Samsung Galaxy S23+ vs TCL 40 SE - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
TCL 40 SE
TCL 40 SE
Tcl

General

Launch Date February 17, 2023 April 4, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 91.39 cm³ 109.18 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.37 "/g 3.55 "/g
Weight 196 g 190 g
Height 157.8 mm 167.9 mm
Width 76.2 mm 76.5 mm
Thickness 7.6 mm 8.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Green
  • Graphite
  • Phantom Black
  • Lavender
  • Cream
  • Lime
  • Dark grey
  • Twilight purple

Display

Screen Size 6.6 " 6.75 "
Resolution 1080 x 2340 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 88.9 % 85.6 %
Pixel Density 393 PPI 260 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 450 nits
HBM Brightness 1200 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1750 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 107.90 mAh/in² 109.96 mAh/in²
Battery Density 51.43 mAh/cm³ 45.89 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4700 mAh 5010 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPU Adreno 740 PowerVR GE8320

Connectivity

USB Version 3.2 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.2, OTG USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 13 13
Maximum OS Version 17

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S23+TCL 40 SEPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6167.9 x 76.5 x 8.5S23+ is significantly more compact and pocketable.
Weight (g)196190Negligible weight difference in real-world usage.
Build MaterialNot specifiedNot specifiedMaterial affects durability and premium feel; information missing for both.
Display
Display Size (inches)6.66.75TCL 40 SE has a slightly larger screen.
Resolution1080 x 2340720 x 1600S23+ offers much sharper visuals and text clarity due to higher pixel density (393 vs 260 PPI).
Display TypeDynamic AMOLED 2XIPS LCDS23+ boasts superior contrast, vibrant colors, and deeper blacks due to AMOLED technology. It also supports HDR10+ for enhanced visual quality in compatible content.
Refresh Rate (Hz)12090S23+ will feel smoother and more responsive, especially in gaming and scrolling.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)MediaTek Helio G37 (12 nm)S23+ significantly outperforms in speed, multitasking, and demanding tasks due to its flagship processor.
CPUOcta-core (up to 3.36 GHz)Octa-core (up to 2.3 GHz)S23+'s more powerful CPU cores translate to significantly faster app loading, smoother performance, and better gaming capabilities.
GPUAdreno 740PowerVR GE8320S23+'s superior GPU delivers a vastly improved gaming experience and handles graphics-intensive tasks with ease.
RAM8 GB4/6 GBS23+'s larger RAM enables better multitasking and smoother performance with multiple apps open.
Camera
Main Camera (MP)5050Megapixel count doesn't tell the whole story; sensor size, aperture, and processing play a significant role in image quality.
Camera Features3x Optical Zoom, 8K video recordingDigital Zoom, 1080p video recordingS23+ offers superior zoom capabilities, higher resolution video recording, and likely better image quality due to advanced sensor technology.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)47005010TCL 40 SE has a slightly larger battery capacity, potentially offering longer battery life. However, real-world usage depends on various factors, including screen usage and processor efficiency.
Fast Charging45W18WS23+ charges significantly faster.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy S23+ Advantages:

  • Significantly faster and more powerful: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip offers a massive performance advantage over the Helio G37.
  • Superior display: The Dynamic AMOLED 2X display provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and smoother motion compared to the TCL 40 SE's LCD.
  • Better camera system: While megapixel counts are similar, the S23+ likely boasts better image and video quality due to its superior sensor technology and processing capabilities. Faster charging speeds. More compact form factor.

TCL 40 SE Advantages:

  • Larger battery: The 5010 mAh battery might offer longer battery life than the S23+'s 4700 mAh battery, although this is dependent on usage patterns.
  • Lower price: The TCL 40 SE is significantly cheaper, making it a more budget-friendly option. Larger display size.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy S23+ Ideal User:

  • Users who prioritize performance, premium display quality, and a compact design.
  • Individuals who engage in demanding tasks, gaming, or content creation.
  • Those who value a smooth and responsive user experience.

TCL 40 SE Ideal User:

  • Budget-conscious users looking for a large screen and potentially long battery life.
  • Individuals who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media browsing.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The S23+ is significantly more expensive.
  2. What are your performance needs? For demanding tasks and gaming, the S23+ is a clear winner.
  3. How important is display quality? The S23+'s AMOLED display is vastly superior.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Heavy user, gamer, content creator: Samsung Galaxy S23+
  • Budget-conscious user, basic tasks: TCL 40 SE

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S23+

While the TCL 40 SE offers a larger battery and a lower price, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ is the superior choice for me. The significantly faster performance, vastly improved display quality, more compact design, and superior camera capabilities (even with limited sensor details for the TCL 40 SE) outweigh the benefits of the TCL 40 SE. I prioritize a smooth and responsive user experience, which the S23+ delivers thanks to its powerful hardware and high refresh rate display. I am willing to pay the premium for a device that will handle demanding tasks and provide a more enjoyable overall experience. The compact form factor is also a major plus for me.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.