The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The TCL 406 and Oppo A58 4G both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The TCL 406 focuses on a basic, reliable experience, while the Oppo A58 4G prioritizes performance with a more powerful chipset and significantly faster charging.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Oppo A58 4G is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G85 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the TCL 406’s older Cortex-A53 cores, and the 33W charging is a game-changer for convenience. While the TCL 406 is adequate for basic tasks, the A58 4G offers a smoother, more responsive experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2023, July 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 26 | Available. Released 2023, July 28 |
| 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) | 165.7 x 76 x 8 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 550 nits (typ), 680 nits (HBM) |
| 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, upgradable to Android 15, ColorOS 15 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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, 56% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Grey, Lavender Purple | Glowing Black, Dazzling Green |
| Models | T506K | CPH2577 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 150 EUR |
TCL 406
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Potentially lower price point
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Significantly slower performance
- Extremely slow 10W charging
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Oppo A58 4G
- Faster and more responsive performance
- 33W fast charging (56% in 30 mins)
- Better image processing capabilities
- May be slightly more expensive
- Software experience may include bloatware (typical of Oppo)
- Potentially larger physical size
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Oppo provide display specifications beyond the basic resolution. However, given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels. The real difference lies elsewhere. The TCL 406’s reliance on older processing power suggests a less sophisticated display driver, potentially impacting color accuracy and responsiveness. The Oppo A58 4G, benefiting from the Helio G85, likely has a more capable display controller, offering a smoother visual experience, even if the panel technology itself is similar.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature budget-oriented camera systems. The Oppo A58 4G’s more powerful chipset allows for more sophisticated image processing, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The TCL 406, constrained by its processing power, will likely produce images with less detail and more visible noise, especially in low-light conditions. The presence of a dedicated image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio G85 further enhances the A58 4G’s camera capabilities.
Performance
The Oppo A58 4G’s Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm) represents a significant leap in performance over the TCL 406’s Octa-core CPU (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53). The Helio G85 features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, offering substantially higher single-core performance – crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. The A53 cores in the TCL 406 are older and less efficient. While both are octa-core, the architectural differences mean the Oppo A58 4G will handle multitasking and demanding apps with greater ease. The 12nm process node of the Helio G85 also contributes to better power efficiency compared to the likely larger node used in the TCL 406’s chipset.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Oppo A58 4G’s 33W wired charging is the standout feature. This allows for a 56% charge in just 30 minutes, a massive advantage over the TCL 406’s slow 10W charging. Even if the TCL 406 has a slightly larger battery, the A58 4G’s faster charging mitigates any capacity difference, providing significantly more uptime in a shorter amount of time. This is particularly beneficial for users who frequently find themselves needing a quick power boost.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 406 if you prioritize simplicity and a minimal software experience, and your usage is limited to calls, texts, and very light app usage. You'll appreciate its straightforward nature. Buy the Oppo A58 4G if you want a phone that can handle multitasking, moderate gaming, and benefit from significantly faster charging, making it ideal for users who are always on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Oppo A58 4G’s Helio G85 chipset capable of playing popular games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Helio G85 is specifically designed for gaming. 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 older processor would struggle to provide a smooth gaming experience.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the TCL 406 with its 10W charger?
With a 10W charger, a full charge on the TCL 406 will likely take over 3 hours, potentially closer to 4, depending on the battery capacity. This is a significant drawback compared to the Oppo A58 4G’s 33W fast charging.
❓ Does the Oppo A58 4G’s software include a lot of pre-installed bloatware?
Oppo phones are known to include some pre-installed apps, often referred to as bloatware. While the amount varies, users can typically uninstall or disable many of these apps to free up storage space and improve the user experience.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls, texts, and social media?
While both phones can handle these basic tasks, the Oppo A58 4G offers a smoother and more responsive experience even for everyday use. The faster processor ensures apps launch quickly and scrolling is fluid, making it a more enjoyable experience overall.
