Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The TCL 205 and TCL 306 are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 306 edges out the 205 thanks to its more efficient chipset, slightly better performance, and inclusion of 10W charging. While both are budget options, the 306 provides a more polished and usable experience overall, justifying its likely slightly higher price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA, APAC |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 08 | 2022, January 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October | Available. Released 2022, February |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 75.2 x 8.7 mm (6.27 x 2.96 x 0.34 in) | 165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 170.3 g (6.00 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), TCL UI | Android 12, TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide) 1/3.06", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Power Gray, Atlantic Blue | Space Gray, Atlantic Blue |
| Models | 4187D | X668, 6102H |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 40 EUR |
TCL 205
- Lowest Price
- Decent Battery Life
- Large Display
- Sluggish Performance
- Older Chipset
- No Fast Charging
TCL 306
- Better Performance
- More Efficient Chipset
- 10W Wired Charging
- Slightly Better Image Processing
- Slightly Higher Price
- Still a Budget Phone
- Limited Camera Capabilities
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness. The TCL 306 might have slightly better color accuracy due to its newer chipset, but the difference will be minimal.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, with both phones featuring a primary rear camera around 13MP. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The 306's newer chipset *might* offer slightly better image processing, but don't expect a dramatic difference.
Performance
The TCL 306's MediaTek Helio G25 chipset (12nm) is a significant upgrade over the TCL 205's Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The G25 offers better CPU and GPU performance, resulting in smoother multitasking and slightly better gaming capabilities. Expect the 205 to feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the TCL 306's more efficient chipset will likely translate to slightly better battery endurance. The inclusion of 10W wired charging on the 306 is a welcome addition, allowing for faster top-ups.
Buying Guide
The TCL 205 is a good choice for users prioritizing the absolute lowest price and basic functionality. The TCL 306 is better suited for those who want a slightly smoother experience, a bit more processing power, and the convenience of wired charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Unisoc SC9863A and the MediaTek Helio G25?
The MediaTek Helio G25 is a more modern and efficient chipset than the Unisoc SC9863A, offering better performance and battery life. The G25 is built on a smaller 12nm process compared to the 28nm process of the SC9863A.
❓ Are these phones good for gaming?
Neither phone is ideal for demanding games. The TCL 306 will handle lighter games better than the TCL 205, but both will struggle with high graphics settings. Expect frame rate drops and lag.
