You can hear the distinct tonal differences if you compare artists from one group, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Yngwie, and Eric Johnson on the Strat side with another group, say Chrissie Hynde, Frank Black, Brian May (on Crazy Little Thing Called Love) and Danny Gatton who play Teles almost exclusively.
Teles are twngy...great for country or rockabilly music. I also enjoy hearing unison bends on the lower frets when it comes to these guitars. A song that I enjoy listening to which has that classic sound on The Pretenders's Back On The Chain Gang, especially the lead part in the intro.
Strats are distinctive to me in tone if the neck pickup is used. It doesn't have the trebly sting that Teles have...a very tonal opposite. My favorite example for this would be Stevie Ray Vaughn's Lenny or Jimi's Wind Cries Mary.