Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G31 and the TCL 40 SE. As always, I'm putting on my tech journalist hat, which means translating the specs into real-world experiences for you, the curious user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a comprehensive table that breaks down the key specifications and their practical implications:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G31 | TCL 40 SE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 × 73.9 × 8.6 mm | 167.9 × 76.5 × 8.5 mm | The TCL 40 SE is noticeably larger and slightly wider, might feel less comfortable in smaller hands, while the Moto G31 is more compact. The difference in thickness is negligible. |
| Weight | 181g | 190g | The Moto G31 is slightly lighter, which might be more comfortable for extended use. A 9-gram difference is often noticeable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.75" | The TCL 40 SE offers a larger screen for more immersive content consumption, and the Moto G31's size makes it more comfortable to use one-handed. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | The Moto G31 has a significantly sharper display. Text will be crisper, and images will have more detail. The TCL 40 SE's screen will appear slightly less sharp. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 411 | 260 | The Moto G31 offers a much sharper image and better viewing experience due to its higher pixel density. The display will look much clearer. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The Moto G31's AMOLED screen will provide superior contrast with deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. It will also be more energy-efficient with dark mode. The TCL 40 SE's IPS LCD will have less vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The TCL 40 SE offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations, which can make the phone feel more responsive for daily use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | The TCL 40 SE's much higher brightness makes it significantly better for outdoor use under bright sunlight. The Moto G31's low brightness is a big drawback. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G85 | MediaTek Helio G37 | The Moto G31 has a more powerful chipset for slightly better overall performance, including faster app loading and smoother operation. The TCL 40 SE is not as powerful but is still suitable for daily tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 225,154 | 160,000 | The Moto G31 offers significantly better performance, which might translate to a smoother user experience and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 | The Moto G31’s GPU configuration will likely deliver better graphics performance for gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.85 | Both offer similar resolution, but the wider aperture in the Moto G31 and its slightly larger sensor size mean it should handle low light better. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.0 | The Moto G31 has higher resolution and slightly better selfies, but the TCL 40 SE has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.0 | None | The Moto G31 offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for more versatile photography. |
| Portrait Mode | None | 2MP f/2.4 | The TCL 40 SE offers a dedicated portrait mode for better bokeh. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both have similar Macro lenses. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo: Yes, 120 fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo: No | Both phones record similar standard video quality. The Moto G31 can record slow-motion videos at a higher frame rate (120fps) than the TCL 40 SE. |
| Camera Features | Optical zoom, Digital image stabilization, Laser autofocus (LAF), RAW, and more. | Lacks Optical Zoom, Digital image stabilization, Laser autofocus (LAF), RAW. | The Moto G31 has more advanced camera features, giving you more creative control and potentially better image quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5010mAh | Both have similar battery capacities, meaning similar battery life. |
| Charging | 10W fast charging | 18W fast charging | The TCL 40 SE charges significantly faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | The TCL 40 SE has a newer version of Android, ensuring better compatibility with new apps and a longer software update lifecycle. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both phones support the latest WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | TCL 40 SE has a slightly newer Bluetooth version for slightly better connectivity with the latest devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both phones offer standard location services but Motorola Moto G31 offers more complete coverage, including SUPL. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | TCL 40 SE offers higher storage options and more space for photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB | The TCL 40 SE has a higher RAM option, which means better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers the option to expand the storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Stereo Speakers | The Moto G31 offers Dolby Atmos and two microphones, enhancing audio recording and playback quality. TCL 40 SE has louder sound with its stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer standard fingerprint security. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer | Motorola Moto G31 has additional sensors like the compass and gyroscope for better orientation, navigation, and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G31 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with higher resolution and pixel density is a clear win for picture quality, vibrant colors, and energy efficiency.
- Better Performance: The Helio G85 chipset and higher AnTuTu score provide a noticeable performance advantage in daily use and gaming.
- Enhanced Camera Features: A wider variety of features, plus a wide-angle lens, give you more creative tools.
- Better Audio Quality: Dolby Atmos and 2 microphones offer better audio for both playback and recording.
- More Sensors: The compass and gyroscope enhance navigation and gaming.
TCL 40 SE Strengths:
- Larger, Brighter Display: The larger screen is great for media consumption, and the higher brightness makes it usable in sunlight.
- Smoother Refresh Rate: The 90Hz display provides a slightly more fluid user experience for scrolling.
- Faster Charging: The 18W fast charging is a welcome upgrade over the Moto G31's 10W charging.
- More Storage and RAM Options: The higher storage and RAM options provide more space and more multitasking power.
- Newer OS: Having Android 13 out of the box is a definite plus, with more features, better compatibility, and security features.
- Stereo Speakers: Great for watching movies and music.
Trade-offs & Limitations:
- Moto G31's Weak Brightness: The Moto G31’s biggest drawback is its very low brightness of 0 nits which means that the screen would have very bad outdoor visibility.
- TCL 40 SE's Lower Resolution: The lower resolution display will look less crisp than the Moto G31.
- Moto G31 is older. The Moto G31 is an older phone and will have fewer years of OS support left.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Moto G31: Ideal for users who prioritize display quality, performance, and camera versatility and can primarily use their phone indoors. It’s a solid choice for media consumption and general use, especially if you love taking photos.
- TCL 40 SE: Best for users who value a larger, bright screen for outdoor visibility, longer battery life with faster charging, and the latest Android software. It's a good option for casual gaming, watching videos, and overall media consumption in bright settings.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- How important is display sharpness and quality to you? If you want the best viewing experience, the Moto G31's AMOLED panel is the winner here. If you use your phone mostly indoors the poor brightness won't be a major problem.
- Do you need good outdoor visibility and fast charging? The TCL 40 SE's brighter display and faster charging are key advantages for anyone spending time outdoors.
- Do you prioritize software updates and long-term support? The newer Android version on the TCL 40 SE means it'll receive more security and software updates.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Casual Photographer: The Moto G31 is better for those wanting to take more photos with its extra features like a wider lens, optical zoom, and better video slow motion.
- The Outdoor Enthusiast: The TCL 40 SE is better for those who need to use their phone in direct sunlight and want to charge their phone up quickly with fast charging.
- The Budget Gamer: The Moto G31 is better due to its more powerful chipset and better display.
- The Everyday Media Consumer: The TCL 40 SE has a larger, brighter screen, but its lower resolution may be a turn-off if you have an eye for sharp details.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the TCL 40 SE. While I appreciate the Moto G31's superior display technology and camera features, the TCL 40 SE's practicality wins me over. The combination of a larger, brighter screen, the smoother 90Hz refresh rate, faster charging, and a newer operating system makes it a better daily driver for my needs. Given that I'm often out and about, the enhanced visibility in bright sunlight is crucial. Additionally, having a newer Android version with a longer software support lifecycle offers more long-term value.
However, if I primarily used my phone indoors and really wanted better photo and video features I would choose the Moto G31.
