The ultra-budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Nokia 5310 (2024) represents a return to a classic form factor with modern features, while the TCL 405 aims to deliver a more comprehensive smartphone experience at a similar price point. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability and essential functionality.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a reliable, basic smartphone, the TCL 405 emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Unisoc 6531F in the Nokia 5310 (2024), making it more capable for everyday tasks and light multitasking.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | Yes | - |
| GPRS | Yes | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, April 11 | 2022, November 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, April 26 | Available. Released 2022, November 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 132 x 57 x 13.1 mm (5.20 x 2.24 x 0.52 in) | 164.7 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~32.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc 6531F | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | - | Android 12 (Go edition), TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16MB 8MB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | - |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | VGA | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | Yes | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email, IM | - |
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 1450 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White/Red, Black/Red | Lavender Purple, Space Dark |
| Models | - | T506D |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Nokia 5310 (2024)
- Classic Nokia design and build quality
- Potential for longer software support
- Simplicity and ease of use
- Significantly weaker performance
- Likely limited camera capabilities
- Slower charging
TCL 405
- More powerful Mediatek Helio G25 chipset
- Faster 10W charging
- Potentially more versatile camera system
- Build quality may not match Nokia's reputation
- Software updates may be less frequent
- Larger form factor may not appeal to all
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the lack of detailed display specifications for the Nokia 5310 (2024), we can assume it utilizes a basic LCD panel typical of its price range. The TCL 405 also likely features an LCD, but its focus is on providing a functional viewing experience rather than color accuracy or high refresh rates. Both will likely suffer from limited outdoor visibility. The TCL 405's larger screen size (likely around 6.6 inches, based on TCL's typical offerings) offers a more immersive experience for media consumption compared to the Nokia 5310's smaller form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Without detailed sensor information for the Nokia 5310 (2024), it's safe to assume a basic camera setup focused on capturing simple snapshots. The TCL 405 likely features a more versatile camera system, but image quality will still be constrained by the budget components. Expect limited low-light performance and a reliance on software processing to enhance images. The presence of a dedicated macro camera on the TCL 405 (even if only 2MP) offers some creative flexibility, while the Nokia 5310 (2024) likely lacks such features.
Performance
The TCL 405’s Mediatek Helio G25 is the clear performance winner. Its octa-core CPU (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) provides significantly more processing power than the Unisoc 6531F found in the Nokia 5310 (2024). The Helio G25’s 12nm process node is also more efficient than whatever process node Unisoc uses for the 6531F, potentially leading to better thermal management under sustained load. This translates to smoother app launches, faster web browsing, and a more responsive user interface on the TCL 405. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the TCL 405 will handle casual games with greater ease.
Battery Life
The TCL 405’s 10W wired charging is a significant advantage. While both phones likely have similar battery capacities (around 5000mAh is typical for this segment), the faster charging speed of the TCL 405 means less time tethered to a wall outlet. The Unisoc 6531F in the Nokia 5310 (2024) is likely less power-efficient than the Helio G25, potentially resulting in slightly shorter battery life despite a similar capacity. Users who frequently find themselves needing to top up their phone throughout the day will benefit from the TCL 405’s faster charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia 5310 (2024) if you prioritize extreme simplicity, a classic Nokia design, and long-term software support (typical of Nokia's commitment to updates, even on budget devices). Buy the TCL 405 if you prefer a more modern smartphone experience with better performance for running apps, streaming video, and handling basic gaming, and appreciate the convenience of faster charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the TCL 405 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Helio G25 isn't a powerhouse, it's capable of running apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly. You might experience slight delays when opening multiple apps or switching between them rapidly, but for typical social media usage, the TCL 405 should provide an acceptable experience.
❓ Is the Nokia 5310 (2024) a good choice for someone who primarily needs a phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the Nokia 5310 (2024) excels as a basic communication device. Its focus on simplicity and reliability makes it ideal for users who prioritize calls and texts over advanced features. However, be prepared for slower performance when using any apps beyond basic phone functions.
❓ Can the TCL 405 handle light gaming, like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
The TCL 405 can handle light gaming like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers, but don't expect high frame rates or detailed graphics. The Helio G25's GPU is entry-level, so you may need to lower graphics settings for a smoother experience. More demanding games will likely be unplayable.
