TCL 305 vs TCL 408: A Detailed Budget Phone Showdown

Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The TCL 305 and TCL 408 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.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The TCL 408 edges out the 305 thanks to its octa-core processor, offering noticeably better performance for multitasking and smoother app usage. While both offer basic features, the 408's improved chipset makes it the slightly better choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	TCL 305	TCL 408

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - 6102D	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - T507A, T507U, T507U1, T507U2, T507J
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 6102D	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T507U, T507U1, T507U2
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	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 - T507D1

Launch
Announced	2022, January 31	2023, January 05
Status	Available. Released 2022, February	Available. Released 2023, March 31

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 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density)
Size	6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio)	6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.3% 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

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM	64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
	eMMC 5.1	eMMC 5.1

Main Camera
Dual	-	50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash
Single	5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm	8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4", 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	-
Single	5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm	8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 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	Yes (T507U only)
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	Fingerprint (side-mounted), 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	Gravity Grey, Midnight Blue
Models	6102D, 5164D	T507D1, T507A, T507U, T507U1, T507U2, T507J
Price	About 200 EUR	About 130 EUR

TCL 305

Affordable
Decent battery life
Simple and easy to use

Slow performance
Basic camera
Limited features

TCL 408

Better performance than 305
Affordable
Decent battery life
Slightly improved image processing (potentially)

Basic camera
Slow charging
Limited features

Display Comparison

Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with a standard resolution (likely HD+). Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for the price point, but don't anticipate flagship-level vibrancy or sharpness. The 408 might have a slightly brighter display, but this is speculative without official data.

Camera Comparison

Camera specs are likely similar, potentially featuring a 13MP main sensor and a depth sensor. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The 408's slightly more powerful processor *might* allow for marginally better image processing, but the difference will be minimal.

Performance

This is where the 408 shines. The Helio G25's octa-core configuration provides a significant performance boost over the 305's quad-core Helio A22. Expect faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall experience on the 408. The 305 will feel noticeably slower, especially when multitasking.

Battery Life

Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W, so expect relatively slow charging times.

Buying Guide

The TCL 305 is ideal for users who primarily need a phone for basic calling, texting, and light web browsing. If you're a casual user who doesn't demand much processing power, it's a decent option. The TCL 408 is better suited for those who want a slightly more responsive experience, occasional gaming, and smoother multitasking, without spending a fortune.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the difference between the TCL 305 and TCL 408 processors?

The TCL 408 has an octa-core Mediatek Helio G25, while the TCL 305 has a quad-core Mediatek Helio A22. The 408's processor offers significantly better performance.

❓ How long will the battery last on each phone?

Both phones likely offer all-day battery life with moderate usage due to their 5000mAh batteries. However, the 408's more efficient processor *could* provide slightly better longevity.