Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the OnePlus 10 Pro and the TCL 40 SE. We've got a flagship contender from 2022 going up against a more budget-oriented phone from 2023. It's not quite apples-to-apples, but it's a great way to see how different priorities shape the final user experience.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specifications, along with what they mean for you in the real world:
| Feature | OnePlus 10 Pro | TCL 40 SE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm | 167.9 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm | TCL 40 SE is slightly taller and wider, but both have similar thickness. The TCL is overall a slightly larger phone, but the difference is minimal. |
| Weight | 201g | 190g | The TCL 40 SE is a bit lighter, which might be more comfortable for long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.75" | Virtually identical screen size. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3216 | 720 x 1600 | Massive difference: OnePlus 10 Pro has a much sharper display with significantly more detail. The TCL 40 SE's lower resolution will be noticeably less clear. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 525 | 260 | The OnePlus 10 Pro will appear much crisper and have finer details. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | TCL 40 SE's display is an IPS LCD while OnePlus 10 Pro does not specify. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | OnePlus 10 Pro offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 900 nits | OnePlus 10 Pro is significantly brighter, making it much more usable in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | MediaTek Helio G37 (12 nm) | Huge difference: The OnePlus 10 Pro has a vastly more powerful chip, leading to much faster performance in games and apps. The TCL 40 SE is significantly less powerful, impacting gaming performance and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 900,491 | 160,000 | OnePlus 10 Pro is roughly 460% faster in benchmarks, translating to significant differences in real-world speed and responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | PowerVR GE8320 | Further reinforces the OnePlus 10 Pro's advantage for graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.8 (1/1.43" Sony IMX789) | 50MP f/1.85 | Slightly better main sensor with larger pixel size (1.12 µm vs 0.70 µm), and higher quality sensor from Sony on the OnePlus 10 Pro. The OnePlus is likely to have better low-light and dynamic range performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.0 (1/2.74" Sony IMX615) | 8MP f/2.0 | OnePlus 10 Pro's selfie camera has much higher resolution and a likely superior sensor, which will result in significantly better quality selfie photos. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP f/2.4 (1/4.4" Omnivision OV08A10) | None | The OnePlus 10 Pro offers 3x optical zoom, which the TCL 40 SE cannot match. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 50MP f/2.2 (1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1) | None | OnePlus 10 Pro offers a wide-angle camera, enabling more versatile shooting. |
| Portrait (Depth) | None | 2MP f/2.4 | TCL 40 SE has a dedicated depth sensor. The OnePlus 10 Pro would use software to create portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4 | TCL 40 SE has a dedicated Macro lens. The OnePlus 10 Pro does not. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@120fps | 1080p@30fps | The OnePlus 10 Pro offers far superior video recording capabilities. |
| DXOMARK Score | 122 (overall), 124 (photo), 119 (video) | N/A | OnePlus 10 Pro’s camera performs well according to DXOMARK standards, while the TCL 40 SE hasn't been tested. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5010 mAh | Both have very similar battery capacities, and should provide comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 80W Fast Charging, 50W Wireless | 18W Fast Charging | Massive difference: OnePlus 10 Pro charges much faster, and additionally has wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 | TCL 40 SE has a more recent operating system initially, though OnePlus offers upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 5 | OnePlus 10 Pro has the newer Wi-Fi standard (Wi-Fi 7) which is faster and provides better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.1 | OnePlus 10 Pro has the newer Bluetooth version and better support for audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The OnePlus 10 Pro features more satellite systems, meaning more accurate positioning. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | OnePlus 10 Pro has a higher max storage capacity at 512 GB vs 256 GB on the TCL 40 SE. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 4/6 GB | OnePlus 10 Pro has significantly more RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage via microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 10 Pro has higher quality audio with added features including Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Scanner | Basic sensor | Side-mounted sensor | TCL 40 SE features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | OnePlus 10 Pro uses superior screen protection |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gravity | OnePlus 10 Pro has more advanced sensors that enhance certain features, particularly for gaming |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus 10 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip is significantly faster than the Helio G37, making it much better for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- High-Quality Display: The higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness make for a much sharper, more vibrant display, especially noticeable outdoors.
- Excellent Camera System: The OnePlus 10 Pro has a much more versatile and capable camera system, offering higher resolution selfies, optical zoom, wide angle lens, and superior video quality, plus higher quality sensors.
- Fast Charging & Wireless Charging: The 80W wired charging and 50W wireless charging are significantly faster than the 18W charging on the TCL 40 SE.
- Premium Features: Dolby Atmos audio, better Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, plus additional sensors makes the OnePlus 10 Pro more advanced overall.
TCL 40 SE Strengths:
- More Affordable: The TCL 40 SE is generally less expensive, making it a better option for budget-conscious users.
- More Recent OS: Comes with a more recent version of Android out of the box.
- Slightly Lighter: The TCL 40 SE is slightly lighter, which might be preferable for some users.
- Dedicated Portrait and Macro Lens The TCL 40 SE comes with these that the OnePlus does not have.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- TCL 40 SE's major limitation is its weaker chipset, lower-resolution screen, and inferior camera system. This results in a lower quality experience.
- OnePlus 10 Pro is significantly more expensive than the TCL 40 SE, and may be overkill for basic users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
OnePlus 10 Pro is Best For:
- Power Users & Gamers: Anyone who needs a smooth, powerful device for heavy multitasking, gaming, or intensive apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality photos and video, especially in various conditions.
- Those Wanting a Premium Experience: People who value cutting-edge technology, fast charging, excellent display quality, and advanced features.
TCL 40 SE is Best For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a capable smartphone that doesn't break the bank.
- Everyday Users: People who use their phones mainly for social media, browsing, and basic tasks and don't need top tier performance.
- Users Who Prefer a Slightly Lighter Phone
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself when deciding between these phones:
- How important is performance to me? If you play graphics-heavy games or frequently multitask, the OnePlus 10 Pro is the clear choice. If you use your phone for simple everyday tasks, the TCL 40 SE is likely sufficient.
- How much do I care about screen quality and photography? If you want the best possible visual experience and want to take detailed photos and videos, the OnePlus 10 Pro is significantly better. If you're okay with a more basic screen and camera, the TCL 40 SE will do the job.
- What is my budget? If you need to be extremely price-conscious, the TCL 40 SE will be the more affordable option. However, if you can spend more, the OnePlus 10 Pro offers a vastly superior experience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User with Basic Needs: If you primarily browse social media, send messages, and use basic apps, the TCL 40 SE is a budget-friendly option.
- Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast and Mobile Gamer: If you want to take high quality photos, videos, and play the latest games, the OnePlus 10 Pro is the superior device.
- Scenario 3: A User Wanting A Premium Experience The OnePlus 10 Pro will be the choice.
Conclusion
The OnePlus 10 Pro and TCL 40 SE are clearly targeting different markets. The OnePlus 10 Pro is a powerhouse offering a truly premium experience, excelling in performance, display, camera, and charging speed. The TCL 40 SE is a more budget friendly option, with more basic specs and features.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would go for the OnePlus 10 Pro. While the TCL 40 SE is undoubtedly a more affordable option, the difference in daily usability and enjoyment is vast. The superior performance and display quality, camera system, and faster charging would make the OnePlus a much more satisfying daily driver for me. The premium features and future-proofing capabilities of the OnePlus 10 Pro also add to the appeal. Ultimately, I'd rather invest in a device that provides an exceptional experience and will remain relevant for longer.
