The TCL 403 and Samsung Galaxy A14 represent two compelling options in the crowded sub-$200 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving this goal, particularly in their core processing power. This comparison will dissect their specifications to determine which device offers the best value for everyday users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A14 emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G80 chipset (or Exynos 850 variant) provides a significantly more responsive experience for multitasking and gaming compared to the TCL 403’s Helio A22. While the TCL 403 is cheaper, the performance gap justifies the slight price increase for the A14.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 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 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 04 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| 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) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| 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 | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| 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 | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| 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 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prime Black, Mauve Mist | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | T431D, T431U, T431Q, T431P, T431A, T431E | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | About 80 EUR | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
TCL 403
- Most affordable option
- Simple and easy to use
- Potentially longer software support (TCL's recent commitment)
- Significantly slower performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Poor gaming performance
Samsung Galaxy A14
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Better multitasking and gaming capabilities
- Potential for more software updates
- Slightly higher price
- Chipset variant (Helio G80 vs Exynos 850) introduces performance variability
- May include bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Samsung provide display specifications beyond the basic panel type. However, given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels. The key difference lies in processing power impacting UI smoothness. The A14’s more powerful chipset will contribute to a more fluid scrolling experience, even if the resolution and refresh rates are similar. Bezels are expected to be comparable, reflecting the budget nature of both devices. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong point on either, but the A14’s processor may allow for more effective software-based color calibration.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse, but both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor and supporting lenses. Given the market segment, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. The A14’s more powerful processor will allow for more sophisticated image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS). The primary sensor size is the critical factor, but without specific details, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner.
Performance
The performance disparity is the most significant difference between these two phones. The TCL 403’s Mediatek Helio A22, a quad-core processor, is designed for basic functionality. The Samsung Galaxy A14, however, offers two distinct chipset options: the Mediatek Helio G80 and the Exynos 850. The Helio G80 is an octa-core processor with a more advanced architecture (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) offering a substantial performance boost over the A22’s Cortex-A53 cores. The Exynos 850, while built on a more efficient 8nm process compared to the 12nm Helio G80, features a less powerful CPU configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55). Regardless of the A14’s specific chipset, it will outperform the 403 in nearly all tasks. The A14’s potential for smoother multitasking and gaming is a clear advantage.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, both phones likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this price point. The Samsung Galaxy A14 includes 15W wired charging, which is a standard offering. The TCL 403’s charging speed is unknown, but likely similar. The A14’s more efficient processor (especially the Exynos 850 variant) could translate to slightly better battery life under moderate usage, despite potentially having a similar capacity. The 15W charging will provide a reasonable, though not rapid, recharge time for both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 403 if you prioritize absolute affordability and only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing. Its simplicity and lower price point make it ideal for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 if you value a smoother, more capable user experience, especially if you enjoy occasional gaming or frequently switch between apps. The A14’s more powerful processor and potential for software updates offer a longer-term investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A14’s Exynos 850 chip overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850 is generally known for its efficiency and thermal management. While it won't deliver flagship-level gaming performance, it's unlikely to overheat significantly during moderate gaming sessions. The 8nm process node contributes to better heat dissipation compared to the 12nm Helio A22 in the TCL 403.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Unfortunately, the 2MP macro cameras on both the TCL 403 and Samsung Galaxy A14 are largely marketing features. The low resolution and lack of autofocus result in images that are often soft and lack detail. They are unlikely to provide a significant improvement over using the main camera in close-up mode.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A14 run popular games like PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
The Samsung Galaxy A14, particularly the Helio G80 variant, can likely run PUBG Mobile at 60fps with medium graphics settings. However, the Exynos 850 version may require lower settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The TCL 403 will struggle to maintain a playable frame rate even at the lowest settings.
❓ How much storage does each phone come with, and is it expandable?
While not specified in the provided data, both phones typically come with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. Crucially, both the TCL 403 and Samsung Galaxy A14 support microSD card expansion, allowing you to increase storage capacity for photos, videos, and apps.
