The TCL 405 and TCL 305 are both contenders in the budget smartphone arena, offering affordable options for those seeking essential features. But with subtle differences in their specifications, which one truly delivers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 405 edges out the TCL 305 thanks to its octa-core processor and slightly more powerful chipset. While both offer a budget-friendly experience, the 405 provides a noticeable performance boost for smoother multitasking and a more responsive feel. Both share the same charging speed.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - 6102D |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 6102D |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - 6102А |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, November 02 | 2022, January 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 02 | Available. Released 2022, February |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| 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 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition), TCL UI | Android 11 (Go edition), TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB 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 | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Lavender Purple, Space Dark | Space Gray, Atlantic Blue |
| Models | T506D | 6102D, 5164D |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 200 EUR |
TCL 405
- More powerful chipset (Helio G25)
- Octa-core processor for better performance
- Likely slightly improved camera processing
- Good battery life (5000mAh)
- 10W charging is slow
- Display likely not exceptional
- Camera performance limited in low light
TCL 305
- Very affordable
- Good battery life (5000mAh)
- Sufficient for basic tasks
- Less powerful chipset (Helio A22)
- Quad-core processor limits performance
- Camera performance limited
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with a standard resolution (likely HD+). Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for the price point, but don't anticipate flagship-level vibrancy or sharpness. The 405 *might* have a slightly brighter display, but this is not confirmed.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, potentially featuring a 13MP main camera and a depth sensor. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The 405 *might* have slightly improved image processing due to its more powerful chipset.
Performance
This is where the TCL 405 has a clear advantage. The Helio G25 chipset with its octa-core processor offers significantly better performance than the TCL 305's quad-core Helio A22. Expect smoother app loading, better multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the 405. The 405 is also likely to handle light gaming better.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W, so expect relatively slow charging times.
Buying Guide
The TCL 405 is ideal for users who prioritize a bit more processing power for everyday tasks and occasional gaming. The TCL 305 is a great choice for those on a very tight budget who primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and basic app usage. Consider your usage patterns and budget constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the TCL 405 and TCL 305 processors?
The TCL 405 uses a Mediatek Helio G25 (octa-core), while the TCL 305 uses a Mediatek Helio A22 (quad-core). The G25 offers significantly better performance.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery and should provide all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the 405's more efficient chipset *might* offer slightly better longevity.
