The TCL 405 and 408 are both budget-friendly smartphones aiming to deliver value. While they share a core chipset, subtle differences in features and design might make one a better fit for you. This comprehensive comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 405 and 408 are remarkably similar, sharing the same processor and charging speed. The 405 often edges out slightly due to potentially better software support and sometimes a more competitive price. Ultimately, the choice hinges on availability and any minor design preferences.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - T507A, T507U, T507U1, T507U2, T507J |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 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 - T507D1 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, November 02 | 2023, January 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 02 | Available. Released 2023, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.35 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 | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition), TCL UI | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 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 | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| 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 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (T507U only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Lavender Purple, Space Dark | Gravity Grey, Midnight Blue |
| Models | T506D | T507D1, T507A, T507U, T507U1, T507U2, T507J |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 130 EUR |
TCL 405
- Affordable price
- Large display
- Decent battery life
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Limited performance
- Slow charging
- Basic camera
- Plastic build
TCL 408
- Affordable price
- Large display
- Decent battery life
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Limited performance
- Slow charging
- Basic camera
- Plastic build
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. Expect similar viewing experiences, though the 405 might have slightly better color accuracy based on user reviews. Brightness levels will be adequate for indoor use but may struggle in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
The TCL 405 typically features a 13MP main camera, along with a depth sensor and a front-facing 5MP camera. The TCL 408 is expected to have a similar camera setup. Image quality will be decent in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be limited. Video recording capabilities are likely capped at 1080p at 30fps.
Performance
Powered by the Mediatek Helio G25, both devices offer adequate performance for basic tasks. Don't expect to run demanding games or multitask heavily. The 405 might benefit from slightly more optimized software, potentially leading to marginally smoother performance.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to house a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. With 10W charging, expect relatively slow charging times – around 3-4 hours to fully charge.
Buying Guide
The TCL 405 is ideal for users seeking a basic, reliable smartphone for everyday tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use, especially if budget is a primary concern. The TCL 408 is a good option if you find it at a significantly lower price or prefer its specific color options, but don't expect substantial improvements over the 405.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are the TCL 405 and 408 the same phone?
They are very similar, sharing the same chipset and core specifications. Differences are primarily in design, software version, and potentially pricing.
❓ How long does it take to charge the TCL 405/408?
With the included 10W charger, expect a full charge to take around 3-4 hours.
