Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The TCL 406 and Nokia G10 are both contenders in the budget space, offering essential features at attractive price points. But which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia G10 edges out the TCL 406 thanks to its slightly more efficient chipset and generally more reliable software experience. While both offer similar performance, the Nokia's reputation for durability and cleaner Android gives it a slight advantage for budget-conscious buyers.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - ROW |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - ROW |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2021, April 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 26 | Available. Released 2021, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 164.9 x 76 x 9.2 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | - | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.9% 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 (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide) |
| 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, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, 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 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Grey, Lavender Purple | Dusk, Night |
| Models | T506K | TA-1334, TA-1351, TA-1346, TA-1338 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.06 W/kg (head) 1.51 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.51 W/kg (body) |
TCL 406
- Potentially slightly better display colors
- Larger screen size (marginally)
- Competitive price
- Slightly less efficient chipset
- Software updates may be less frequent
- Build quality might be less robust
Nokia G10
- More efficient chipset
- Clean Android experience
- Reputation for durability
- Generally more reliable software updates
- Performance is similar to TCL 406
- Display quality is comparable
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles for everyday use. The TCL 406 might have slightly better color accuracy, but the difference is minimal and hard to notice without side-by-side comparison. Resolution is similar, so expect a slightly pixelated image.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia G10 typically features a triple-camera setup (13MP main, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP depth sensor) while the TCL 406 often has a similar configuration. Image quality is comparable in good lighting conditions, but the Nokia's image processing tends to be more consistent. Low-light performance is expected to be average on both.
Performance
Both devices utilize an Octa-core CPU with a similar core configuration. However, the Nokia G10's Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, built on a 12nm process, generally offers slightly better power efficiency and thermal management compared to the TCL 406. Expect similar performance for basic tasks, but the Nokia might handle multitasking a bit better.
Battery Life
Both phones boast a large 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. The Nokia G10's more efficient chipset gives it a slight edge in battery endurance, potentially lasting a bit longer on a single charge.
Buying Guide
The TCL 406 is a good choice for users prioritizing a larger screen and potentially slightly better display quality (though this is marginal). The Nokia G10 is ideal for those seeking a dependable, long-lasting device with a clean Android experience and a reputation for durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better software support?
The Nokia G10 generally receives more timely and consistent software updates due to Nokia's commitment to Android One.
❓ Is the TCL 406 worth considering if I prioritize screen size?
While the TCL 406 has a marginally larger screen, the difference is minimal. The Nokia G10 offers a more well-rounded experience overall.
