Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely compromise on features? The TCL 406 and Samsung Galaxy A04s are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A04s takes the crown thanks to its superior chipset, brighter display, and significantly better battery life. While the TCL 406 is a budget-friendly option, the A04s offers a more polished and feature-rich experience overall.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2022, August 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 26 | Available. Released 2022, September 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | PLS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| 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, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 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, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| 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 | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | Virtual Proximity Sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Grey, Lavender Purple | Black, Green, White, Copper |
| Models | T506K | SM-A047F, SM-A047F/DS, SM-A047F/DSN, SM-A047M |
| Price | About 110 EUR | € 133.89 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.52 W/kg (head) 1.23 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 114h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1614:1 |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.3 LUFS (Below average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 145123(v9)
GeekBench: 1100 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 11fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
TCL 406
- Very affordable
- Decent basic functionality
- Lightweight design
- Lower performance
- Dim display
- Shorter battery life
- Basic camera
Samsung Galaxy A04s
- Better performance (Exynos 850)
- Brighter display
- Exceptional battery life
- Improved camera
- More polished software experience
- Slightly more expensive
- Design may be considered basic
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A04s boasts a noticeable advantage with its higher measured brightness (389 nits) compared to the TCL 406 (likely around 280-320 nits, typical for this price range). Both offer a 1614:1 contrast ratio, indicating decent blacks, but the A04s' brightness will make it more usable outdoors. Both likely use IPS LCD panels.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy A04s is expected to have a more capable camera system. The A04s likely features a higher resolution main sensor and potentially additional lenses (ultrawide, macro) which the TCL 406 may lack. Image processing is also likely superior on the Samsung.
Performance
The Exynos 850 in the Samsung Galaxy A04s is a clear winner here. Its 8nm process and Cortex-A55 cores provide a smoother and more responsive experience than the TCL 406's Cortex-A53 based CPU. Expect better multitasking and app loading times on the A04s.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A04s absolutely dominates in battery life, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 114 hours. The TCL 406's battery life is likely to be significantly shorter, potentially around 60-70 hours of moderate use.
Buying Guide
The TCL 406 is a good choice for users on an extremely tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and don't need high performance. The Samsung Galaxy A04s is ideal for those seeking a more well-rounded experience with better performance, a brighter screen, and exceptional battery life, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL 406 good for gaming?
The TCL 406's processor isn't ideal for demanding games. You'll likely experience lag and low frame rates. The Samsung Galaxy A04s offers a better gaming experience, but still isn't a gaming powerhouse.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Samsung generally provides better software updates and longer support periods than TCL. Expect more timely security patches and potentially Android version upgrades on the Galaxy A04s.
