Smartphone Comparison: Nokia X20 vs. TCL 40 SE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Nokia X20 | TCL 40 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-05-12 | 2023-04-04 | TCL 40 SE is newer by almost two years, potentially offering more modern features and software. |
| Dimensions | 168.9 × 79.7 × 9.1 mm | 167.9 × 76.5 × 8.5 mm | Nokia X20 is slightly larger and thicker, the TCL 40 SE is more compact. |
| Weight | 220g | 190g | TCL 40 SE is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and pocketability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.75" | Negligible difference in screen size; both offer similar viewing experiences. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Nokia X20 has a sharper display, better for viewing detailed content and text. |
| PPI | 395 | 260 | Nokia X20's higher pixel density results in clearer, crisper images and text. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use similar display tech, so color reproduction and viewing angles will be comparable. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | TCL 40 SE has smoother scrolling and animations, giving a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits (Unspecified) | 900 nits | TCL 40 SE will be significantly more visible in direct sunlight, while the Nokia X20's brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) | Helio G37 (12 nm) | Nokia X20's chip offers better performance, including app loading and multitasking, due to its more advanced fabrication process and architecture. |
| AnTuTu Score | 323,425 | 160,000 | Nokia X20 is significantly faster in terms of performance, making it smoother for day to day tasks, better for gaming and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | PowerVR GE8320 | Nokia X20's GPU is more capable, making it better for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4470mAh | 5010mAh | TCL 40 SE has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Both have similar fast charging capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.85, 0.7µm | Nokia X20 has a higher resolution sensor and a slightly wider aperture, potentially resulting in more detailed images and better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Nokia X20 has a much higher resolution selfie camera, likely capturing more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP | None | Nokia X20 offers more shooting flexibility with an additional wide angle camera. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | Similar depth sensors present; both offer similar portrait mode effects. The TCL 40 SE has a wider pixel size here. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | Similar macro sensors present; both offer similar macro shooting capabilities. The TCL 40 SE has a wider pixel size here. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, 120fps slow-mo | 1080p@30fps, No slow-mo | Nokia X20 offers higher frame rate options and slow-motion video capture capability, potentially smoother and more versatile video. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 | TCL 40 SE comes with a newer OS out-of-the-box, but Nokia X20 is guaranteed to get updated to Android 14, and potentially further. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual-band, Hotspot | 802.11ac, Dual-band, Hotspot, Wi-Fi Display | Both offer standard Wi-Fi features, TCL 40 SE additionally provides Wi-Fi Display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, EDR, LE | TCL 40 SE has a newer Bluetooth version with EDR, likely offering slightly faster and more reliable connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | TCL 40 SE has better location accuracy as it includes support for more satellite positioning systems, i.e. Beidou. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both offer dual SIM functionality, allowing use of two numbers simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | TCL 40 SE offers a larger storage option, useful for users with many files and apps. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 4GB or 6GB | Nokia X20 offers more RAM in some variants, which translates to better multitasking and smoother performance with multiple apps open. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers the option to add more storage with an SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | 2 microphones | Stereo Speakers | TCL 40 SE offers better audio quality thanks to stereo speakers which gives a more immersive listening experience. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both have similar fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Nokia X20 offers a more comprehensive set of sensors, potentially enabling better functionality in apps and games. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Nokia X20 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 480 5G chipset offers significantly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and app loading.
- Sharper Display: The higher resolution and pixel density provide a clearer, more detailed viewing experience.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution front and rear cameras, a dedicated wide-angle lens, and better video recording features, make it more versatile for photography.
- More RAM: Options for up to 8GB RAM, which enables smoother multitasking and better handling of demanding apps.
- More Sensors: Includes Compass and Gyroscope, which enhance navigation and gaming capabilities.
Practical Implications: The Nokia X20 is the clear choice for users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and a crisp visual experience. It's better suited for users who often use resource-intensive apps or like to take photos or record videos.
TCL 40 SE Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched almost two years later, so it's likely to have modern software and features out-of-the-box.
- Lighter & More Compact: Easier to handle and carry around due to a lower weight and smaller size.
- Brighter Display: Offers significantly higher brightness, making it more readable in direct sunlight.
- Larger Battery: Offers longer battery life thanks to the larger battery capacity.
- Stereo Speakers: Enhances the audio experience with stereo speakers, offering better sound quality for media consumption.
- More Satellites: Supports Beidou GPS, which can improve location accuracy.
- Expandable Storage: Available with 256GB of internal storage
Practical Implications: The TCL 40 SE is a better fit for users who prioritize battery life, sunlight readability, and a more portable design. It also has a slight advantage in software as it comes with a newer OS out of the box. The stereo speakers will also enhance media viewing and consumption.
Trade-offs:
- Nokia X20: Sacrifices a bit of portability and battery life for significantly higher performance and display quality, and is older.
- TCL 40 SE: Trades processing power and camera versatility for better battery life, and a more compact form factor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Nokia X20:
- Mobile Gamers: The powerful chipset and GPU make it suitable for gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The better cameras and wide-angle lens provide more versatile shooting options.
- Power Users: Those who often multitask or use demanding applications will benefit from the stronger processor and extra RAM.
- Users who want a sharp display: The higher resolution display gives a crisp and detailed viewing experience.
Ideal User for TCL 40 SE:
- Everyday Users: Those who prioritize battery life and basic functionality will find it sufficient.
- Commuters and Travelers: Its lighter and more compact design make it easy to carry around.
- Media Consumers: The stereo speakers enhance the audio experience for watching videos and listening to music.
- Users in bright environments: Better outdoor visibility thanks to the brighter display.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, basic use, media)
- What's more important: Performance or Battery Life?
- How important is display quality and brightness?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and High Performance: If you frequently play mobile games or use demanding apps, choose the Nokia X20 for its superior processing power and better gaming capabilities.
- Scenario 2: Long Battery Life and Portability: If you need a phone that lasts all day and is easy to carry around, the TCL 40 SE is the better option.
- Scenario 3: Everyday Use with Good Media Consumption: If you are looking for a phone for daily tasks with occasional media consumption, and you value a better audio experience, then the TCL 40 SE will serve you well with its stereo speakers.
- Scenario 4: Best Overall Display Experience: If you want a crisp and detailed display, along with better photography capabilities then the Nokia X20 is the superior device, and should be strongly considered despite its age.
What I Would Choose and Why
Given my personal needs, I would lean towards the Nokia X20. While the TCL 40 SE offers a more modern design, better battery life, and a brighter screen, I prioritize performance and camera quality. The Nokia X20's superior chipset and GPU would provide a smoother user experience, which is essential for multitasking, gaming, and photography. The higher-resolution display would also result in a clearer, sharper viewing experience which is more pleasant, and the extra RAM is a significant advantage for everyday use. Despite being an older device, the promised Android 14 update ensures a decent level of software support, which is another factor which makes me lean more towards the Nokia X20.
My personal preference for the sharper display and the better camera seals the deal. While the TCL 40 SE's battery and brighter screen are appealing, I'd prefer the overall smoothness of the Nokia X20.
