Looking for an affordable smartphone without breaking the bank? The TCL 405 and 403 are both contenders in the budget phone market. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 405 edges out the 403 thanks to its more powerful chipset and octa-core CPU, resulting in smoother performance. While both are budget options, the 405 provides a noticeable upgrade in speed and responsiveness, making it the slightly better choice overall.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - T431D |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - T431D |
| 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, November 02 | 2023, January 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 02 | Available. Released 2023, April 04 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 159.2 x 78.2 x 9.6 mm (6.27 x 3.08 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | TFT LCD |
| 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 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | 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 | 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 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps or 720p@30fps (T431Q only) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.8
or
2 MP, f/2.8 - T431Q only |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@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, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Lavender Purple, Space Dark | Prime Black, Mauve Mist |
| Models | T506D | T431D, T431U, T431Q, T431P, T431A, T431E |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 80 EUR |
TCL 405
- More powerful chipset (Helio G25)
- Octa-core CPU for smoother performance
- Likely slightly better display
- Potentially better image processing
- 10W charging is slow
- Budget build quality
- Camera performance still limited
TCL 403
- More affordable
- Decent battery life
- Simple and easy to use
- Less powerful chipset (Helio A22)
- Quad-core CPU can feel sluggish
- Basic camera performance
- Slow charging
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) and resolution (likely HD+). The TCL 405 might have a slightly brighter display or better color accuracy, but this is often difficult to discern without specific testing data. Expect similar viewing experiences for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, potentially featuring a 13MP main camera and a depth sensor. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. The 405's slightly more powerful processor *could* lead to marginally better image processing, but don't expect a dramatic difference. Both will struggle in low-light conditions.
Performance
This is where the TCL 405 shines. Its Mediatek Helio G25 chipset with an octa-core CPU offers a significant performance advantage over the TCL 403's Helio A22 quad-core processor. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the 405.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh. Battery life should be comparable, offering a full day of moderate use. The 405's more efficient chipset *might* provide slightly better battery life, but it's unlikely to be a major difference.
Buying Guide
The TCL 405 is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a slightly more modern experience. The TCL 403 is a good option for those on a very tight budget who primarily need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the TCL 405 and 403 processors?
The TCL 405 uses a Mediatek Helio G25 with an octa-core CPU, while the TCL 403 uses a Mediatek Helio A22 with a quad-core CPU. The G25 is significantly more powerful, offering better performance.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones likely offer similar battery life, around a full day of moderate use. The TCL 405's slightly more efficient chipset *might* give it a small edge.
