TCL 40 SE vs Sony Xperia 1 V - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
TCL 40 SE
TCL 40 SE
Tcl

General

Launch Date April 4, 2023 July 28, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 109.18 cm³ 97.23 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.55 "/g 3.48 "/g
Weight 190 g 187 g
Height 167.9 mm 165 mm
Width 76.5 mm 71 mm
Thickness 8.5 mm 8.3 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Dark grey
  • Twilight purple
  • Black
  • Khaki Green
  • Platinum Silver

Display

Screen Size 6.75 " 6.5 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1644 x 3840
Aspect Ratio 20:9 21:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 85.6 % 84.2 %
Pixel Density 260 PPI 643 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness 450 nits N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 109.96 mAh/in² 118.34 mAh/in²
Battery Density 45.89 mAh/cm³ 51.42 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5010 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU PowerVR GE8320 Adreno 740

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 13 13
Maximum OS Version 14

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureTCL 40 SESony Xperia 1 VPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)167.9 x 76.5 x 8.5165 x 71 x 8.3Xperia 1 V is slightly smaller and more pocketable.
Weight (g)190187Negligible weight difference.
BuildNot specifiedNot specifiedBuild quality and materials cannot be compared.
Display
Display TypeIPS LCDOLEDXperia 1 V offers deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better power efficiency. TCL 40 SE may be brighter outdoors due to higher nit value.
Size (inches)6.756.5TCL 40 SE has a larger screen for media consumption, but lower resolution.
Resolution720 x 16001644 x 3840Xperia 1 V boasts a significantly sharper display with much higher pixel density.
Refresh Rate (Hz)90120Xperia 1 V provides smoother scrolling and animations.
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Helio G37Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2Xperia 1 V offers vastly superior processing power for demanding tasks and gaming.
CPUOcta-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)Xperia 1 V's CPU architecture provides significant performance advantages in speed and efficiency.
RAM (GB)4/612Xperia 1 V enables smoother multitasking and handling of demanding applications.
Camera
Main Camera (MP)5048 (Sony IMX888 sensor)Xperia 1 V, despite lower resolution, likely produces better image quality due to advanced sensor technology.
Video Recording1080p@30fpsUp to 4K@120fps with HDR, OIS, EISXperia 1 V offers significantly better video recording capabilities with higher resolution, frame rates and stabilization.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)50105000Negligible difference in battery capacity.
Fast Charging18W30WXperia 1 V charges significantly faster.

2. Key Differences Analysis

TCL 40 SE Advantages:

  • Larger Display: Better for media consumption but at the cost of lower resolution.
  • Lower Price: Significantly more affordable.

Sony Xperia 1 V Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor and more RAM for demanding tasks and gaming.
  • High-Quality Display: Sharper, more vibrant, and smoother with OLED technology and 120Hz refresh rate.
  • Advanced Camera System: Better image quality, especially in low light, and superior video recording capabilities.
  • Faster Charging: Reduces downtime.

Trade-offs:

  • The TCL 40 SE sacrifices performance, display quality, and camera features for affordability.
  • The Sony Xperia 1 V commands a premium price for its high-end features.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

TCL 40 SE: Budget-conscious users who prioritize basic communication, social media, and light web browsing. Suitable for users who don't play demanding games or require top-tier camera performance.

Sony Xperia 1 V: Power users, mobile gamers, content creators, and photography enthusiasts. Ideal for users who demand the best performance, display, and camera technology.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions:

  1. What is your budget? The price difference is significant.
  2. What are your primary smartphone usage patterns? Basic tasks vs. demanding applications, gaming, content creation.
  3. How important are display quality, camera performance, and overall speed?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Limited Budget, Basic Usage: TCL 40 SE
  • Demanding User, High Budget: Sony Xperia 1 V
  • Balanced Needs, Mid-Range Budget: Consider other options not listed here, as neither phone perfectly fits this scenario.

My Choice: Sony Xperia 1 V

While significantly more expensive, the Sony Xperia 1 V is the clear winner for me. I prioritize a smooth and responsive user experience, which the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and 12GB RAM guarantee. The stunning OLED display and advanced camera system are also crucial for my media consumption and occasional photography needs. While the TCL 40 SE offers excellent value for its price, the performance and feature gap is too significant to ignore. I am willing to invest in a device that provides a premium experience across the board.

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.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
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  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.