Sony Xperia 5 III vs TCL 40 SE - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
TCL 40 SE
TCL 40 SE
Tcl

General

Launch Date October 8, 2021 April 4, 2023
Release Year 2021 2023

Physical

Volume 87.54 cm³ 109.18 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.63 "/g 3.55 "/g
Weight 168 g 190 g
Height 157 mm 167.9 mm
Width 68 mm 76.5 mm
Thickness 8.2 mm 8.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Green
  • Pink
  • Dark grey
  • Twilight purple

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.75 "
Resolution 1080 x 2520 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 21:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.4 % 85.6 %
Pixel Density 449 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 120.94 mAh/in² 109.96 mAh/in²
Battery Density 51.4 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 3.1 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, Video Output USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 13
Maximum OS Version 13

Comparison Summary

Sony Xperia 5 III vs. TCL 40 SE: A User-Centered Comparison

Let's dive beyond the spec sheet and explore the real-world experience these phones offer. I'm Sophia Rodriguez, and I'll be your guide through this user-centered comparison.

1. Design and Usability Assessment:

FeatureSony Xperia 5 IIITCL 40 SEUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignPremium OLED, 120Hz Refresh RateIPS LCD, 90Hz Refresh RateXperia delivers smoother visuals and deeper blacks, enhancing immersion in media and gaming.
Interaction FlowFlagship Snapdragon processor, 8GB RAMBudget-friendly Helio G37, up to 6GB RAMXperia offers a significantly more powerful and responsive experience, handling demanding tasks with ease.
Accessibility FeaturesSide-mounted fingerprint sensorSide-mounted fingerprint sensorBoth offer convenient biometric unlock, but software optimizations on Xperia could potentially improve speed and reliability.
Design ErgonomicsCompact, lightweight (168g)Larger, heavier (190g)Xperia's compact form factor might be preferable for one-handed use and portability.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration:

Scenario: Imagine you're a passionate mobile photographer. The Xperia 5 III, with its triple camera system featuring ZEISS optics, empowers you to capture stunning photos with exceptional clarity and detail, even in challenging lighting conditions. Its dedicated camera button enhances the shooting experience, mimicking the feel of a traditional camera. Meanwhile, the TCL 40 SE, while offering a 50MP main camera, might lack the fine-tuned image processing and versatility of the Xperia.

Scenario: You're a mobile gamer on the go. The Xperia 5 III's powerful Snapdragon 888 processor and 120Hz display deliver a console-like gaming experience. The TCL 40 SE's Helio G37, designed for more casual use, may struggle with graphically demanding games. The Xperia's smooth refresh rate ensures fluid gameplay, giving you a competitive edge.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation:

User 1: A Tech Enthusiast: The Xperia 5 III caters to power users craving top-tier performance, advanced camera capabilities, and a premium display.

User 2: A Budget-Conscious Consumer: The TCL 40 SE offers essential features like a large display and long battery life at an affordable price point. However, they might need to compromise on performance and camera quality.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework:

Beyond technical specifications, consider your individual priorities:

  • Prioritize Performance and Premium Experience: Xperia 5 III
  • Prioritize Affordability and Essential Features: TCL 40 SE

My Choice: The Sony Xperia 5 III

While the TCL 40 SE offers great value for its price, I would choose the Sony Xperia 5 III. My decision is driven by a deep appreciation for well-executed design and its impact on the user experience. The Xperia 5 III embodies this with its compact form factor, stunning OLED display, powerful performance, and advanced camera system. It's a device built for those who value a seamless and enriching mobile experience, a philosophy that resonates with my user-centered approach. The superior responsiveness, camera capabilities, and overall build quality make it a worthwhile investment for a long-lasting and enjoyable user experience. Though the price point is higher, the long-term satisfaction derived from a meticulously designed device justifies the premium.

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.