Okay, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the TCL 40 SE. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and help you figure out which phone might be the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with a focus on real-world implications:
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | TCL 40 SE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions (mm) | 163.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 | 167.9 x 76.5 x 8.5 | The TCL 40 SE is noticeably larger and slightly thicker. The ZTE is more compact, offering better single hand use for some. |
| Weight (g) | 204g | 190g | The TCL 40 SE is slightly lighter, which might make it a bit more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard slab style phones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.75" | Both have large screens that are great for media consumption, but ZTE is slightly larger. |
| Resolution | 1116 x 2480 | 720 x 1600 | The ZTE has much sharper text and images, resulting in a more refined viewing experience, great for reading and detailed images. |
| PPI | 400 | 260 | The higher pixel density on the ZTE results in a noticeably clearer and more detailed screen. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The ZTE's AMOLED display offers deeper blacks, richer colors, better contrast and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The ZTE's smoother 120Hz display makes scrolling and animations appear fluid, whilst TCL will feel a little less smooth. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 900 nits | The ZTE is significantly brighter, making it much more visible in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | MediaTek Helio G37 | The ZTE is dramatically more powerful for demanding apps and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,061,300 | 160,000 | The ZTE will be much snappier and faster when navigating the UI and loading apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | PowerVR GE8320 | The ZTE handles graphically intense apps, such as video games, with ease. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | ZTE has a slightly higher resolution camera sensor for finer details, additionally has better aperture for low light photos. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.85 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra captures more light for better low light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.72" | N/A | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra with the larger sensor for improved image quality and detail in well lit conditions. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 8MP | The ZTE offers higher resolution selfies, great for video calls. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP | N/A | The ZTE has a dedicated zoom lens for capturing detailed shots from a distance. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 64MP | N/A | ZTE can capture much wider images and close up images. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | N/A | 2MP | The TCL uses a dedicated lens for depth effects in portrait mode. |
| Macro lens | N/A | 2MP | The TCL has a dedicated macro lens, but this is offered in the ZTE as part of the wide angle lens. |
| Video Recording | 8K @ 30fps, 4K @ 120fps | 1080p @ 30fps | The ZTE is capable of professional-grade video recording, with many options. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Battery Capacity | 5000mAh | 5010mAh | Both should offer a full day of use, but how this translates will depend on user habits and usage profiles. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | The ZTE charges much faster, minimizing downtime and ensuring that the phone is ready to go. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both phones are not able to replace the battery by the user. |
| Software | |||
| OS Version | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 | The TCL comes with the latest Android version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | The ZTE supports newer Wi-Fi 6 for faster speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | The ZTE uses a newer bluetooth standard. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | ZTE offers dual band GPS for more reliable location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both can use two sim cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | 128GB/256GB | The ZTE offers up to 1TB of storage, great for media hoarders. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB/16GB/18GB | 4GB/6GB | The ZTE has much more RAM for smooth multitasking, ensuring that apps stay in memory and are available for use. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Both phones have stereo speakers. |
| Audio Features | DTS / DTS X, 3 microphones | None | The ZTE offers superior audio with its more immersive sound and enhanced voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Biometric | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The TCL has a more convenient fingerprint scanner location. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | ZTE has a comprehensive sensor suite, suitable for VR and games. |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra: Strengths
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness offers an immersive and fluid viewing experience, with accurate colours.
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and generous RAM options provide top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Professional Camera System: With versatile 64MP lenses, including telephoto and wide-angle capabilities, it can produce stunning photos and videos in a range of scenarios.
- Fast Charging: The 65W charging will quickly juice up the battery, reducing downtime and ensuring your device is ready for use.
- Advanced Audio: DTS:X audio, Stereo Speakers, and 3 microphones allow for an amazing audio experience.
- Advanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.
TCL 40 SE: Strengths
- Lower Price Point: The TCL is significantly more budget friendly and is likely to be much cheaper than the ZTE.
- Decent Display: The 6.75" screen offers decent resolution with its IPS panel, and the 90Hz refresh rate is welcome.
- Good Battery Life: With a large battery, it should last a full day, and then some for less demanding users.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: Great for ease of use.
- Up To Date Software: Ships with Android 13, and will most likely receive security updates.
Trade-offs
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra: Higher price, bulkier size, no headphone jack
- TCL 40 SE: Slower performance, less impressive camera, basic display compared to the Axon 40 Ultra
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Ideal For: Tech enthusiasts, power users, gamers, photographers, and those who want the best display experience.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, high-resolution media consumption, professional photography and videography, intensive multitasking, VR.
- Why: The ZTE is a high-end, performance focused smartphone. It is a powerhouse that is designed to tackle the most demanding tasks.
- TCL 40 SE:
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious users, casual smartphone users, and those who prioritize battery life and ease of use.
- Use Cases: Social media, basic apps, video calls, light gaming, casual photography, and media consumption.
- Why: The TCL is a great phone for general use. It offers decent features for the price, but does not have the high performance or camera system that the ZTE offers.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, consider these three questions:
- What is your budget? The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a high-end device and may be much more expensive than the TCL 40 SE.
- How important are performance and display quality to you? If you prioritize smooth operation, gaming and high quality visuals, the ZTE is the clear winner. However, the TCL offers a decent screen for general use.
- How much do you value camera quality and video recording capabilities? If you want professional quality photos and videos, the ZTE is better by a large margin. If you are a casual photographer, then the TCL may suit your needs.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Power User: If you want top performance, the best display, and high-quality camera, choose the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra.
- For the Budget Conscious User: If you’re looking for a decent phone at a budget friendly price, the TCL 40 SE is a practical option.
- For the Gamer: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra with its top-tier performance, display, and advanced sensors is the superior choice, but the TCL will offer an option for less demanding games.
- For the Photographer: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers multiple lenses with larger sensors and great aperture, ideal for photography.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would undoubtedly pick the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. For me, the differences in display quality, performance, and camera capabilities are significant. I tend to prefer high-quality displays and cameras and the ability to play the most graphically demanding games. While the TCL 40 SE is a decent budget phone, it simply can't compete with the ZTE in the areas that matter most to me. Ultimately, the ZTE aligns more closely with my needs, despite the higher cost and bulkier design. It is a top tier phone that can do everything I require.
