TCL 40 SE

TCL 40 SE Review: A No-Frills Champion That Gets the Basics Right

I've spent the better part of two weeks putting the TCL 40 SE through its paces, and it’s a phone that’s left me with some surprisingly positive impressions, especially considering its budget-friendly positioning. Coming in at a price point that clearly targets the value-conscious consumer, the 40 SE promises a lot on paper. After my time with it, I have a clearer picture of where it shines and where compromises have been made.

Finding Its Place in a Crowded Market

Right now, the budget smartphone market is a battleground, with manufacturers vying for attention by offering the most features for the least amount of money. TCL’s strategy with the 40 SE seems to be focused on hitting the sweet spot of delivering essential features well, rather than chasing after flagship-level specifications. From my perspective, this is a smart move. There’s a huge demand for reliable, capable phones that don’t break the bank, and the 40 SE squarely aims for that demographic. The price point feels appropriate for what’s on offer, positioning it as a compelling option for first-time smartphone buyers or those seeking a dependable secondary device.

Design & Hardware: A Solid Feel Despite the Size

Picking up the TCL 40 SE, the first thing you notice is its size. The 6.75-inch display makes it a substantial phone, filling the hand. While I personally appreciate a large screen for media consumption, those with smaller hands might find it a bit of a stretch for comfortable one-handed use. However, despite its size, it feels surprisingly solid. The materials used don't scream premium, but they don't feel cheap or flimsy either. I have to point out that the Twilight Purple colour I tested is quite appealing, offering a subtle flair without being overly loud. From my experience, the build quality feels durable enough for everyday wear and tear, though I'd still recommend a case for added peace of mind. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is a welcome touch, integrating seamlessly into the power button and offering quick and reliable unlocking.

Display: Big, Bright, and Surprisingly Smooth

The display is arguably one of the standout features of the TCL 40 SE. That 6.75-inch IPS LCD panel is generous, making it a joy for watching videos and browsing content. While the 720 x 1600 resolution isn't the sharpest I've seen, for the price, it's perfectly acceptable for everyday tasks. What impressed me most was the 90Hz refresh rate. This makes scrolling through feeds and navigating the interface feel noticeably smoother than the standard 60Hz you often find in this price range. In my testing, the brightness levels were adequate, hitting a typical 450 nits and even reaching a peak of 900 nits, which proved helpful when using the phone outdoors on sunny days. I’ve found that the "TÜV Rheinland Eye Comfort Certification" does seem to make a difference during extended use, reducing eye strain. For casual gaming and media consumption, the display holds up well, providing vibrant colours and decent viewing angles.

Performance: Capable for Everyday, Not for Intensive Tasks

Under the hood, the MediaTek Helio G37 processor handles everyday tasks without significant hiccups. For browsing, social media, emails, and casual apps, the 40 SE performs adequately. However, when I pushed it with more demanding tasks like graphically intensive games, the limitations of the chipset became apparent. There were noticeable stutters and frame drops, confirming that this isn't a phone for serious mobile gamers. Multitasking with a handful of apps running in the background was generally smooth, though I did experience occasional slowdowns when switching between resource-intensive applications. Temperature management seemed to be decent; the phone didn't get excessively hot even during prolonged use, which is a plus. From my testing, the performance aligns with what you’d expect at this price point – reliable for daily use but not a powerhouse.

Camera System: Capturing Everyday Moments

The camera system on the TCL 40 SE is a triple-lens setup, headlined by a 50MP main sensor, accompanied by 2MP depth and macro lenses. My experience taking photos was fairly typical for a budget phone. In good lighting conditions, the main sensor can capture decent images with good detail and colour accuracy, as evidenced by some surprisingly nice snapshots I managed to get. However, low-light performance is where it starts to struggle, with noticeable noise and a loss of detail. The 2MP depth sensor helps create a decent bokeh effect in portrait mode, although it's not always perfect. The macro lens is what you'd expect – functional but not particularly impressive. Video recording is capped at 1080p at 30fps, which is sufficient for basic video capture. The 8MP front-facing camera is adequate for selfies and video calls. Features like panorama and HDR are useful additions. Compared to other phones in this price bracket, the camera system is competitive, offering acceptable image quality for social media sharing and capturing everyday moments, but don’t expect professional-level results.

Battery & Charging: Endurance Champion

The 5010mAh battery is a genuine highlight of the TCL 40 SE. In my testing, it consistently delivered all-day battery life, even with heavy usage involving streaming, browsing, and social media. On lighter days, I even managed to stretch it into a second day, which is impressive. The inclusion of 18W fast charging is a welcome feature, allowing for relatively quick top-ups when needed. While it's not the fastest charging on the market, it’s a significant improvement over standard charging speeds and definitely a practical benefit in daily use. From my experience, the battery life is a major selling point for this phone, offering reliable endurance for users who are often on the go.

Software: A Familiar Android Experience

The TCL 40 SE runs on Android 13, providing a familiar and user-friendly experience. The interface is relatively clean, with TCL's customizations being fairly minimal, which I personally appreciate. I didn't encounter any significant bloatware or unnecessary pre-installed apps. Navigating the operating system was generally smooth, and I found the standard Android features to be readily accessible. While TCL's update policy isn't as robust as some other manufacturers, the current software experience is solid and functional for daily use.

Value Analysis: Excellent for the Right User

Analyzing the TCL 40 SE in terms of value, it presents a compelling package for those prioritizing a large, smooth display and excellent battery life without breaking the bank. If you’re someone who primarily uses their phone for media consumption, social media, and everyday communication, this phone offers a lot for the price. However, if you're a heavy gamer or a photography enthusiast, you might find the performance and camera capabilities limiting and should consider looking at more expensive options. Compared to its competitors, the TCL 40 SE holds its own, particularly in the areas of display and battery life.

Conclusion: A Reliable Budget Performer

Overall, my experience with the TCL 40 SE has been positive. It's not a perfect phone, and there are certainly areas where compromises have been made to meet its affordable price point. However, it excels in delivering the essentials – a large, smooth display, outstanding battery life, and a reliable everyday performance. I would recommend the TCL 40 SE to anyone seeking a dependable smartphone for general use on a budget, or as a solid secondary device. If your priorities are media consumption and long battery life, the TCL 40 SE is definitely worth considering.