The TCL 403 and Nokia G100 represent two distinct approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The TCL 403 aims for maximum affordability, while the Nokia G100 attempts to offer a more refined experience with a more powerful chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing smooth multitasking and a more responsive experience, the Nokia G100 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 662 chipset offers a significant performance advantage over the TCL 403’s Helio A22, justifying the potential price difference. However, the TCL 403 remains a viable option for basic tasks and users on a very tight budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - T431D | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - T431D | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 44, 66, 71 |
| 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 | 2022, September 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 04 | Available. Released 2022, October |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 78.2 x 9.6 mm (6.27 x 3.08 x 0.38 in) | 166.6 x 76.7 x 8.9 mm (6.56 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 195.1 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| 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 | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0"
Auxiliary lens |
| 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | 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 | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prime Black, Mauve Mist | Nordic Blue |
| Models | T431D, T431U, T431Q, T431P, T431A, T431E | - |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 60 EUR |
TCL 403
- Most affordable option
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple and easy to use
- Slow performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Inferior camera quality
Nokia G100
- Significantly faster performance
- Smoother multitasking
- Better camera image processing
- 15W fast charging
- Higher price point
- May still struggle with demanding games
- Potentially larger physical size
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Nokia provide display specifications beyond resolution in their marketing materials. However, given the price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The Nokia G100’s Snapdragon 662 includes a more capable ISP, potentially leading to better image processing for display output. The TCL 403, with its older chipset, may exhibit slightly less vibrant colors and slower response times. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, the Nokia G100 benefits from the Snapdragon 662’s superior image signal processor (ISP). This translates to better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions, and faster image processing speeds. While both phones likely feature a primary camera and potentially depth/macro sensors, the Nokia G100’s ISP will likely deliver more detailed and accurate photos. The TCL 403’s Helio A22 chipset lacks the advanced image processing capabilities of the Snapdragon 662, resulting in potentially softer images and less dynamic range.
Performance
The Nokia G100’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) is the clear performance leader. Its octa-core configuration – featuring four 2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold and four 1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver cores – provides a substantial advantage over the TCL 403’s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 processor built on a larger 12nm process. The Snapdragon 662’s architecture allows for more efficient task handling and smoother multitasking. While both can handle basic apps, the Nokia G100 will demonstrate significantly less lag when switching between applications or running more demanding software. The 11nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained use.
Battery Life
The Nokia G100 includes 15W wired charging, a feature absent from readily available information regarding the TCL 403. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 662’s improved power efficiency, stemming from its 11nm process, will likely result in comparable or even better battery life on the Nokia G100 despite potentially having a similar capacity battery to the TCL 403. The 15W charging on the Nokia G100 will also significantly reduce charging times compared to a slower, unspecified charging solution on the TCL 403.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 403 if you need a functional smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Nokia G100 if you prefer a more fluid user experience, enjoy occasional gaming, or anticipate using multiple apps simultaneously, and are willing to spend a bit more for improved performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia G100 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While the Snapdragon 662 can run these games, expect to play on lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The chipset isn't designed for high-end gaming, but it provides a playable experience for casual gamers.
❓ Is the TCL 403 suitable for someone who primarily uses their phone for WhatsApp, calls, and Facebook?
Yes, the TCL 403 is perfectly adequate for these basic tasks. Its Helio A22 chipset is sufficient for running these apps, although you may experience some lag when switching between them.
❓ Does the Nokia G100 support software updates and security patches?
Nokia is known for providing relatively consistent software updates and security patches, even on their budget devices. This is a significant advantage over some other brands in this price range, offering a more secure and up-to-date user experience.
❓ How much faster is the Snapdragon 662 in the Nokia G100 compared to the Helio A22 in the TCL 403 in real-world usage?
In real-world usage, the Snapdragon 662 is noticeably faster. App launch times are quicker, multitasking is smoother, and the overall user experience is more responsive. Expect a 30-50% improvement in performance for most tasks.
