Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? TCL offers several options, and the 305 and 405 are two of their most accessible models. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 405 edges out the 305 thanks to its octa-core processor, offering noticeably better performance for multitasking and smoother app usage. While both offer similar battery life and charging speeds, the 405's improved chipset makes it the slightly better overall value.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - 6102D | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 6102D | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 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 - 6102А | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 31 | 2022, November 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February | Available. Released 2022, November 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 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) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), TCL UI | Android 12 (Go edition), TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (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, 27mm (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, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Atlantic Blue | Lavender Purple, Space Dark |
| Models | 6102D, 5164D | T506D |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 100 EUR |
TCL 305
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Lightweight design
- Slow performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Basic camera
TCL 405
- Improved performance over 305
- Better multitasking
- Slightly better camera processing
- Still a budget phone
- 10W charging is slow
- HD+ display isn't the sharpest
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a similar 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles and color reproduction for their price range. Expect similar brightness levels and resolution. The 405 might have slightly better color accuracy due to its more powerful chipset allowing for better display processing.
Camera Comparison
While specific camera specs are often similar (likely a 13MP main camera and a depth sensor), the 405's more powerful processor could lead to slightly better image processing and improved low-light performance. Both phones will likely produce acceptable photos in good lighting conditions, but don't expect flagship-level quality.
Performance
This is where the 405 shines. The Helio G25 octa-core processor provides a significant performance boost over the 305's quad-core Helio A22. Expect faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive user interface on the 405. The 305 will feel noticeably slower, especially when multitasking.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired, so expect similar charging times.
Buying Guide
The TCL 305 is ideal for users who primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing. The TCL 405 is a better choice for those who want a more responsive experience, occasional gaming, or smoother multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the TCL 305 and 405?
The main difference is the processor. The TCL 405 has an octa-core Helio G25, while the TCL 305 has a quad-core Helio A22, resulting in significantly better performance on the 405.
❓ Which TCL phone has better battery life?
Both phones are expected to offer all-day battery life with their 5000mAh batteries. Actual battery life will depend on usage.
