Looking for an affordable smartphone without breaking the bank? The TCL 205 and TCL 403 are both contenders in the budget market, offering a range of features at accessible prices. But which one delivers the best value? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 403 edges out the 205 thanks to its more efficient chipset and slightly better overall performance. While both are budget options, the 403's Helio A22 provides a smoother experience, making it the preferable choice for most users.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - T431D |
| 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 |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T431Q |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 08 | 2023, January 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October | Available. Released 2023, April 04 |
| 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) | 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 |
| Weight | 170.3 g (6.00 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), TCL UI | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | 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 | 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 |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (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 | No | 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, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Power Gray, Atlantic Blue | Prime Black, Mauve Mist |
| Models | 4187D | T431D, T431U, T431Q, T431P, T431A, T431E |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 80 EUR |
TCL 205
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Simple and easy to use
- Underpowered chipset
- Limited storage
- Basic camera performance
TCL 403
- Better performance than 205
- More efficient chipset
- Slightly improved camera processing
- Still a budget phone
- Camera performance is limited
- May lack advanced features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) and resolution, around 6.5 inches. Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for the price point, but don't anticipate flagship-level vibrancy. The 403 might have a slightly brighter display, but this is often difficult to confirm without testing.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are generally similar, with both phones likely featuring a primary 13MP camera and a depth sensor. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The 403's slightly more modern chipset *might* offer marginally better image processing, but the difference will be minimal.
Performance
This is where the TCL 403 shines. The Mediatek Helio A22 (12nm) is significantly more efficient and powerful than the Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) in the 205. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a generally more responsive user experience on the 403. The 205 will likely struggle with more demanding apps and multitasking.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. The 403's more efficient chipset should translate to slightly better battery endurance, especially under load.
Buying Guide
The TCL 205 is ideal for users prioritizing a very basic smartphone experience, primarily for calls, texts, and light browsing. The TCL 403 is better suited for those who want a slightly more responsive device for social media, casual gaming, and everyday tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Unisoc SC9863A and the Mediatek Helio A22?
The Mediatek Helio A22 is a more modern and efficient chipset than the Unisoc SC9863A, resulting in better performance and battery life.
❓ How much storage do these phones have?
Both phones typically come with 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. This is standard for budget devices.
❓ Are these phones 5G capable?
No, neither the TCL 205 nor the TCL 403 support 5G connectivity. They are both 4G LTE devices.
