Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The TCL 403 and TCL 408 are both contenders in the budget space, offering a range of features at accessible price points. But which one is right for you? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 408 edges out the 403 thanks to its octa-core processor, offering noticeably better performance for multitasking and smoother app usage. While both are budget phones, the 408's improved chipset makes it the slightly better overall choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - T431D | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - T507A, T507U, T507U1, T507U2, T507J |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - T431D | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T507U, T507U1, T507U2 |
| 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, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 - T507D1 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 05 | 2023, January 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 04 | Available. Released 2023, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 78.2 x 9.6 mm (6.27 x 3.08 x 0.38 in) | 164.7 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.35 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 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, 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, 27mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| 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, 27mm (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 (T507U only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prime Black, Mauve Mist | Gravity Grey, Midnight Blue |
| Models | T431D, T431U, T431Q, T431P, T431A, T431E | T507D1, T507A, T507U, T507U1, T507U2, T507J |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 130 EUR |
TCL 403
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Simple and easy to use
- Limited performance
- Slower charging
- Basic camera
TCL 408
- Better performance (octa-core)
- Faster charging (10W)
- Slightly improved image processing
- Still a budget phone
- Camera quality is limited
- Display is not high-end
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for the price, but don't anticipate flagship-level vibrancy. The 408 might have slightly better brightness due to potential panel variations, but it's unlikely to be a significant difference.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, potentially featuring a 13MP main sensor and a depth sensor. Image quality will be decent in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The 408's slightly more powerful processor *could* lead to marginally better image processing, but the difference will be minimal.
Performance
This is where the 408 has a clear advantage. The Helio G25's octa-core configuration provides more processing power than the 403's quad-core Helio A22. Expect smoother app launches, less lag, and better overall responsiveness on the 408. The 403 will be adequate for basic tasks, but may struggle with more demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. The 408's 10W wired charging is a slight improvement over the 403, which likely has a slower charging speed.
Buying Guide
The TCL 403 is a good option for users prioritizing a very basic smartphone experience for calls, texts, and light browsing. The TCL 408 is better suited for those who want a bit more performance for social media, casual gaming, and general multitasking without spending a lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the TCL 403 and 408 processors?
The TCL 408 features a Mediatek Helio G25 (octa-core), while the TCL 403 has a Mediatek Helio A22 (quad-core). The G25 offers significantly better performance for multitasking and demanding apps.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones likely offer all-day battery life with moderate usage due to their similar 5000mAh battery capacities. However, the 408 charges slightly faster.
