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 405 and the Nokia C21 Plus. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which phone emerges as the winner.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 405 edges out the Nokia C21 Plus thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and potentially better display. However, the Nokia C21 Plus boasts Nokia's reputation for durability and software support, making it a solid choice for users prioritizing reliability. Both offer excellent value for their price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, November 02 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 02 | Available. Released 2022, April 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 178 g or 191 g (6.28 oz) |
| | - | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition), TCL UI | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Lavender Purple, Space Dark | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray |
| Models | T506D | TA-1433, TA-1431, TA-1426, TA-1424 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
TCL 405
- Slightly better performance
- Potentially better display
- Competitive price
- Limited charging speed
- Camera quality may vary
- Less established brand reputation
Nokia C21 Plus
- Nokia's brand reputation for durability
- Clean Android experience
- Consistent software updates (potentially)
- Lower performance
- Slower processor
- Limited charging speed
Display Comparison
Both phones feature HD+ displays, likely around 6.5 inches. The TCL 405 *may* offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially more advanced panel technology, though specific details are scarce. Expect similar viewing experiences overall, suitable for casual media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are often similar in this price range. Both likely feature a 13MP main camera and a depth sensor. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. Nokia's reputation for consistent camera performance might give it a slight edge, but the TCL 405 could surprise with its image processing.
Performance
The TCL 405's Mediatek Helio G25 generally outperforms the Nokia C21 Plus's Unisoc SC9863A. While neither is a powerhouse, the G25's slightly higher clock speeds and more modern architecture should translate to smoother multitasking and app loading. Expect some lag on both devices with demanding games.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a 4000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging speeds are limited to 10W wired charging on both, so expect relatively slow charging times.
Buying Guide
The TCL 405 is ideal for users who prioritize a bit more performance for everyday tasks and potentially a better display experience. The Nokia C21 Plus is a great choice for those who value brand reputation, durability, and a clean, reliable Android experience, even if it means sacrificing a little performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Nokia generally provides more consistent and timely software updates, including security patches, compared to TCL. This is a key factor for long-term usability.
❓ Can I play demanding games on either of these phones?
Neither phone is designed for high-end gaming. You can play less demanding games, but expect reduced graphics settings and potential lag.
