Alcatel 1B (2022) vs TCL 403: Which Budget Phone Reigns Supreme?

The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Alcatel 1B (2022) and the TCL 403. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the better overall experience?

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

Both phones share the same core chipset, meaning performance will be very similar. The TCL 403 likely edges out the Alcatel 1B due to potentially better software support and a slightly more modern design, though both are solid choices for basic users on a tight budget.

PHONES
Phone Names	alcatel 1B (2022)	TCL 403

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 900 / 2100 - T431D
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 5031D, 5031G	1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - T431D
Speed	HSPA 42.2/11.1 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps	HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE
	2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 - 5031A, 5041J	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T431Q

Launch
Announced	2022, May 31	2023, January 05
Status	Available. Released 2022, May 31	Available. Released 2023, April 04

Body
Dimensions	146.7 x 71.9 x 10 mm (5.78 x 2.83 x 0.39 in)	159.2 x 78.2 x 9.6 mm (6.27 x 3.08 x 0.38 in)
SIM	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	172 g (6.07 oz)	182 g (6.42 oz)

Display
Resolution	720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density)	480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density)
Size	5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~74.0% screen-to-body ratio)	6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	TFT LCD	TFT LCD

Platform
CPU	Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53	Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
Chipset	Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)	Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)
GPU	PowerVR GE8300	PowerVR GE8320
OS	Android 11 (Go edition)	Android 12 (Go edition)

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	32GB 2GB RAM	32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM
	eMMC 5.1	-

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, 25 mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF	8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF or 5 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm - T431Q only
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps or 720p@30fps (T431Q only)

Selfie camera
Single	5 MP, f/2.2, 24 mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm	5 MP, f/2.8 or 2 MP, f/2.8 - T431Q only
Video	1080p@30fps	720p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	5.0, A2DP	5.0, A2DP, LE
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS	GPS, GALILEO, BDS
Radio	FM radio	Unspecified
USB	microUSB 2.0	microUSB 2.0
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Accelerometer	Accelerometer

Battery
Type	Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery, removable	Li-Ion 3000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Prime Black, Atlantic Blue	Prime Black, Mauve Mist
Models	5031D, 5031G, 5031A, 5031J	T431D, T431U, T431Q, T431P, T431A, T431E
Price	About 100 EUR	About 80 EUR

alcatel 1B (2022)

Very affordable
Reliable for basic tasks
Compact design (potentially)

Basic camera performance
Limited software updates
Potentially lower build quality

TCL 403

Potentially better display
Slightly more modern design
Likely longer software support
Improved camera (potentially)

Still a budget phone with limitations
Performance similar to Alcatel 1B
May be slightly more expensive

Display Comparison

Both phones likely feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display. While resolution is similar, TCL often prioritizes color accuracy and brightness in their displays, potentially giving the 403 a slight edge. Expect adequate viewing angles and sharpness for everyday use on both.

Camera Comparison

The Alcatel 1B (2022) typically features a basic dual-camera setup (13MP main + depth sensor). The TCL 403 may offer a slightly improved main sensor (potentially 13MP or higher) and better image processing algorithms, resulting in marginally better photo quality, especially in low light. Front-facing camera quality will also vary.

Performance

Identical chipsets (Mediatek Helio A22) and CPU configurations mean performance will be nearly identical. Expect smooth navigation for basic tasks but struggle with demanding games or heavy multitasking. RAM and storage configurations will be key differentiators here, with the TCL 403 potentially offering more.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is a crucial factor in budget phones. While both likely have around 5000mAh batteries, software optimization plays a significant role. TCL's software might be more efficient, potentially leading to slightly better battery life on the 403.

Buying Guide

The Alcatel 1B (2022) is ideal for users needing a basic, reliable phone for calls, texts, and light social media use. The TCL 403 is a better pick for those wanting a slightly more polished experience, potentially longer software updates, and a more contemporary design, even within the budget category.