The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for those seeking essential features without breaking the bank. Today, we pit two contenders against each other: the TCL 403 and the Xiaomi Redmi A1. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which phone emerges as the winner.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both phones share the same core chipset, resulting in similar performance. The Redmi A1 edges out the TCL 403 with its 10W charging, offering slightly faster top-ups. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities – design and potentially software features for TCL, or slightly faster charging for Xiaomi.
| 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 - International |
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 05 | 2022, September 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 04 | Available. Released 2022, September 09 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 78.2 x 9.6 mm (6.27 x 3.08 x 0.38 in) | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12 (Go edition), MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| 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 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prime Black, Mauve Mist | Light Green, Light Blue, Black |
| Models | T431D, T431U, T431Q, T431P, T431A, T431E | 220733SI, 220733SG, 220733SL, 220743FI, 220733SH |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.85 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
TCL 403
- Potentially cleaner software experience
- Slightly more modern design (subjective)
- Possibly more versatile camera setup
- Slower charging speed (likely 5W)
- Performance is basic
- Limited gaming capabilities
Xiaomi Redmi A1
- Faster charging (10W)
- Reliable and affordable
- Good battery life
- Basic performance
- Limited gaming capabilities
- Potentially less refined software
Display Comparison
Both the TCL 403 and Redmi A1 typically feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display. While specific panel types (IPS, LCD) may vary, expect similar viewing experiences. TCL might offer slightly better color accuracy, but this is often marginal at this price point. Resolution is likely to be 720 x 1600 pixels for both.
Camera Comparison
The TCL 403 likely has a slightly more versatile camera setup, potentially including a depth sensor alongside the main camera. The Redmi A1 typically features a single main camera. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. Expect around 13MP main camera on both.
Performance
Performance is virtually identical. Both devices utilize the Mediatek Helio A22 chipset and a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU. Don't expect blazing-fast speeds; these phones are designed for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing. Gaming will be limited to less demanding titles.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the Redmi A1's 10W charging gives it a slight advantage in charging speed compared to the TCL 403, which likely supports only 5W charging.
Buying Guide
The TCL 403 is ideal for users prioritizing a clean software experience and potentially a slightly more modern design. The Xiaomi Redmi A1 is a great choice for those who want a reliable, affordable phone with the added convenience of 10W charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
Neither phone is ideal for gaming. Both are limited to less demanding titles due to their basic processors.
❓ How much storage do these phones have?
Both typically offer 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
❓ What operating system do they run?
Both phones run Android, likely with a custom skin from TCL and Xiaomi respectively. MIUI on the Redmi A1 is generally more feature-rich.
