Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the TCL 40 SE. I've taken a deep look at the specs, focusing on how they'll play out in real-world use. Forget the marketing jargon; let's get down to what actually matters.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the key specs, along with what they mean for you in everyday use:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | TCL 40 SE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm | 167.9 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm | TCL is taller by 3.2mm and thinner by 0.6mm, but the A04s has larger volume. Feels quite similar in hand, slight difference in profile. |
| Weight | 195g | 190g | TCL is slightly lighter (5g), might make a difference during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.75" | TCL has a slightly larger display, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Identical resolution; both are fairly standard HD+, good for basic tasks and media |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 260 PPI | Very similar; both will look similar in clarity, the difference will not be noticeable for most users. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD in TCL offers slightly better viewing angles and color accuracy compared to PLS LCD in Samsung. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smoother scrolling compared to a standard 60Hz display, making everyday interactions feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | The TCL display is significantly brighter, making it far more usable in direct sunlight. Samsung has trouble in outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G37 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8nm) is more efficient, but the Helio G37 (12nm) delivers better benchmark performance overall. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,300 | 160,000 | TCL shows significantly better performance (36% higher), leading to smoother app loads and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 (ARM Mali-G52) | PowerVR GE8320 | Different GPUs; overall the TCL phone has a better score, indicating it can handle more graphic-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.85 | Both have 50MP, slight edge to the Samsung with a slightly wider aperture, but pixel size is unknown for the Samsung. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | TCL provides higher-resolution selfies with a wider aperture, performs better in low light. |
| Depth/Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar performance for both. Macro lens is very similar |
| Video | 1080p@30fps; Slow-motion 34 fps | 1080p@30fps; Slow-motion 30 fps | Similar video resolution, but Samsung does offer 34 fps slow motion, while the TCL only 30 fps. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, HDR, etc. | PDAF, HDR, etc.+ Continuous shooting, Panorama | TCL comes with more software options for creative photos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5010mAh | Virtually identical battery sizes, both should last a day of normal use, slight edge for TCL. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 18W fast charging | TCL charges slightly faster, useful for quick top-ups. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 | TCL has a slightly newer operating system. Samsung has a confirmed upgrade to Android 14. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac, dual-band | TCL supports dual-band Wi-Fi which offers better performance on crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE, EDR | TCL has a newer version with enhanced data rate. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, etc + QZSS | GPS, A-GPS, etc | Samsung provides more satellite options for accurate location, and might be more precise. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | TCL offers a larger base storage, useful for storing more photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 4/6 GB | TCL has more RAM; This translates to better multitasking performance |
| Expandable | No | No | No expandable storage on either device. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Basic audio features | Stereo speakers | TCL provides richer and more immersive audio due to stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both provide a quick and reliable way to unlock your phone. |
2. Key Insights
TCL 40 SE's Strengths:
- Display: Larger, brighter IPS LCD screen, better for outdoor use and media consumption.
- Performance: Higher AnTuTu score and faster GPU offers snappier app loading, better multitasking, and better general performance.
- Camera: Better selfie camera and more software options.
- Audio: Stereo speakers for more immersive sound.
- Storage and RAM: More internal storage and higher RAM options for better multitasking and more app storage.
- Charging: Slightly faster charging is useful for daily charging.
- Software: Newer Android version with Android 13 out of the box.
Samsung Galaxy A04s' Strengths:
- Efficiency: Exynos chipset offers better efficiency, leading to potentially better battery life.
- GPS: More satellite systems (QZSS) for potentially better location accuracy.
- Video: Slightly higher FPS slow motion.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Samsung A04s: The biggest issue is its low brightness for outdoor use. It has lower performance than the TCL.
- TCL 40 SE: Not as efficient chipset as the Samsung.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Best for: Users who prioritize a Samsung experience, need a reliable device for basic tasks and are on a tight budget. The better GPS might be useful for frequent travelers.
- Use Cases: Calls, texts, web browsing, and social media in indoor situations.
TCL 40 SE:
- Best for: Users who value performance, a better multimedia experience (larger, brighter screen and stereo speakers), and better storage.
- Use Cases: Watching videos, casual gaming, photography, and general daily use in varying light conditions.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- How much do you value performance and screen brightness? If you frequently use your phone outdoors or value smoother performance, TCL is the obvious choice. If performance is not important, the Samsung might be an option.
- How important is storage and RAM to you? If you take a lot of pictures, install a lot of apps, and want to multitask, the TCL with its higher storage and RAM option will give you better experience.
- Which brand do you prefer and are you going to use it mainly indoors? If you are a fan of Samsung, or will mainly use the phone indoors where the brightness will not be an issue, then the Samsung could be an option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Casual User: If you need a basic phone for calls, texts, and light browsing, either would work, but the TCL offers a better screen, audio, and performance.
- For the Media Consumer: The TCL 40 SE is the clear choice with its larger, brighter screen and better audio setup.
- For the Photo Enthusiast: The TCL has a better selfie camera and more camera software features.
- For the Performance Seeker: The TCL will be the better choice due to better benchmark scores.
- For Travelers: The Samsung's better GPS might be important, but for the most part the TCL GPS works just as well.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd go with the TCL 40 SE. While the Samsung has a few minor advantages, the TCL's superior display (especially in bright sunlight), significantly better performance, better storage and RAM options, along with a better camera and audio experience makes it the more well-rounded choice for most users. It offers a more satisfying daily experience, covering media consumption, social media, and general performance. The significantly better brightness for outdoor use is a big plus. I value performance, and I think the trade-off of efficiency for performance is the right one in this case.
