Google Pixel 6a vs TCL 403: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 6a is the clear winner. Its Google Tensor chipset delivers significantly superior performance, a better camera experience, and comparable battery life despite the TCL 403's lower price. The TCL 403 is only suitable for those with extremely limited budgets and basic smartphone needs.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL 403 | Google Pixel 6a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - T431D | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - T431D | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - GX7AS, GB62Z (USA/Canada) |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GX7AS (USA/Canada) |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T431Q | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International) | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 05 | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 04 | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 78.2 x 9.6 mm (6.27 x 3.08 x 0.38 in) | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 17mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1.25µm |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-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, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps or 720p@30fps (T431Q only) | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.8 or 2 MP, f/2.8 - T431Q only | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Prime Black, Mauve Mist | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | T431D, T431U, T431Q, T431P, T431A, T431E | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | About 80 EUR | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 94h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
TCL 403
- Significantly faster performance with Google Tensor chip
- Superior camera quality and image processing
- Faster charging with 18W PD3.0
- Guaranteed software updates and security patches
- Higher price point
- May exhibit some throttling under sustained heavy load
Google Pixel 6a
- Extremely affordable price
- Decent battery life for basic usage
- Lightweight and compact design (likely)
- Functional for essential smartphone tasks
- Poor performance with the Helio A22 chipset
- Inferior camera quality
- Limited software support and updates
- Slow charging speeds (likely)
Display Comparison
The Pixel 6a’s display shines with a measured peak brightness of 876 nits, offering excellent visibility outdoors, a feature the TCL 403 likely struggles to match given its unspecified brightness. While both phones offer an 'infinite' contrast ratio (typical for OLED/AMOLED panels), the Pixel 6a’s panel quality is expected to be superior in color accuracy and viewing angles. The TCL 403’s display is likely a standard LCD, resulting in a less vibrant and engaging visual experience. Bezels are also expected to be thinner on the Pixel 6a, contributing to a more modern aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 6a excels in camera capabilities thanks to Google’s renowned computational photography. While specific sensor details aren’t provided in the context data, the Pixel 6a’s image processing algorithms compensate for potentially smaller sensors, delivering excellent dynamic range and low-light performance. The TCL 403, with its likely lower-end camera sensor and limited image processing capabilities, will produce noticeably inferior photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Ignoring the likely 2MP macro lens on the TCL 403, the Pixel 6a’s overall camera system is a significant advantage.
Performance
The performance gap is substantial. The Google Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor (5nm) chipset, with its octa-core configuration featuring Cortex-X1 and Cortex-A76 cores, is in a different league than the TCL 403’s MediaTek Helio A22 (12nm). The Tensor chip’s advanced architecture and smaller fabrication node translate to significantly faster processing speeds, smoother multitasking, and improved graphics performance. The Helio A22’s quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU is designed for basic tasks and will struggle with demanding applications or games. The Pixel 6a’s LPDDR5 RAM (spec not provided, but standard for the device) further enhances performance compared to the TCL 403’s likely LPDDR4X or older RAM.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, suggesting comparable battery life despite the TCL 403’s likely smaller battery capacity. This is likely due to the significantly more efficient Google Tensor chip. However, the Pixel 6a offers 18W wired charging with PD3.0, enabling faster charging speeds than the TCL 403, which likely supports a slower charging standard. While both phones last roughly the same on a single charge, the Pixel 6a can replenish its battery more quickly.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 403 if you need a functional smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and your budget is under $150. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you prioritize performance, camera quality, software updates, and a smoother overall user experience, even if it means spending more upfront. The Pixel 6a is ideal for users who take a lot of photos, play mobile games, or rely on their phone for productivity.