Looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn't completely compromise on features? The TCL 403 and Oppo A54 5G are both contenders, offering affordability and a range of capabilities. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo A54 5G takes the crown thanks to its 5G connectivity, significantly faster Snapdragon 480 chipset, and more efficient 8nm process. While the TCL 403 is a decent budget option, the A54 5G offers a noticeable performance and future-proofing advantage.
| 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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| 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 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 05 | 2021, April 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 04 | Available. Released 2021, April 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 78.2 x 9.6 mm (6.27 x 3.08 x 0.38 in) | 162.9 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm (6.41 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 (single lane) |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| 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 | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps or 720p@30fps (T431Q only) | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.8
or
2 MP, f/2.8 - T431Q only | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prime Black, Mauve Mist | Fluid Black, Fantastic Purple, Space Silver |
| Models | T431D, T431U, T431Q, T431P, T431A, T431E | CPH2195, OPG02 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 120 EUR |
TCL 403
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Simple and easy to use
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Outdated chipset
- No 5G
Oppo A54 5G
- 5G connectivity
- Faster performance
- Better camera
- More efficient chipset
- Slightly better display
- Slightly more expensive than TCL 403
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones feature HD+ displays, likely around 6.5 inches. Expect decent viewing angles but don't anticipate vibrant colors or high brightness levels. The Oppo A54 5G might have a slightly better panel due to Oppo's generally good display quality, but the difference will be minimal.
Camera Comparison
The Oppo A54 5G likely boasts a more versatile camera system, potentially including a higher resolution main sensor and additional lenses like an ultrawide or macro. While both phones are budget devices, the Oppo's image processing is likely to be superior, resulting in better photos in various lighting conditions. Expect the TCL 403 to offer acceptable but unremarkable camera performance.
Performance
This is where the Oppo A54 5G shines. The Snapdragon 480 5G is a substantial upgrade over the Helio A22. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Oppo. The TCL 403 will feel sluggish by comparison, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh, offering all-day battery life under moderate usage. However, the Oppo A54 5G's more efficient 8nm chipset should translate to slightly better battery life overall.
Buying Guide
The TCL 403 is ideal for users prioritizing a very low price point and basic smartphone functionality. The Oppo A54 5G is a better choice for those wanting 5G connectivity, smoother performance for everyday tasks and gaming, and a slightly more premium experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL 403 good for gaming?
The TCL 403's chipset is not ideal for gaming. You'll likely experience lag and low frame rates, even in less demanding games.
❓ Does the Oppo A54 5G support 5G in all regions?
5G support depends on your carrier and region. Check with your provider to ensure compatibility.
❓ What is the charging speed of each phone?
The TCL 403 likely supports standard 10W charging. The Oppo A54 5G also supports 10W wired charging, which is relatively slow by modern standards.