Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 vs. TCL 40 SE
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | TCL 40 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 167.9 × 76.5 × 8.5 mm | TCL 40 SE is slightly taller and wider, making it less pocketable for some, while both have similar thickness |
| Weight | 192g | 190g | Both phones feel similarly weighted in hand, not a significant difference. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | TCL 40 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.55" | 6.75" | TCL 40 SE offers a slightly larger viewing area, potentially better for media consumption, although the difference is relatively minor. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1600 | OnePlus 9 delivers significantly sharper images and text, making for a more pleasant and detailed viewing experience. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 402 | 260 | OnePlus 9's higher pixel density results in a crisper display, noticeably less pixelated than the TCL 40 SE. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | OnePlus 9 has better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, offering a superior viewing experience, especially in dark environments. The AMOLED is also more energy efficient for dark interfaces. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | OnePlus 9 provides smoother scrolling and animations, making the user experience feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 900 nits | OnePlus 9 is easier to see in bright sunlight thanks to higher brightness. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | TCL 40 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G37 (12 nm) | OnePlus 9 delivers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better performance in graphically demanding games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 160,000 | OnePlus 9 provides a much more responsive and powerful experience, capable of handling demanding tasks with ease, while the TCL 40 SE is better suited to basic tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | PowerVR GE8320 | OnePlus 9 offers much better graphics performance, crucial for gaming and graphically intensive apps. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | TCL 40 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Slightly higher resolution on the TCL 40 SE, but other factors like sensor size and processing will greatly affect the final image. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.85 | OnePlus 9's wider aperture captures more light, potentially resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.4" | N/A | OnePlus 9's larger sensor captures more light and detail, leading to better overall image quality compared to the TCL 40 SE (sensor size of TCL is missing). |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 1.12µm | 0.70µm | OnePlus 9's larger pixel size captures more light, improving low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 50MP | N/A | OnePlus 9 can capture wide-angle shots, while the TCL 40 SE lacks this capability. |
| Front Camera Resolution | 16MP | 8MP | OnePlus 9's front camera captures higher detail selfies. |
| Front Camera Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.0 | TCL 40 SE has wider aperture for the front camera, potentially better for low light. |
| Additional Rear Cameras | 2MP Black & White | 2MP Depth, 2MP Macro | TCL 40 SE has dedicated depth and macro lenses, while the OnePlus 9 has dedicated black and white sensor. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | OnePlus 9 has much greater video recording flexibility including 8k recording. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | Not Specified | OnePlus 9 can record smoother videos thanks to EIS. It is not specified if the TCL 40 SE has any kind of video stabilization. |
| Camera Features | Extensive Features (4K, 8K, RAW, Night Mode) | Standard features | OnePlus 9 offers a greater array of manual controls and advanced features for photography enthusiasts. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | TCL 40 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5010 mAh | TCL 40 SE's larger battery should provide longer battery life, especially for less intensive use. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless | 18W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9 charges much faster, allowing for quicker top-ups and less downtime. |
| Features | Wireless Charging | None | OnePlus 9 offers more convenient wireless charging capability. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness, leading to a much better viewing experience.
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers significantly faster and smoother performance for all tasks, especially gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: More versatile with a higher quality primary sensor, ultra-wide lens, better video recording, and advanced features.
- Faster Charging: 65W wired charging and 15W wireless charging significantly reduce charging time.
- Higher RAM Options: With options for up to 12 GB of RAM, OnePlus 9 can handle more apps and background tasks, resulting in a smoother experience for heavy multitasking.
- Connectivity: Superior Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, GPS with more satellite support
TCL 40 SE Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Offers slightly longer battery life for those who prioritize endurance.
- Lower Price Point: Likely much more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Offers potentially faster and more reliable unlocking, although this depends on user preference.
- More recent Android Version: Comes with Android 13 out of the box while the OnePlus 9 needs to be updated from Android 11.
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9: Higher price and potentially shorter battery life.
- TCL 40 SE: Significantly weaker performance, lower quality display, and less versatile camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 - Ideal for:
- Power Users: People who demand smooth performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize display quality for watching videos, browsing, and gaming.
- Photography Lovers: Users who want a versatile camera with advanced features and the ability to capture high-quality photos and videos.
- Users seeking a premium experience: Those who want fast charging, solid connectivity, and premium build quality.
Use Cases:
- Gaming: Smooth and high-fidelity gaming with high refresh rate display and powerful GPU.
- Professional Photography and Video: High quality photos and videos with advanced features and manual controls.
- Multitasking: Switching seamlessly between multiple apps without slowdowns.
- Media Consumption: Enjoying high-quality videos, movies, and games with vibrant and detailed display.
TCL 40 SE - Ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: People looking for a functional smartphone at a low price.
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Individuals who need a phone that will last through the day with light to moderate usage.
- Users who only need basic functionality
Use Cases:
- Basic Communication: Calling, texting, and using social media.
- Casual Browsing: Light web browsing and reading articles.
- Longer battery life: For those needing extended use without frequent charging.
- Media Consumption: Basic video watching and music listening.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The OnePlus 9 is significantly more expensive, while the TCL 40 SE is a budget-friendly option.
- How important is performance? If you need a phone for demanding tasks, the OnePlus 9 is the clear choice. If not, the TCL 40 SE may be adequate.
- How important is display and camera quality? If you prioritize a great viewing experience and versatile photography, the OnePlus 9 is superior. If you need basic functionality then the TCL 40 SE might be good enough.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High Performance User: If you need a phone for gaming, heavy multitasking, or content creation, the OnePlus 9 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: If you need a functional phone for basic tasks at the lowest possible price, the TCL 40 SE is a better option.
- Scenario 3: Balance of Performance and Price: If you need good performance but are on a budget, look for used OnePlus 9 deals or consider other mid-range phones. In this case the TCL 40 SE is likely too weak for a balanced approach.
- Scenario 4: Camera is important: The OnePlus 9 is the better choice for high quality photo and video taking, also offering a wider degree of options and manual control.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the OnePlus 9. While the TCL 40 SE is a budget-friendly option, its performance limitations, lower quality display, and basic camera capabilities don't meet my needs for a daily driver. I prioritize smooth performance, a vibrant display, and a capable camera. The OnePlus 9's significantly faster performance, higher quality AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, and versatile camera system justify its higher price tag. While its battery may be smaller, the fast charging capabilities make it a minor issue.
