantly more expensive, the Motorola Edge 40 Pro offers a vastly superior user experience across the board. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2's performance, coupled with the stunning OLED display and versatile camera system, justifies the higher price for my needs. I prioritize a smooth, responsive experience and high-quality visuals, making the Motorola the clear winner for me. The TCL 40 SE, while budget-friendly, compromises too much on key aspects that I value in a smartphone.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.