TCL 40R Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of the TCL 40R

The TCL 40R is a compelling budget-friendly smartphone that offers a blend of solid performance, modern design, and advanced features at an affordable price point. Launched in October 2022, it provides users with cutting-edge technology, including support for 5G connectivity, a high-resolution camera system, and a robust battery life, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of consumers.

Design and Build

In terms of design, the TCL 40R boasts a sleek, modern appearance. It is built with a glass front, enclosed by a plastic frame, and a plastic back, lending the phone both durability and a lightweight profile, weighing in at just 192 grams. Its dimensions are 164.5 x 75.4 x 9 mm, making it comfortable to hold and use with one hand. Users can choose between elegant color options like Stardust Purple and Starlight Black, offering a touch of personalization.

Display and User Interface

The TCL 40R features a 6.6-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels, translating to an approximate pixel density of 267 ppi. While not the most high-resolution display on the market, it offers good brightness at 400 nits, and the 90Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and improved visual fluidity. The screen-to-body ratio is around 84.4%, making for an immersive viewing experience ideal for streaming content or playing games.

Performance and Platform

Under the hood, the TCL 40R is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset built on a 7 nm architecture, making it efficient and capable of handling everyday tasks with ease. The octa-core CPU comprises two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz for performance and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz for efficiency. Coupled with a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, the device can handle moderate gaming and graphics tasks. Running on Android 12 with TCL's custom UI 4.0, users can enjoy an intuitive and user-friendly interface with customizable features.

Camera Features

The TCL 40R's camera system is versatile and capable, featuring a triple rear camera setup. The primary camera is a 50MP sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, offering excellent detail capture and low-light performance. It is complemented by a 2MP macro lens and a 2MP depth sensor, which provide additional photography options and enhanced depth of field effects. The main camera supports video recording at 1080p@30fps. For selfies, the smartphone includes an 8MP front-facing camera with an f/2.0 aperture, designed for clear and vibrant self-portraits.

Battery Life and Charging

A standout feature of the TCL 40R is its long-lasting 5000 mAh Li-Po battery, enabling it to last a full day or more on a single charge, depending on usage patterns. This is a significant advantage for users who require their phone to stay powered throughout the day without frequent recharging. When it comes to recharging, the device supports 15W wired charging, which, while not the fastest, still provides reasonable charging times for its category.

Storage and Memory

The device is available in configurations with either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, both paired with 4GB of RAM. This ensures smooth multitasking and adequate space for applications, media, and files. Additionally, the TCL 40R supports microSDXC cards, allowing users to expand storage further, which is particularly beneficial for those who need extra space for multimedia and other data.

Network Capabilities

The TCL 40R is equipped with modern network capabilities, supporting GSM, HSPA, LTE, and notably, 5G technology. This forward-thinking feature allows users to take advantage of faster internet speeds and improved connectivity, which is increasingly important in a world moving toward high-speed data and content consumption.

Connectivity and Sensors

In terms of connectivity, the TCL 40R covers all the essential bases. It supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for wireless internet access, Bluetooth 5.1 for robust wireless peripheral connections, and NFC for contactless transactions and data sharing. Additionally, the phone includes GPS support (with GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS) for accurate location tracking. Regarding external ports, the device sports a USB Type-C 2.0 port for charging and data transfer, and it retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature appreciated by many users. For security and usability, various sensors are integrated, including a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, contributing to the device's overall functionality and ease of use.

Price and Availability

Released at a price of around 240 EUR, the TCL 40R offers a competitive package in the mid-range smartphone market. Its blend of features, from 5G support to a substantial battery, makes it a valuable choice for users seeking modern capabilities without a flagship phone price tag. Available from October 2022, it is an accessible option for consumers in various markets.

Conclusion

Overall, the TCL 40R stands out as a well-rounded smartphone choice, catering to consumers looking for affordability without sacrificing essential modern features. From its competent camera system and respectable performance to its robust battery life and future-ready 5G support, it provides a comprehensive package that suits the needs of today's tech-savvy users. Whether you're a photographer at heart, a media consumer, or someone who values connectivity and performance, the TCL 40R presents a compelling option in its price bracket.