The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The TCL 406 and Infinix Note 30i both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The TCL 406 focuses on simplicity, while the Infinix Note 30i prioritizes performance and charging speed. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and convenience, the Infinix Note 30i is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G85 chipset and 33W fast charging significantly outperform the TCL 406’s older processor and slow 10W charging. While the TCL 406 is functional, the Infinix offers a more modern and enjoyable user experience.
| 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 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2023, May 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 26 | Available. Released 2023, June |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back or eco leather back |
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 164.5 x 76.7 x 8.2 mm (6.48 x 3.02 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 198 g (6.98 oz) |
| | - | IP53 |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.66 inches, 107.1 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | AMOLED |
| | - | * the display resolution is unconfirmed |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13, XOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | Unspecified |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.0", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with dual speakers |
| | - | Sound by JBL |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired, PD3.0, 95% in 60 min
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Grey, Lavender Purple | Variable Gold, Obsidian Black, Impression Green |
| Models | T506K | X6716 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | - |
TCL 406
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Slow 10W charging
- Outdated processor
- Limited performance for gaming and multitasking
Infinix Note 30i
- Fast 33W charging with PD3.0
- More powerful Mediatek Helio G85 chipset
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Improved performance for gaming and apps
- May be slightly more expensive
- Software experience can vary (Infinix UI)
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Infinix provide display specifications beyond the basic existence of a screen. Given the price point, expect both to utilize LCD panels. However, the lack of detailed specs makes a direct comparison impossible. We can infer that both will likely have 720p+ resolutions, but color accuracy and brightness will likely be average for this segment. Bezels are also expected to be noticeable on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, it’s safe to assume both phones will feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The absence of information regarding sensor size and aperture suggests neither device will excel in low-light conditions. The TCL 406 and Infinix Note 30i likely include a primary camera and potentially a depth or macro sensor, but image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. Given the price bracket, don't expect exceptional detail or dynamic range.
Performance
The Infinix Note 30i’s Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm) represents a substantial leap in performance over the TCL 406’s Octa-core processor featuring Cortex-A53 cores. The Helio G85 utilizes a more modern architecture with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, offering significantly improved single-core and multi-core performance. This translates to smoother app launches, faster multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The TCL 406’s older Cortex-A53 cores, clocked at 2.0 GHz and 1.5 GHz, will struggle with demanding applications. The 12nm process node of the Helio G85 also contributes to better power efficiency compared to the likely larger process node used in the TCL 406’s chipset.
Battery Life
The Infinix Note 30i’s 33W wired charging with PD3.0 support is a game-changer compared to the TCL 406’s sluggish 10W charging. The Infinix claims 95% charge in 60 minutes, a massive advantage for users who need to quickly top up their battery. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging of the Infinix Note 30i effectively mitigates any potential capacity difference. The Infinix also offers reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the TCL 406, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 406 if you need a basic, reliable smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use, and are willing to sacrifice performance and charging speed. Buy the Infinix Note 30i if you prefer a phone capable of handling moderate gaming, streaming, and benefit from significantly faster charging, making it ideal for users on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio G85 in the Infinix Note 30i capable of playing demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Helio G85 is a capable gaming chipset for the price range. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it can comfortably run PUBG Mobile at medium settings with stable frame rates. The TCL 406’s processor would likely struggle with consistent performance in this title.
❓ How long does it *actually* take to fully charge the Infinix Note 30i from 0% with the included charger?
Infinix claims 95% charge in 60 minutes with the 33W charger. Real-world results may vary slightly depending on usage during charging, but you can expect a full charge to take approximately 65-75 minutes. The TCL 406, with its 10W charging, will take several hours to fully charge.
❓ Does the Infinix Note 30i support fast charging with chargers other than the one included in the box?
The Infinix Note 30i supports the PD3.0 fast charging protocol. This means it *should* work with other PD3.0 compatible chargers, but charging speeds may vary depending on the charger's power output. Using a standard 5W charger will result in very slow charging speeds.
