1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | TCL 40 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm | 167.9 × 76.5 × 8.5 mm | TCL 40 SE is slightly taller and thicker, may feel bulkier. Poco F3 more pocketable |
| Weight | 196g | 190g | TCL 40 SE is slightly lighter, possibly noticeable during long periods of holding |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.75" | Negligible difference in size, both provide a large screen experience |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Xiaomi Poco F3 has a much sharper display, better for viewing text, images and videos |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 260 PPI | Xiaomi Poco F3's display appears much clearer and more detailed |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi Poco F3 has richer colours, deeper blacks, better contrast, and superior power efficiency for dark interfaces |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi Poco F3 offers smoother scrolling and animations, more responsive experience |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 900 nits | Xiaomi Poco F3 is much more visible outdoors in bright sunlight, offering better readability |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Mediatek Helio G37 (12 nm) | Xiaomi Poco F3 offers significantly faster processing, much better performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 800,216 | 160,000 | Xiaomi Poco F3 is much more powerful; resulting in faster app loading times and smoother multitasking |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | PowerVR GE8320 | Xiaomi Poco F3 provides a much better gaming experience with smoother graphics and higher frame rates |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79 | 50MP, f/1.85 | TCL 40 SE has slightly higher MP, but Xiaomi Poco F3 has a wider aperture which can lead to better low light performance |
| Front Camera | 20MP, f/2.45 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Xiaomi Poco F3 has a much higher resolution selfie camera. TCL 40 SE has a wider aperture for better low light selfies |
| Depth Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | TCL 40 SE has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode photos |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | TCL 40 SE has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi Poco F3 can capture higher quality video with 4K recording |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4520mAh | 5010mAh | TCL 40 SE has slightly larger battery, potentially longer battery life but is hard to tell without testing as usage influences this heavily. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Xiaomi Poco F3 charges much faster, less time plugged in, back to full quicker. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 13 | TCL 40 SE has a newer version of Android out of the box. Poco F3 is upgradable to Android 13 |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Xiaomi Poco F3 has faster Wi-Fi speed if you have a compatible router, more future-proofed |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 (with aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC) | 5.1 (with EDR) | Xiaomi Poco F3 offers higher quality Bluetooth audio codecs, better wireless audio experience |
| GPS | Comprehensive Support | Standard Support | Xiaomi Poco F3 offers more precise positioning due to more satellite systems support |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both phones offer the same storage options |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 4/6 GB | Xiaomi Poco F3 has more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking and overall performance |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi Poco F3 provides superior audio experience with advanced audio technologies |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer same level of basic biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Xiaomi Poco F3 offers better screen protection from scratches and damage |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer | Xiaomi Poco F3 has additional sensors for gaming, VR, and other advanced features |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset provides a vastly superior user experience compared to the Helio G37, evident in the 400% higher AnTuTu score, leading to smoother performance for gaming, demanding apps, and multitasking.
- Much Better Display: AMOLED technology with higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness leads to a more vivid, detailed, smooth, and readable display, especially outdoors.
- Better Video Recording Capabilities: 4K recording offers higher quality videos compared to 1080p on TCL 40 SE.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging drastically reduces charging times compared to 18W, allowing for quick top-ups.
- Better Wireless Audio: Enhanced Bluetooth codecs (aptX, LDAC) and Hi-Res audio support provide a superior wireless listening experience
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes Gyroscope and Compass for better gaming, VR and navigation experiences.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides better scratch and drop resistance
TCL 40 SE Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life, although this could be offset by the more power-efficient AMOLED display on the Poco F3, so testing would be important.
- Dedicated Depth & Macro Lenses: Offers more versatility in photography with dedicated lenses for portrait and close-up photos
- Newer Android OS: Comes with Android 13 out of the box.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco F3 sacrifices dedicated depth and macro lenses for superior overall performance, display and charging, while TCL 40 SE goes for versatility in photography with compromises in power, display and charging capabilities.
