Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Poco X3 GT and the TCL 40 SE. We've got two solid contenders here, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, so let's break down the specs, what they mean, and who they're for.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 GT | TCL 40 SE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.3 × 75.9 × 8.9 mm, 193g | 167.9 × 76.5 × 8.5 mm, 190g | Similar size and weight; TCL is slightly taller but thinner, Poco X3 GT slightly thicker. Feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.75" | TCL has a slightly larger display, offering a bit more screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (FHD+) | 720x1600 (HD+) | Poco X3 GT has a sharper, more detailed display, noticeably better image quality. |
| PPI | 399 | 260 | Poco X3 GT provides sharper text and images due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use standard IPS LCD tech, so color reproduction and viewing angles are similar, although this is not the best display technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Poco X3 GT has a smoother experience when scrolling and gaming, while the TCL is smooth enough for everyday usage. |
| Brightness | 0 nits (incorrect spec) | 900 nits | TCL 40 SE screen will be significantly more visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 1100 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Poco X3 GT has a much more powerful chipset, leading to significantly faster performance in all tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 745,283 | 160,000 | Poco X3 GT has vastly superior performance, with a big boost in app loading, multitasking, and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MC9 | PowerVR GE8320 | Poco X3 GT has a superior GPU, better graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79 | 50MP, f/1.85 | Poco X3 GT's main camera has higher resolution and slightly wider aperture for potentially better detail and low-light. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Poco X3 GT's selfie camera has a higher resolution for sharper photos, and TCL has wider aperture. |
| Additional Lenses | None | 2MP Portrait, 2MP Macro | TCL provides a better camera experience because it has two additional lenses for portraits and macro photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Poco X3 GT captures video at higher resolutions, with more versatility in frame rates. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5010mAh | Both have similar battery sizes, expect comparable day-long battery life. |
| Charging | 67W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Poco X3 GT charges much faster; potentially fully charged in about 45 mins to an hour vs 2-3 hours for TCL. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | TCL has a newer version of Android out-of-the-box, likely with better security and updated features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Poco X3 GT supports faster and more stable Wi-Fi connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 with APT-x, LDAC | 5.1 with EDR | Poco X3 GT offers a slightly more modern Bluetooth standard with higher quality audio codecs, TCL has slightly faster data transfer speed. |
| GPS | More systems | Fewer systems | Poco X3 GT provides more precise location data. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both phones offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB/6GB | Poco X3 GT has more RAM, crucial for smooth multitasking and overall performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers external storage support. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, 2 mics | Stereo Speakers | Poco X3 GT offers higher audio quality with added immersion and clearer voice capture. TCL is good enough for simple audio. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both use a side-mounted sensor, which is generally convenient and accurate. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Poco X3 GT uses tougher screen protection, offering better resistance to scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | More sensors | Less sensors | Poco X3 GT has more sensors, enabling more gaming capabilities. |
| ## 2. Key Insights |
Xiaomi Poco X3 GT:
- Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 1100 chipset is a beast, making the phone extremely fast and capable of handling demanding games and multitasking with ease.
- High-Quality Display: The FHD+ screen with a 120Hz refresh rate provides a sharp, smooth, and visually pleasing experience.
- Faster Charging: The 67W fast charging is a game-changer, quickly topping up the battery.
- Enhanced Audio: With Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio, audio quality is significantly better.
- Better Overall Camera Quality: Higher resolution and wider aperture.
- More Accurate GPS: Offers a wide variety of systems for location.
- More Sensors: Enables more features and gaming capabilities.
- Screen Protection: Significantly better protection, with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Trade-offs:
- Older Software: Ships with Android 11, which is two generations behind the TCL.
TCL 40 SE:
- Strengths:
- Larger Display: The 6.75" display offers a more immersive experience for content consumption.
- Newer Android Version: Runs on Android 13, providing the latest software experience.
- Additional Lenses: Has two additional lenses for Portrait and Macro photography.
- Higher Brightness: Brighter screen is more visible in direct sunlight.
- Trade-offs:
- Lower Performance: The Helio G37 chipset is significantly slower, making it less suitable for heavy gaming and multitasking.
- Lower Resolution Screen: The HD+ screen is less sharp and detailed compared to the Poco X3 GT.
- Slower Charging: The 18W charging is quite slow compared to the Poco X3 GT.
- Inferior Audio: The TCL doesn't come with any advanced audio features.
- Fewer Sensors: Lacks a wide variety of sensors.
- Screen Protection: The screen protection is not specified.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Poco X3 GT:
- Ideal For: Gamers, power users, and anyone who values performance and display quality.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, heavy app usage, video streaming, photography and videography, and users who want a fast and responsive experience.
- Price-to-Value: If you’re after top performance without breaking the bank, this phone delivers excellent value for the money.
- TCL 40 SE:
- Ideal For: Casual users who prioritize a big screen and the latest Android version.
- Use Cases: Browsing, social media, casual video watching, and users who appreciate a newer software experience and simple photography, particularly using additional lenses.
- Price-to-Value: It's a more affordable option but comes with considerable performance trade-offs.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
How important is performance to you?
- If performance and gaming are priorities, the Poco X3 GT is the clear choice.
- If you're a casual user and prioritize cost over power, then the TCL is fine.
Do you value screen quality or brightness more?
- If you value screen resolution and smoothness, the Poco X3 GT is the winner.
- If you prefer a larger screen, and brighter display in direct sunlight, the TCL would be a good choice.
How critical is fast charging?
- If you need your phone charged quickly, the Poco X3 GT's 67W charging is a major advantage.
- If you're fine with waiting longer, the TCL's charging speed may be acceptable.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two, I would pick the Xiaomi Poco X3 GT. Here's why:
- Performance Matters: As a tech enthusiast, I prioritize a device that can handle anything I throw at it without lag or stutter. The Dimensity 1100 in the Poco X3 GT is just significantly more powerful and would offer a much smoother experience.
- Display Quality: I’m big on sharp, clear displays, and the FHD+ 120Hz screen of the Poco X3 GT is a clear winner.
- Fast Charging: I love fast charging, I cannot go back to slow charging.
- Future Proof: I prefer my phones to be as "future proof" as possible, and while the Android version on the TCL is much more current, the performance of the X3 GT makes it more future proof.
- Audio Quality: I listen to music a lot, and the added Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio, would be much more enjoyable.
- Overall Package: I see that the X3 GT provides a better overall package.
While the TCL 40 SE has some advantages, like a slightly larger screen and a newer version of Android, the significant performance, display, and charging advantages of the Xiaomi Poco X3 GT make it the clear winner for me. It offers a more enjoyable and smooth experience that aligns with my needs and priorities in a smartphone.
