Nokia X30 vs TCL 40 SE - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Nokia X30
Nokia X30
Nokia
TCL 40 SE
TCL 40 SE
Tcl

General

Launch Date September 21, 2022 April 4, 2023
Release Year 2022 2023

Physical

Volume 93.94 cm³ 109.18 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.48 "/g 3.55 "/g
Weight 185 g 190 g
Height 158.9 mm 167.9 mm
Width 73.9 mm 76.5 mm
Thickness 8 mm 8.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Cloudy Blue
  • Ice White
  • Dark grey
  • Twilight purple

Display

Screen Size 6.43 " 6.75 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 85 % 85.6 %
Pixel Density 409 PPI 260 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness 450 nits 450 nits
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness 700 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 101.58 mAh/in² 109.96 mAh/in²
Battery Density 44.71 mAh/cm³ 45.89 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4200 mAh 5010 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPU Adreno 619 PowerVR GE8320

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 12 13
Maximum OS Version 13

Comparison Summary

Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Nokia X30 and the TCL 40 SE. I'll put on my tech journalist hat and break down what these specs mean for you, the user.

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here’s a detailed look at the key technical specifications of both devices, along with their practical implications:

FeatureNokia X30TCL 40 SEReal-World Implications
Design
Size158.9 × 73.9 × 8 mm167.9 × 76.5 × 8.5 mmTCL 40 SE is noticeably larger, which might be less comfortable for one-handed use, while the Nokia X30 is more compact.
Weight185g190gNokia X30 is slightly lighter, potentially making it more comfortable for extended use.
Display
Size6.43"6.75"TCL 40 SE offers more screen real estate for media consumption and gaming.
Resolution1080x2400720x1600Nokia X30 provides a much sharper image with more detail, ideal for crisp text and images.
Pixel Density (PPI)409260Nokia X30’s higher pixel density results in a noticeably sharper, clearer display.
TechnologyAMOLEDIPS LCDNokia X30’s AMOLED display offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors.
Refresh Rate90Hz90HzBoth offer smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing the fluidity of the user interface.
Brightness0 nits900 nitsTCL 40 SE shines outdoors, offering better visibility in sunlight. Nokia X30 brightness not specified.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)Helio G37 (12 nm)Nokia X30 offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
Antutu Score410,072160,000Nokia X30 scores significantly higher in benchmarks, indicating much better overall performance.
GPUAdreno 619PowerVR GE8320Nokia X30 has a more powerful GPU, enhancing graphics-intensive tasks, including gaming and video editing.
Camera
Main Camera50MP (f/1.8, 1.00 µm pixel)50MP (f/1.85, 0.70 µm pixel)Nokia X30 with wider aperture and larger pixel size in the main camera performs slightly better in low-light.
Selfie Camera16MP (f/2.4, 1.00 µm pixel)8MP (f/2.0)Nokia X30 captures much more detailed selfie shots, while the TCL 40 SE offers a slightly wider aperture for better low light.
Wide Angle13MP (f/2.4)N/ANokia X30 includes a wide-angle lens to capture broader scenes.
Macro LensN/A2MP (f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel)TCL 40 SE provides a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots.
Depth CameraN/A2MP (f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel)TCL 40 SE provides a dedicated depth lens for better portrait shots with more background separation.
Video1080p@30/60fps; OIS, Slow-mo 120fps1080p@30fps; No stabilization, Slow-mo 30fpsNokia X30 provides smoother and more stable video recording with OIS and can capture faster slow-motion video.
Battery Life
Capacity4200 mAh5010 mAhTCL 40 SE has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life, though this depends on usage.
Charging33W Fast Charging18W Fast ChargingNokia X30 will charge faster, reducing the time you spend tethered to an outlet.

2. Key Insights

Nokia X30 Strengths:

  • Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with higher resolution and pixel density offers a more vibrant, sharp, and enjoyable viewing experience.
  • Better Performance: The Snapdragon 695 chipset provides a significant performance advantage for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking.
  • Enhanced Camera System: It includes a high-resolution selfie camera, an ultrawide lens, and OIS for better overall camera capabilities.
  • Faster Charging: 33W charging significantly reduces charging time, which is useful for busy users.
  • Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides better protection from scratches and damage.

