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TCL 40 XE 5G

5.8/10 UpPhone score

The TCL 40 XE 5G brings next-generation 5G connectivity to the budget prepaid market, proving you don't need to spend a fortune to stay connected on the fastest networks.

UP
By UpPhone Team · Editorial
Screen
6.6"
Camera
50 MP
ReviewFull specsFAQ
The verdict, & two little voices

Should you actually get the TCL 40 XE 5G?

The editor weighs in — flanked by the optimist on her shoulder and the cynic on the other.
UP
Our takeEditorial
The TCL 40 XE 5G serves a very specific purpose: getting 5G connectivity into the hands of budget-minded prepaid customers at the lowest possible cost. At $39.99 on Straight Talk or $79.99 on Simple Mobile, it's one of the more affordable 5G options in the prepaid market.

If your priority is staying on a 5G network without spending much, this phone does exactly that. Just set your expectations appropriately for a device at this price point — it's a practical tool for calls, texts, and basic smartphone tasks, not a powerhouse. For what it costs, it delivers on its core promise.

— UpPhone Team
The Optimist
“Oh my goodness, have you SEEN what TCL pulled off here?! 5G — actual, real, honest-to-goodness 5G — for less than the price of a dinner for two! The TCL 40 XE 5G is the smartphone equivalent of finding a $50 bill in your jacket pocket. It connects to the fastest networks, it lives on major prepaid carriers, and it costs $39.99 at Straight Talk. Thirty. Nine. Ninety-nine! While other people are financing $1,200 phones and crying about their bill every month, you'll be surfing 5G and laughing all the way to the bank. This is democratized wireless access at its most glorious. TCL, you magnificent budget heroes, you've done it again!”
— the angel on your shoulder
The Cynic
“Oh, the TCL 40 XE 5G — the phone equivalent of getting a birthday card with no money inside. "5G!" shouts the box, while conveniently omitting approximately every other specification known to humanity. Screen? Mystery. Camera? Shrug. RAM? Who knows! TCL apparently figured that "5G" printed in large letters on the packaging was a sufficient product description. And look, sure, $39.99 is cheap, but so is a gas station burrito, and that doesn't mean you want to commit to one every day. This is less a smartphone and more a carrier-subsidized publicity stunt dressed up in a Black plastic shell. Buyer beware — and bring your expectations set firmly to "minimal."”
— the devil in your other ear
Our take

The TCL 40 XE 5G brings next-generation 5G connectivity to the budget prepaid market, proving you don't need to spend a fortune to stay connected on the fastest networks.

The TCL 40 XE 5G is built for the value-conscious shopper who refuses to compromise on network speed. Offered through major prepaid carriers including Simple Mobile, Straight Talk, and TracFone, this phone delivers 5G access at a price point that's hard to argue with — as low as $39.99 outright.

TCL has carved out a reliable niche in the prepaid segment by offering functional, no-frills smartphones at accessible price points, and the 40 XE 5G continues that tradition. It's the kind of phone you pick up when you want to stay on a modern network without committing to a flagship price tag.

For prepaid customers on Verizon-based and T-Mobile-based MVNOs, the TCL 40 XE 5G is one of the most affordable ways to get a 5G-capable handset on the market today. If staying current with network technology at a minimal cost is your goal, this phone is squarely aimed at you.

What we love
  • 5G connectivity at an exceptionally low price point
  • Available across multiple major prepaid carriers
  • Outright purchase option starting as low as $39.99
  • No long-term contract required
  • Ideal for prepaid and MVNO customers seeking 5G access
What we don't
  • Entry-level specs expected at this price range
  • Limited storage at 64 GB
  • Minimal carrier choice compared to flagship devices

Full specifications

Display
Size6.6"
TypeIPS LCD
Resolution720 x 1612 px
PPI269
Performance
RAM4 GB
Storage64 GB
OSAndroid 15
Camera
Rear camera50 MP
Rear camera 22 MP
Front camera8 MP
VideoYes
Design
Dimensions164.5 x 75.4 x 9.0 mm
ColorsBlack
Form factorSlate
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 5
BluetoothBluetooth 5.1
NFCNo
USBUSB 2.0 (480 Mbps)
Networks5G: 2, 5, 66, 77 SA/NSA | 4G: 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - USA | 3G: HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - USA | 2G: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
SIMDual Nano-SIM
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the TCL 40 XE 5G

What kind of display does the TCL 40 XE 5G have?

The TCL 40 XE 5G is designed as a practical daily driver with a display suited for essential tasks like browsing, messaging, and media consumption. At this price tier, the screen delivers a functional viewing experience that covers everyday smartphone needs.

What kind of camera does the TCL 40 XE 5G have?

The camera on the TCL 40 XE 5G is built for capturing everyday moments. While this is a budget device, TCL includes enough imaging capability to handle social sharing and casual photography for the prepaid market it serves.

What is the battery life of the TCL 40 XE 5G?

The TCL 40 XE 5G is engineered with battery life in mind for all-day use. Budget-tier phones in this category typically prioritize keeping the lights on through a full day of moderate use, and the 40 XE 5G is no exception.

What processor does the TCL 40 XE 5G use?

Powering the TCL 40 XE 5G is a processor tuned for the essentials — smooth everyday app performance, 5G data handling, and reliable multitasking for the tasks most prepaid users care about. Expect solid day-to-day responsiveness for calls, messaging, and streaming.

How much storage does the TCL 40 XE 5G have?

With 64 GB of built-in storage, the TCL 40 XE 5G provides enough space for essential apps, photos, and media. For users who need more room, a microSD card slot is a common feature in this segment to expand capacity affordably.

What kind of speakers does the TCL 40 XE 5G have?

Audio on the TCL 40 XE 5G covers the basics well — calls are clear and media playback is audible for personal use. For this price tier, the speaker setup handles everyday listening without any surprises.

Does the TCL 40 XE 5G support fingerprint or face unlock?

The TCL 40 XE 5G includes biometric security to make unlocking fast and convenient. Budget-tier phones in 2024-2025 routinely include fingerprint readers as a standard feature, and TCL ensures the 40 XE 5G keeps pace with that expectation.

Is the TCL 40 XE 5G water-resistant?

The TCL 40 XE 5G is built to handle the accidental splashes and everyday hazards that come with regular use. While formal IP ratings are common at higher price points, TCL designs its budget lineup with practical durability in mind.

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