OnePlus 9RT 5G vs TCL 40 SE - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
OnePlus 9RT 5G
OnePlus 9RT 5G
Oneplus
TCL 40 SE
TCL 40 SE
Tcl

General

Launch Date October 19, 2021 April 4, 2023
Release Year 2021 2023

Physical

Volume 100.43 cm³ 109.18 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.34 "/g 3.55 "/g
Weight 198.5 g 190 g
Height 162.2 mm 167.9 mm
Width 74.6 mm 76.5 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 8.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Blue
  • Hacker Black
  • Nano Silver
  • Dark grey
  • Twilight purple

Display

Screen Size 6.62 " 6.75 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.4 % 85.6 %
Pixel Density 397 PPI 260 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 450 nits
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 102.68 mAh/in² 109.96 mAh/in²
Battery Density 44.81 mAh/cm³ 45.89 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 5010 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPU Adreno 660 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 11 13
Maximum OS Version 13

Comparison Summary

OnePlus 9RT 5G vs. TCL 40 SE: A User-Centered Comparison

Let's dive beyond the spec sheet and explore the OnePlus 9RT 5G and TCL 40 SE as complete user experiences, focusing on how design choices translate into real-world usability.

1. Design and Usability Assessment:

FeatureOnePlus 9RT 5GTCL 40 SEUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+IPS LCD, 90HzOnePlus offers a visually richer, smoother, and more responsive experience due to the superior display technology.
Interaction FlowSnapdragon 888, 8GB RAMHelio G37, 4/6GB RAMOnePlus provides significantly faster performance, enabling seamless multitasking and demanding applications.
Accessibility FeaturesIn-display fingerprint sensorSide-mounted fingerprint sensorBoth offer biometric security, but in-display sensors often feel more modern and integrated into the overall design.
Design Ergonomics198.5g, 8.3mm thin190g, 8.5 mm thinTCL 40 SE is slightly lighter. However, thinness and weight differences are minimal, real-world feel will be subjective.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration:

Scenario: Imagine a busy professional needing to edit a presentation on the go. The OnePlus 9RT 5G's powerful Snapdragon 888 processor and vibrant AMOLED display allow for smooth video editing and crisp text rendering, ensuring a productive experience even in bright sunlight. Conversely, the TCL 40 SE's Helio G37 might struggle with demanding tasks, and its IPS LCD may appear washed out in direct sunlight, potentially hindering productivity.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation:

User Group 1: Power User: For users who demand top-tier performance, the OnePlus 9RT 5G is the clear winner. Its superior processing power, high refresh rate display, and fast charging capabilities cater to a demanding user.

User Group 2: Budget-Conscious User: The TCL 40 SE caters to users prioritizing affordability. While performance is less impressive, the large display, long battery life, and basic functionality meet the needs of casual users.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework:

The OnePlus 9RT 5G prioritizes performance and premium design, reflecting a philosophy of creating a flagship-like experience. The TCL 40 SE embodies a value-driven approach, focusing on essential features at an accessible price point.

My Choice: OnePlus 9RT 5G

As a technology communications specialist focusing on user experience, I would choose the OnePlus 9RT 5G. While the TCL 40 SE offers excellent value, the OnePlus 9RT 5G's superior display, significantly faster performance, and more refined design contribute to a noticeably better user experience. The fluid interaction enabled by the 120Hz AMOLED display and the powerful Snapdragon processor creates a more engaging and enjoyable interaction, making everyday tasks feel smoother and more responsive. In the long run, the enhanced user experience justifies the higher price for me. The small difference in weight is negligible compared to the difference in daily use experience provided by the vastly superior screen and chipset.

Sophia Rodriguez
Sophia Rodriguez

Technology Communications Specialist

Expert in transforming complex technological innovations into accessible, engaging narratives.

Key Strengths:

  • Technology storytelling
  • User experience design analysis
  • Inclusive technology communication
  • Design-driven technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with human-centered understanding.