The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for those seeking essential features without breaking the bank. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the TCL 403 and the Nokia C2 2nd Edition. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which phone emerges as the winner.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 403 generally edges out the Nokia C2 2nd Edition thanks to its more powerful chipset and potentially better display. However, the Nokia C2 2nd Edition's reputation for durability and clean Android experience makes it a compelling alternative for users prioritizing simplicity and longevity.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - T431D | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - T431D | LTE |
| 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 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 04 | Available. Released 2022, April 19 |
| 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) | 154 x 75.9 x 10 mm (6.06 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~188 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~71.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | - |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, 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 | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps or 720p@30fps (T431Q only) | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.8
or
2 MP, f/2.8 - T431Q only | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p |
| 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 | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Wireless 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Ion 2400 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prime Black, Mauve Mist | Dark Blue, Warm Gray |
| Models | T431D, T431U, T431Q, T431P, T431A, T431E | TA-1468, TA-1454 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 240 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.68 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.42 W/kg (head) 1.14 W/kg (body) |
TCL 403
- More powerful chipset
- Potentially better display
- Larger battery capacity (likely)
- Generally better performance
- Build quality may not be as robust as Nokia
- Software updates may be less frequent
Nokia C2 2nd Edition
- Clean Android experience
- Durable build quality (typical of Nokia)
- Potentially longer software support
- Good battery life
- Slower performance
- Less impressive display
- Limited camera capabilities
Display Comparison
The TCL 403 likely features a slightly larger and potentially higher-resolution display than the Nokia C2 2nd Edition, offering a more immersive viewing experience. While both will likely use LCD panels, TCL often incorporates better color accuracy in their budget offerings. The Nokia C2 2nd Edition prioritizes efficiency over visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are often limited on these budget devices. The TCL 403 likely has a slightly better camera setup, potentially with a higher resolution main sensor. However, image quality will largely depend on software processing. Both phones will likely produce acceptable photos in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low light. Expect basic camera features on both.
Performance
Here's where the TCL 403 has a clear advantage. Its Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, clocked at 2.0 GHz, offers a noticeable performance boost over the Nokia C2 2nd Edition's 1.5 GHz CPU. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and slightly better gaming performance on the TCL 403. The Nokia C2 2nd Edition will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. The Nokia C2 2nd Edition, with its less power-hungry processor, *might* have a slight edge in battery endurance, but the TCL 403's larger battery capacity could offset this. Actual battery life will depend on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
The TCL 403 is ideal for users who need a bit more performance for basic multitasking and occasional gaming. The Nokia C2 2nd Edition is a great choice for those seeking a reliable, long-lasting phone with a clean Android experience and a focus on essential features, particularly those who value Nokia's build quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What Android version does each phone run?
The Nokia C2 2nd Edition typically runs a near-stock Android Go edition, known for its lightweight nature. The TCL 403 likely runs a more standard Android version, but with TCL's custom UI.
❓ Which phone is more durable?
The Nokia C2 2nd Edition generally has a reputation for better build quality and durability, a hallmark of Nokia phones.
