TCL 205 vs Xiaomi Redmi A2: Which Budget Phone Reigns Supreme?

The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for those seeking essential features without breaking the bank. Today, we pit two contenders against each other: the TCL 205 and the Xiaomi Redmi A2. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which phone emerges as the winner.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xiaomi Redmi A2 edges out the TCL 205 thanks to its more efficient chipset, slightly better performance, and inclusion of 10W charging. While both are budget options, the Redmi A2 offers a more polished experience overall, justifying its slight price premium.

PHONES
Phone Names	TCL 205	Xiaomi Redmi A2

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International
Speed	HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps	HSPA, LTE
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE
	-	1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India

Launch
Announced	2021, October 08	2023, March 24
Status	Available. Released 2021, October	Available. Released 2023, March 24

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)	164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	170.3 g (6.00 oz)	192 g (6.77 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 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD	IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53)
Chipset	Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm)	Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm)
GPU	IMG8322	PowerVR GE8320
OS	Android 11 (Go edition), TCL UI	Android 12 or 13 (Go edition), MIUI

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	32GB 2GB RAM	32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
	eMMC 5.1	eMMC 5.1

Main Camera
Dual	13 MP, f/2.2, (wide) 1/3.06", 1.12µm, AF Auxiliary lens	8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) 0.08 MP (depth)
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	Dual-LED flash, HDR
Single	5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm	8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) Auxiliary lens
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	-
Single	5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm	5 MP, f/2.2
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, LE
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
Radio	No	FM radio
USB	microUSB 2.0	microUSB 2.0
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n

Features
Sensors	Accelerometer, proximity	Accelerometer

Battery
Charging	-	10W wired
Type	Li-Po 4000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Power Gray, Atlantic Blue	Aqua Blue, Classic Black, Sea Green
Models	4187D	23028RN4DG, 23026RN54G
Price	About 110 EUR	€ 59.00 / £ 54.95
SAR	-	1.10 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	-	0.90 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body)

TCL 205

Large Display
Affordable Price
Decent Battery Life

Lower Performance
No Fast Charging
Less Efficient Chipset

Xiaomi Redmi A2

Better Performance
Faster Charging (10W)
More Efficient Chipset
Slightly Better Display

Slightly Higher Price
Basic Camera

Display Comparison

Both phones feature large, HD+ displays, but the Redmi A2's panel is generally considered slightly brighter and more color accurate. The TCL 205's display is adequate, but lacks the vibrancy of the Redmi A2.

Camera Comparison

Camera quality on both phones is basic, typical for their price range. The Redmi A2 likely has a slight edge in image processing and low-light performance, but don't expect flagship-level results from either. Both likely feature an 8MP main camera and a front-facing camera around 5MP.

Performance

The Redmi A2's MediaTek Helio G36 chipset, built on a 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the TCL 205's Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). Expect smoother multitasking and app loading on the Redmi A2. Gaming will be more playable on the Redmi A2 as well.

Battery Life

Both phones likely feature a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the Redmi A2's 10W charging provides a faster charging experience compared to the TCL 205, which lacks specified charging speed.

Buying Guide

The TCL 205 is ideal for users prioritizing a large display and basic functionality on the tightest budget. The Xiaomi Redmi A2 is a better choice for those needing a bit more performance, faster charging, and a slightly more modern design.