The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the TCL 403 and the Nokia G11 Plus. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia G11 Plus edges out the TCL 403 thanks to its superior processor and generally smoother performance. While both are budget options, the G11 Plus's octa-core CPU and slightly better battery optimization make it the more compelling choice for everyday use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - T431D | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - T431D | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 05 | 2022, June 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 04 | Available. Released 2022, July 20 |
| 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) | 164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| | - | Splash protection |
| 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 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.67", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| 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, (wide), 1/4.0" |
| 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" |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@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 | 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prime Black, Mauve Mist | Lake Blue, Charcoal Grey |
| Models | T431D, T431U, T431Q, T431P, T431A, T431E | - |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 130 EUR |
TCL 403
- Potentially lower price
- Decent display for basic use
- Standard battery capacity
- Weaker processor
- Limited performance
- Slower charging
- Basic camera
Nokia G11 Plus
- Better performance (Unisoc T606)
- Slightly better camera
- Longer battery life
- 10W Charging
- Slightly higher price
- Basic display
- Limited gaming capabilities
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness. The Nokia G11 Plus might have slightly better color accuracy, but this is often dependent on software calibration.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar – both will probably have a primary 13MP or 50MP camera, and a depth sensor. The Nokia G11 Plus might have slightly better image processing due to its more powerful chipset, resulting in slightly better low-light performance and more natural-looking photos. Video recording capabilities will be basic on both.
Performance
This is where the Nokia G11 Plus shines. The Unisoc T606's octa-core architecture, including Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance boost over the TCL 403's quad-core Helio A22. Expect smoother multitasking and app loading on the G11 Plus. Gaming performance will be limited on both, but the G11 Plus will handle it marginally better.
Battery Life
The Nokia G11 Plus boasts a larger 5000mAh battery and 10W charging, while the TCL 403 likely has a 5000mAh battery with slower charging. The G11 Plus's more efficient chipset should translate to slightly better battery life in real-world usage.
Buying Guide
The TCL 403 is a good option for users prioritizing a very basic smartphone experience and a potentially lower price point. The Nokia G11 Plus is ideal for those seeking a more responsive device with a slightly better camera and longer battery life, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Nokia G11 Plus is slightly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor, but neither phone is designed for demanding games.
❓ What is the difference in battery charging speed?
The Nokia G11 Plus supports 10W wired charging, while the TCL 403 likely has slower charging speeds.
