Looking for an affordable smartphone that won't break the bank? The Nokia C2 2nd Edition and the TCL 403 are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 403 edges out the Nokia C2 2nd Edition thanks to its more powerful processor and slightly better chipset. While both are budget options, the TCL offers a smoother experience for everyday tasks and potentially better future software support. However, Nokia's reputation for durability remains a strong point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - T431D |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - T431D |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T431Q |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 28 | 2023, January 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 19 | Available. Released 2023, April 04 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 154 x 75.9 x 10 mm (6.06 x 2.99 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 | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~188 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~71.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 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 | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps or 720p@30fps (T431Q only) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.8
or
2 MP, f/2.8 - T431Q only |
| Video | 720p | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2400 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Warm Gray | Prime Black, Mauve Mist |
| Models | TA-1468, TA-1454 | T431D, T431U, T431Q, T431P, T431A, T431E |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.68 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.42 W/kg (head) 1.14 W/kg (body) | - |
Nokia C2 2nd Edition
- Reliable brand reputation
- Simple and easy to use
- Durable build quality (typically)
- Affordable price
- Limited performance
- Basic camera
- Outdated software
- Low resolution display
TCL 403
- Better performance than Nokia C2
- More efficient chipset
- Potentially better software support
- Slightly improved camera (potentially)
- Less established brand reputation
- Basic camera
- Display quality may not be exceptional
- Plastic build
Display Comparison
Both phones feature relatively basic displays, likely LCD panels with standard resolutions. The TCL 403 might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially more advanced panel technology, but both will be adequate for everyday use. Screen sizes are likely similar, around 6.5 inches.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely modest on both devices. The TCL 403 may have a slightly higher resolution main camera, potentially offering marginally better image quality in good lighting conditions. Both will likely struggle in low light. Expect basic camera features and limited video recording capabilities.
Performance
Here's where the TCL 403 takes a clear lead. Its Mediatek Helio A22 chipset with a 2.0 GHz quad-core processor is noticeably faster than the Nokia C2's 1.5 GHz quad-core CPU. Expect smoother app loading, quicker multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the TCL 403. The 12nm process of the TCL's chipset also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is likely in the 5000mAh range for both phones, suggesting all-day battery life under moderate usage. The TCL 403's more efficient chipset could give it a slight edge in battery endurance.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C2 2nd Edition is ideal for users prioritizing simplicity, reliability, and a very tight budget. The TCL 403 is a better choice for those needing a bit more performance for social media, light gaming, and general multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better software support?
The TCL 403 is likely to receive slightly better software updates and support due to its more modern chipset and potentially longer product lifecycle.
❓ Is the Nokia C2 2nd Edition durable?
Nokia is generally known for building durable phones, and the C2 2nd Edition is likely to be reasonably robust, although it's still a budget device.