- The TCL 40 SE offers a slightly larger battery, potentially offering better battery life, but that may not be the case in practice.
- TCL 40 SE is lighter by 6g but is slightly thicker and taller.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F3 Ideal User:
- Gamers: Demanding mobile gamers will greatly benefit from the powerful Snapdragon 870 chipset and high refresh rate display, coupled with the more comprehensive sensor suite for a more immersive experience.
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who watch videos, browse social media, and consume content will enjoy the high-quality AMOLED screen, better brightness, and superior audio.
- Power Users: Users who multitask heavily, use demanding apps, and want a responsive, quick experience will prefer the processing power of the Poco F3 and its higher RAM.
- Users Who Value Durability: The Gorilla Glass 5 screen offers more protection against scratches and damage.
TCL 40 SE Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for a basic smartphone at a lower price point.
- Casual Photographers: Users who enjoy taking portrait photos and close-up shots may appreciate the extra lens for photography versatility
- Users Focused on Simplicity: Individuals who prioritize ease of use and may not require advanced features.
- Users Who Value Latest Android Version: Users who prefer to have the latest Android version out of the box.
Use Cases:
- Xiaomi Poco F3: Playing graphics-intensive games, watching HDR videos, using professional apps, capturing high-quality video footage, multitasking.
- TCL 40 SE: Everyday browsing, social media, basic photography, taking photos of documents, or making basic video calls, casual gaming, or battery life oriented usage.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance? If you plan to use demanding apps or play graphically intensive games, the Poco F3 is the better choice.
- How much do you value display quality? If you want the best possible viewing experience with vibrant colors, sharpness, and high brightness, the Poco F3 is superior.
- How important is fast charging and having additional advanced audio codecs? If you value getting your phone charged quickly and having high quality audio when listening wirelessly, the Poco F3 is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Gaming Focused): Choose the Xiaomi Poco F3 for its powerful processor, high refresh rate display and comprehensive sensor suite.
- Scenario 2 (Budget Focused with Photography as a consideration): Choose the TCL 40 SE if you need to have a dedicated depth and macro lens.
- Scenario 3 (General Use): If you value overall user experience with a great display, responsiveness, and speed then choose the Xiaomi Poco F3 but if your use case is more lightweight choose the TCL 40 SE.
What I Would Choose and Why
I would choose the Xiaomi Poco F3.
Here's why:
The Xiaomi Poco F3 offers a vastly superior experience in areas that matter most to me:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 870 is significantly more powerful, which is essential for smooth multitasking, gaming, and overall responsiveness. The TCL 40 SE's Helio G37 simply cannot compete in this area. The 400% difference in AnTuTu scores clearly demonstrates this.
- Display Quality: The AMOLED display with its high resolution, refresh rate and brightness is a game-changer. It makes everything from browsing the web to watching videos much more enjoyable. The IPS LCD on the TCL 40 SE simply does not offer the same level of visual quality.
- Faster Charging: Having a phone that charges quickly is a huge convenience, and the 33W fast charging on the Poco F3 is much better than the 18W on the TCL 40 SE.
- Audio Quality: The inclusion of Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio, and advanced Bluetooth codecs on the Xiaomi Poco F3 will offer a better audio experience when listening via headphones or the onboard speakers.
- Future Proofing: The superior processor, better display technology and features such as Wifi 6 means the Xiaomi Poco F3 should be able to handle more demanding tasks for a longer time.
While the TCL 40 SE has the advantages of a dedicated depth and macro lenses, a larger battery and the latest version of android out of the box, these do not outweigh the advantages offered by the Xiaomi Poco F3 in areas that matter more to me, specifically display quality and overall performance.
In conclusion, the Xiaomi Poco F3 provides a more premium experience with its superior display, speed, charging and audio quality, making it a clear winner for me. The TCL 40 SE is a budget option for very basic use, but with many areas being heavily compromised.
