Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The TCL 403 and Alcatel A5 LED are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 403 edges out the Alcatel A5 LED thanks to its more modern chipset and slightly better efficiency. While both are budget options, the TCL 403 provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks and potentially longer software support. However, the Alcatel A5 LED might offer a better display depending on the specific model.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - T431D | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - T431D | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T431Q | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 05 | 2017, February. Released 2017, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 04 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 78.2 x 9.6 mm (6.27 x 3.08 x 0.38 in) | 146 x 72.1 x 7.7 mm (5.75 x 2.84 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~70.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6753 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-T720MP3 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps or 720p@30fps (T431Q only) | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.8
or
2 MP, f/2.8 - T431Q only | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio; built-in antenna |
| 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 | Fingerprint (front-mounted, region dependent), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Ion 2800 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prime Black, Mauve Mist | Gray |
| Models | T431D, T431U, T431Q, T431P, T431A, T431E | 5085I, 5085Q, 5085D, 5085Y, 5085A |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 200 EUR |
TCL 403
- More modern chipset
- Potentially longer software support
- Slightly better battery efficiency
- Generally smoother performance
- Camera may be basic
- Display might be smaller than Alcatel A5 LED
alcatel A5 LED
- Potentially larger display
- Often more affordable
- Dual camera setup (depending on model)
- Older chipset
- Less efficient
- Potentially shorter software support
- Slower performance
Display Comparison
The Alcatel A5 LED often features a larger display (typically 5.5-6 inches) with an HD+ resolution, potentially offering a more immersive viewing experience. The TCL 403 usually has a smaller display (around 6.1 inches) with an HD+ resolution. Display quality can vary significantly between models within each brand, so check specific reviews for brightness and color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both phones is likely to be modest. The Alcatel A5 LED often features a dual-camera setup (typically 8MP + 2MP), while the TCL 403 usually has a single 13MP main camera. Image quality will depend heavily on lighting conditions and software processing. Don't expect flagship-level photography from either device.
Performance
Here's where the TCL 403 has a clear advantage. Its Mediatek Helio A22 chipset (12nm) is more modern and efficient than the Alcatel A5 LED's MT6753 (28nm). While both use Cortex-A53 cores, the TCL 403's quad-core 2.0 GHz CPU generally outperforms the Alcatel's octa-core 1.3 GHz CPU in real-world usage. Expect smoother app loading and multitasking on the TCL 403.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is generally around 3000-4000 mAh for both devices. The TCL 403's more efficient chipset should translate to slightly better battery life, although actual usage will vary.
Buying Guide
The TCL 403 is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly faster processor and potentially longer software updates. The Alcatel A5 LED is a good choice for those primarily focused on media consumption and a potentially brighter display, and who are extremely budget-conscious.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The TCL 403 is generally better for gaming due to its more modern and efficient chipset. However, neither phone is designed for demanding games.
❓ How much storage do these phones have?
Both phones typically offer 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. RAM varies, but expect around 2-3GB on both models.
