The TCL 40 XE 5G is catching eyes for its ultra-affordable price and 5G connectivity — but should you actually buy it?
Before you hit that “Add to Cart” button, let’s explore the 5 questions that matter most when considering this budget-friendly smartphone.
1. Can a phone this cheap really offer 5G?
Surprisingly, yes.
The TCL 40 XE 5G supports nationwide 5G networks, giving you faster downloads and smoother streaming — something rarely seen in phones under $200.
It’s compatible with major US carriers like T-Mobile and AT&T, making it one of the most accessible 5G devices for everyday users.
If you’re switching from a 4G phone or an older Android, this is a noticeable upgrade in speed.
2. Is the performance good enough for everyday use?
Let’s be realistic: this isn’t a flagship.
But the MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor, combined with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage (expandable up to 1TB), delivers surprisingly snappy performance for the price.
It handles:
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Web browsing
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YouTube/Netflix streaming
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Social apps (Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok)
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Light gaming
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Google Maps and multitasking
Just don’t expect lightning-fast app loading or heavy multitasking — this phone’s meant for practical, everyday use.
3. How good is the display and battery life?
You’re getting a 6.56″ HD+ screen with 90Hz refresh rate, which is better than most phones in this segment. Scrolling feels smoother, and visuals are fairly bright and sharp.
And the 5000mAh battery? That’s a full-day (and beyond) kind of battery.
With moderate usage, you can easily stretch into a second day before recharging.
🔌 Bonus: USB-C charging for convenience.
4. What about the cameras?
The TCL 40 XE 5G features a 13MP rear camera and 8MP front camera.
It’s not going to compete with high-end Samsungs or Pixels — but it gets the job done for:
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Social media snapshots
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Video calls
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Scanning documents
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Capturing everyday moments
Night photography and detail zoom are limited, but for casual users? It’s perfectly usable.
5. Who should consider this phone?
This device is not for someone who wants:
❌ Professional-level photography
❌ Advanced mobile gaming
❌ The latest Android software (it runs Android 13)
But it is ideal if you are:
✅ A student or teen needing a reliable phone
✅ A senior wanting a basic and modern smartphone
✅ Looking for a backup or travel device
✅ Someone switching to 5G for the first time
✅ Budget-conscious and still want a clean design + solid performance
Final Verdict
The TCL 40 XE 5G proves that entry-level doesn’t have to mean underpowered. With 5G support, decent performance, a large screen, and long battery life — it ticks the boxes for basic smartphone users.
If you just need a device that works, without overpaying for features you won’t use, this is one of the best value picks on Amazon right now.