Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely compromise on features? The TCL 403 and 40 SE are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 40 SE edges out the 403 thanks to its superior octa-core processor, faster charging, and generally smoother performance. While the 403 is a solid budget option, the 40 SE provides a noticeable upgrade for a small price difference, making it the better overall choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - T431D | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - T610K |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - T431D | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T610K |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T431Q | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 38, 40, 66 - T610E, T610P |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 05 | 2023, January 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 04 | Available. Released 2023, April 04 |
| 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) | 167.9 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm (6.61 x 3.01 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) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 13, TCL UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps or 720p@30fps (T431Q only) | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.8
or
2 MP, f/2.8 - T431Q only | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (T610K, T610K2, T610P, T610P2) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Po 5010 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prime Black, Mauve Mist | Dark grey, Twilight purple |
| Models | T431D, T431U, T431Q, T431P, T431A, T431E | T610K |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 120 EUR |
TCL 403
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Sufficient for basic tasks
- Slow performance
- Slow charging
- Limited features
- Basic camera
TCL 40 SE
- Better performance (octa-core)
- Faster charging (18W)
- More responsive UI
- Slightly better camera processing
- Slightly more expensive than 403
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- Camera still not exceptional
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.6 inches with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for the price point, but don't anticipate flagship-level vibrancy. The 40 SE *might* have slightly better brightness, but this is often difficult to discern without testing.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, with both phones probably featuring a main 50MP camera. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. The 40 SE *might* have slightly better image processing due to its more powerful chipset, leading to marginally better photos in certain conditions. Both will struggle in low light.
Performance
This is where the 40 SE shines. Its octa-core Helio G37 offers a significant performance boost over the 403's quad-core Helio A22. Expect smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the 40 SE. The 403 will feel noticeably slower, especially when handling demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate users. However, the 40 SE's 18W fast charging is a significant advantage over the 403, which likely charges at a slower rate.
Buying Guide
The TCL 403 is ideal for users on a very tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and don't need high performance. The TCL 40 SE is a better fit for those who want a slightly more responsive experience, faster charging, and a bit more power for everyday tasks and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL 403 good for gaming?
The TCL 403's processor is not ideal for gaming. You'll likely experience lag and low frame rates in most games. The TCL 40 SE is slightly better, but still not a gaming powerhouse.
❓ How much RAM do these phones have?
Both the TCL 403 and 40 SE typically come with 3GB or 4GB of RAM, depending on the specific configuration. This is a common amount for budget phones.
❓ What is the storage capacity of each phone?
Both phones usually offer 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
TCL's software support is generally adequate, but not exceptional. Expect a few years of security updates. It's unlikely there will be significant feature updates for either device.
