TCL 40R vs TCL 501
Shop Android Smartphones
TCL 40R
Starting at
£79.00
TCL 501
Starting at
£57.99What's the difference between the TCL 40R and TCL 501?
TCL 40R vs 501 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the TCL 501 starts at £57.99, £21.01 less than the TCL 40R. The TCL 501 is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
- Chipset: Mediatek Dimensity 700 on the TCL 40R, Mediatek Helio G36 on the TCL 501.
- The TCL 40R has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
- The TCL 40R has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
TCL 40R vs TCL 501 specs
The TCL 40R and TCL 501 differ in several key areas that suit different users. The TCL 40R offers a larger and higher resolution screen, more memory and storage, a bigger battery, and stronger cameras. The TCL 501 is smaller, lighter, and easier to hold with a more compact screen and simpler cameras. Choose the TCL 40R for multimedia, longer use, and multitasking, and the TCL 501 for a smaller phone focused on everyday tasks and lighter use.
TCL 40R vs TCL 501 price
Colour
- BlackSold out
- BlackSold out
Storage
- 64GBSold out
- 32GBSold out
TCL 40R vs TCL 501 battery life and software updates
Durability here covers battery size, software updates, and basic design features. These affect how long the device can run between charges and stay current with Android updates.
Battery Capacity
The TCL 40R has a 5000 mAh battery which suits longer use between charges and heavier daily usage. The TCL 501 has a smaller 3000 mAh battery, fitting those who prefer a lighter phone and do not need extended battery life.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Year of release
TCL 40R vs TCL 501 performance
Performance depends on RAM, chipset, and storage. These influence multitasking, app responsiveness, and how much content you can keep on your device.
RAM
The TCL 40R includes 4 GB of RAM, which helps keep everyday apps running smoothly and supports multitasking better. The TCL 501 offers 2 GB of RAM, which suits lighter app use and simpler tasks.
Storage Options
Storage on the TCL 40R is 64GB, providing more room for apps, photos, and files. The TCL 501 has 32GB of storage, suitable for users who keep fewer files locally or use cloud storage.
Chipset
The TCL 40R uses the Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset, while the TCL 501 runs on the Mediatek Helio G36. Both are suitable for general everyday use, but each chipset may handle tasks slightly differently depending on your usage.
Chipset
RAM
TCL 40R vs TCL 501 screen
Screen quality covers size, resolution, and panel type. These affect how much you see on screen and the clarity of images and text.
Screen Size
The TCL 40R features a 6.6 inch screen, offering a larger display area which is more comfortable for watching videos and browsing. The TCL 501 has a smaller 6.0 inch screen that fits better in one hand and pockets.
Resolution
With a resolution of 720 x 1612, the TCL 40R provides sharper and more detailed images. The TCL 501's 540 x 1092 resolution is lower, which suits everyday use where high detail is less critical.
Screen Type
Both models use IPS LCD screens, delivering consistent colours and good viewing angles suitable for general use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
TCL 40R vs TCL 501 camera
Audiovisual capabilities include camera resolution, which influences photo and video quality, especially for selfies and main shots.
Front Camera
The TCL 40R offers an 8 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail in selfies and video calls. The TCL 501 has a 2 megapixel front camera, suitable for basic video chatting and simple selfies.
Main Camera
The TCL 40R's 50 megapixel main camera is designed for capturing detailed photos and clearer images. The TCL 501 features a 5 megapixel main camera, which works well for everyday snapshots and casual photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
TCL 40R vs TCL 501 size and design
Miscellaneous features include network compatibility, physical dimensions, connectors, and storage expansion options, all of which affect daily convenience and use.
Mobile Network
The TCL 40R supports 5G networks, suitable if you want access to faster mobile data speeds where available. The TCL 501 works on 4G networks, fitting users in areas where 5G is not needed or not available.
Weight and Size
The TCL 40R weighs 192 g and measures 164.5 mm in height and 75.4 mm in width, making it a bigger and heavier phone. The TCL 501 is lighter at 179 g, taller at 156 mm, and slightly narrower at 75 mm, which can feel easier to handle for some users.
Connectors
The TCL 40R includes both USB Type-C and a 3.5 mm headphone jack, allowing wired audio options without adapters. The TCL 501 has USB Type-C only, so headphones need to connect through that port or use wireless options.
SIM and Storage Expansion
Both phones support dual physical SIM cards and microSDXC cards, letting you use two phone numbers and add storage with a memory card.
Depth
The TCL 40R has a depth of 9 mm, while the TCL 501 is a bit thicker at 10 mm. This difference may be noticeable in pocket fit or handling.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
TCL 40R or TCL 501: which should you buy?
Buy the TCL 40R if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 3000 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (50 megapixels vs 5 megapixels)
Buy the TCL 501 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £57.99, £21.01 less than the TCL 40R
- you want a lighter build (179 g vs 192 g)
TCL 40R vs TCL 501 FAQs
TCL 40R vs 501 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Mediatek Dimensity 700 on the TCL 40R, Mediatek Helio G36 on the TCL 501. The TCL 40R has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
The TCL 501 is cheaper refurbished, from £57.99 compared with £79 for the TCL 40R.
The TCL 40R has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
The TCL 40R has a higher-resolution main camera: 50 megapixels vs 5 megapixels.
The TCL 501 adds a lighter build (179 g vs 192 g). Refurbished, it costs £21.01 less (from £57.99 vs £79).
Refurbished, the TCL 40R comes in 64GB, and the TCL 501 in 32GB.