TCL 40 SE Strengths:

  • Larger Display: The 6.75" screen is ideal for media consumption, gaming, and viewing content.
  • Higher Brightness: The 900 nits brightness makes it significantly better for outdoor visibility.
  • Longer Battery Life: The larger 5010 mAh battery is likely to provide longer battery endurance between charges.
  • Stereo Speakers: Offers better sound quality for audio and videos than the single speaker on the Nokia X30.
  • Extra Camera Lenses: Dedicated macro and depth lenses provide more versatility in photography.

Trade-offs and Limitations:

  • Nokia X30: Battery capacity is smaller, so it may need more frequent charging if pushed hard. Lacks dedicated macro and depth cameras. Brightness not specified.
  • TCL 40 SE: Lower screen resolution and pixel density make the display less sharp and detailed. It uses a less powerful chipset. Slower charging and no optical image stabilization for video recording.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

Nokia X30 is ideal for:

  • Power Users: People who need fast performance for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications.
  • Media Lovers: Users who value high-quality display for watching videos, browsing photos, and enjoy the visual experience.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a reliable camera with great quality, stabilization and a wide angle lens.

TCL 40 SE is ideal for:

  • Casual Users: People who need a smartphone for basic tasks such as browsing, social media, and media consumption.
  • Budget-Conscious Consumers: Users who want a large screen and a long-lasting battery without spending a lot of money.
  • Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those who need a device that can last all day, and don't require heavy usage.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three key questions to help you decide:

  1. Do I prioritize display quality and performance, or screen size and battery life?
    • If display quality and performance are vital, choose the Nokia X30.
    • If battery life and a large screen are more important, the TCL 40 SE is your best bet.
  2. Will I be using the camera a lot, and if so, what features are most important to me?
    • If you want optical image stabilization, a wide angle lens, and better low light performance for pictures and video, go with the Nokia X30.
    • If you want more versatile shots such as macro and depth shots, go with the TCL 40 SE.
  3. What is my budget, and what am I willing to compromise?
    • The Nokia X30 will likely be more expensive, but the value comes from the better display and performance.
    • The TCL 40 SE is the more affordable option, with trade-offs in processing and screen quality.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • For the Gamer: If you game frequently, the Nokia X30’s superior performance and GPU make it the clear choice.
  • For the Movie Buff: If you primarily watch videos, the TCL 40 SE's large screen is advantageous, but the Nokia X30 offers a better viewing experience with its vibrant AMOLED display.
  • For the Everyday User: If you just need a reliable phone for basic tasks, the TCL 40 SE is a more affordable option.
  • For the Photographer: If quality images and videos are a must, the Nokia X30 is the better option overall. If you enjoy taking close-up and portrait shots with background separation, the TCL 40 SE is a good choice.
  • For Outdoor Users: If you are often in bright sunlight, the TCL 40 SE's better screen brightness makes it easier to view the phone screen.

What I would Choose and Why

If I were choosing between these two, I would go with the Nokia X30. Here's why:

As a tech journalist and someone who appreciates the technical aspects of devices, the Nokia X30 offers a much more compelling experience for my needs. The superior performance of the Snapdragon 695, coupled with the AMOLED display and better camera features, aligns more closely with how I use a smartphone. I also value OIS for video, a feature that the TCL lacks. For me, the ability to have smooth performance, a high-quality display, and a great camera setup for capturing content is more important than a slightly larger screen and longer battery life of the TCL 40 SE.

While I appreciate the large battery and display of the TCL 40 SE, I value the display clarity, performance and camera capabilities the Nokia X30 provides more than those aspects. The faster charging speed of the Nokia X30 also mitigates the fact that it has a smaller battery for me. In the end, I'm looking for a device that handles both daily tasks and more demanding ones effortlessly, with excellent visual clarity, and the Nokia X30 fits this bill perfectly.

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.