Looking for an affordable smartphone that won't break the bank? The TCL 403 and Huawei Y5 (2019) 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
Both phones share the same chipset, meaning performance will be very similar. The TCL 403 likely edges out the Huawei Y5 (2019) due to potentially better software support and a slightly more modern design, making it a marginally better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 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 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T431Q | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 05 | 2019, April 24. Released 2019, April 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 04 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 78.2 x 9.6 mm (6.27 x 3.08 x 0.38 in) | 147.1 x 70.8 x 8.5 mm (5.79 x 2.79 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 146 g (5.15 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.71 inches, 81.4 cm2 (~78.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 9.0 (Pie), EMUI 9.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED 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 | 13 MP, f/1.8, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps or 720p@30fps (T431Q only) | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.8
or
2 MP, f/2.8 - T431Q only | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) - AMN-LX1 only |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM Radio |
| 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 | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Ion 3020 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prime Black, Mauve Mist | Midnight Black, Modern Black, Sapphire Blue, Amber Brown |
| Models | T431D, T431U, T431Q, T431P, T431A, T431E | AMN-LX9, AMN-LX1, AMN-LX2, AMN-LX3 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 130 EUR |
TCL 403
- Larger Battery (4000mAh)
- Potentially better software support
- Slightly more modern design
- Generally better value for money
- Performance is still limited by the chipset
- Camera is adequate, not exceptional
Huawei Y5 (2019)
- Very affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Smaller battery (3000mAh)
- Potentially limited software updates
- Performance is basic
- Display quality is average
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.26-inch HD+ display. While the resolution is similar, TCL often uses slightly better display technology, potentially offering slightly better color accuracy and brightness. However, the difference is likely minimal.
Camera Comparison
The Huawei Y5 (2019) typically features a 13MP main camera, while the TCL 403 often includes a 13MP main camera and a depth sensor. Huawei's image processing might offer slightly more saturated colors, but overall, camera quality will be comparable in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance will be weak on both.
Performance
The shared Mediatek Helio A22 chipset means performance will be nearly identical. Expect basic multitasking and smooth navigation for everyday tasks, but don't expect to play demanding games. Both phones will likely experience some lag with heavier apps.
Battery Life
The Huawei Y5 (2019) usually packs a 3000mAh battery, while the TCL 403 often has a 4000mAh battery. This gives the TCL 403 a significant advantage in battery life, potentially lasting a full day with moderate use, whereas the Y5 (2019) might require a midday top-up.
Buying Guide
The TCL 403 is ideal for users prioritizing a clean Android experience and potentially longer software updates. The Huawei Y5 (2019) might appeal to those seeking a very basic, ultra-budget option, but be aware of potential software limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones good for gaming?
No, neither phone is suitable for demanding games. The Helio A22 chipset is entry-level and struggles with graphically intensive titles. Casual games might be playable at low settings.
❓ How long will the software be supported on each phone?
The TCL 403 is likely to receive slightly longer software support and security updates compared to the Huawei Y5 (2019), although both are budget devices and updates may be limited.
