Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. TCL 40 SE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | TCL 40 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 167.9 × 76.5 × 8.5 mm | TCL 40 SE is slightly taller and thinner, Poco X3 Pro is a bit bulkier |
| Weight | 215g | 190g | TCL 40 SE is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for long use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.75" | Very similar screen sizes; negligible difference |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has a significantly sharper display |
| PPI | 395 | 260 | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers much clearer text and images |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Similar viewing experience in color accuracy |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits (spec missing, likely lower) | 900 nits | TCL 40 SE offers superior outdoor visibility |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers significantly faster performance; Better for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 160,000 | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has dramatically higher performance; Apps will load faster, and multitasking is smoother |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | PowerVR GE8320 | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has much better graphics performance |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Slightly higher resolution on TCL, but Xiaomi has a larger sensor size and wider aperture on the main camera. Xiaomi offers better low light performance. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.85 | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro allows more light to enter the lens, better low-light pictures |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 8MP | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has significantly more detail in selfie photos |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | TCL 40 SE captures more light in selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (available) | Not Available | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers a wider field of view in photos |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro records higher-quality videos |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5010mAh | Very similar battery life; both will last a full day for most users |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro charges significantly faster |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 | TCL 40 SE offers a newer operating system |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, MiMO | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both phones offer similar Wi-Fi speeds. Xiaomi supports MIMO technology for better bandwidth. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, AptX, LDAC | 5.1, EDR | TCL 40 SE supports a newer Bluetooth version, Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers better audio codecs |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both come with similar storage options |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers more RAM for smoother multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers additional storage options |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers higher quality audio |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint | side-mounted fingerprint | Similar security features on both phones |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Proximity | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers more sensors for enhanced usage. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 860 chipset offers dramatically better performance for gaming, multitasking, and overall responsiveness. This means apps load faster, demanding games run smoothly, and the phone feels snappier in general use.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and PPI provide a clearer and more detailed display, making text and images look crisper.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate offers a more fluid visual experience, making scrolling and animations feel smoother.
- Better Camera: Superior video quality with 4K recording, a wide-angle lens, and a higher-resolution front camera. Better low light capabilities on the rear camera due to a larger sensor and wider aperture.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging significantly reduces charging times, a big plus for busy users.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers provide a richer audio experience for music and videos.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 6 provides better screen protection and durability.
TCL 40 SE Advantages:
- Newer Operating System: Ships with Android 13, providing access to the latest features.
- Lighter Design: The lighter weight makes the phone more comfortable for extended periods of use.
- Brighter Screen: 900 nits of brightness ensures much better visibility in bright sunlight
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 provides more stable connection and slightly better energy efficiency.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Poco X3 Pro: Heavier, bulkier, older OS
- TCL 40 SE: Significantly less powerful processor and lower resolution display, weaker camera setup, slower charging speeds, no high res audio
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
- Ideal User: Gamers, power users, and anyone who values performance above all else.
- Use Cases: Demanding mobile games, video editing, multitasking, smooth web browsing, high-quality photo and video capture, multimedia consumption.
TCL 40 SE:
- Ideal User: Casual users, budget-conscious buyers, or anyone who prioritizes a lightweight phone and good outdoor screen visibility.
- Use Cases: Basic social media browsing, web surfing, light app usage, outdoor use, reading, and watching videos, value-oriented users who prioritize affordability and a modern operating system.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Performance Needs: How important is top-tier performance for gaming and multitasking?
- Display Quality: Do you prioritize a sharper, more fluid display, or is basic viewing sufficient?
- Camera Requirements: How important are high-quality photos and 4K video recording?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you're a gamer or need the fastest possible performance for intensive tasks, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is the clear choice, despite its older OS.
- Scenario 2: If you prioritize a newer OS, better outdoor screen visibility, lighter weight, and are a casual user on a budget, the TCL 40 SE is a more sensible option.
- Scenario 3: If camera quality is a key consideration and you need to record high-quality video, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro will provide noticeably superior results.
What I would choose
Personally, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro.
Here's why:
- Performance is King: As someone who values smooth and responsive performance, the difference in processing power between the Snapdragon 860 and the Helio G37 is massive. The Poco X3 Pro's chipset will handle demanding tasks effortlessly, provide a far smoother user experience, and be more future-proof for app updates and performance over time.
- Better Display Experience: While the TCL 40 SE might have a brighter screen, the higher resolution and 120Hz refresh rate on the Poco X3 Pro would offer a substantially better overall visual experience for my daily usage. I prefer the clarity of a higher-resolution screen combined with the fluidity of a faster refresh rate to the added brightness, as I am rarely in direct sunlight conditions where the 900 nits would be necessary.
- Superior Camera Capabilities: I often take photos and videos, and the 4K recording capability plus the wide-angle lens of the Poco X3 Pro make it a more versatile and capable camera phone. Additionally, the superior front camera resolution is a plus for video calls and selfies.
- Future-Proofed: Despite running an older version of Android, the performance headroom, and greater RAM capacity will ensure a smoother experience over time.
While the TCL 40 SE has a newer OS and is lighter, the performance, display, and camera differences make the Poco X3 Pro the superior device for my needs. The brighter screen of the TCL is nice to have, but not as essential as the core functionality offered by the Xiaomi. I am willing to sacrifice a bit of weight and a newer operating system for the huge performance benefits. The older OS can be upgraded, and the weight is not a significant enough problem to sway my decision.
