TCL 403 vs Oppo A54 5G: A Detailed Budget Smartphone Showdown

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.
Phones Images

🏆 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.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL 403 Oppo A54 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 900 / 2100 - T431DHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - T431D1, 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
SpeedHSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 MbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T431Q-
Launch
Announced2023, January 052021, April 14
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, April 04Available. Released 2021, April 14
Body
Dimensions159.2 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
Weight182 g (6.42 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
Resolution480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)
Size6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT LCDIPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUQuad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
ChipsetMediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Adreno 619
OSAndroid 12 (Go edition)Android 11, ColorOS 11.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC
Internal32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
 -UFS 2.1 (single lane)
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED 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
Single8 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 only16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide)
Video1080p@30fps or 720p@30fps (T431Q only)1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-Panorama
Single5 MP, f/2.8 or 2 MP, f/2.8 - T431Q only16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide)
Video720p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBmicroUSB 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging-10W wired
TypeLi-Ion 3000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsPrime Black, Mauve MistFluid Black, Fantastic Purple, Space Silver
ModelsT431D, T431U, T431Q, T431P, T431A, T431ECPH2195, OPG02
PriceAbout 80 EURAbout 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.