Looking for a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank? The TCL 406 and Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) are popular contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one reigns supreme? We'll break down their features, performance, and value to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) edges out the TCL 406 thanks to its more efficient Exynos 850 chipset, faster charging, and generally smoother performance. While the TCL 406 is a decent option, the A12 offers a more polished and future-proof experience for a similar price.
| 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 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2021, August 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 26 | Available. Released 2021, August 12 |
| 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 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 205 g (7.23 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 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| 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 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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 |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| 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 b/g/n, 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, Blue, White |
| Models | T506K | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.79 W/kg (head) |
TCL 406
- Larger display
- Decent battery life
- Affordable price
- Slower processor
- Slow charging
- Less versatile camera
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- Faster processor (Exynos 850)
- Faster charging (15W)
- Better camera system
- More reliable performance
- May be slightly more expensive
- 720p display resolution
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) typically features a 6.5-inch PLS LCD display with a 720 x 1600 resolution, while the TCL 406 has a similar 6.67-inch IPS LCD, also at 720 x 1600. Both offer decent viewing angles, but Samsung's PLS technology often provides slightly better color accuracy. The A12's display is generally considered a bit brighter.
Camera Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) usually boasts a quad-camera setup (48MP main, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth), offering more versatility. The TCL 406 typically has a triple camera (50MP main, 2MP macro, 2MP depth). While megapixels aren't everything, the A12's better image processing and wider lens give it an edge in most scenarios.
Performance
Here's where the A12 shines. The Exynos 850 chipset is significantly more powerful than the TCL 406's Octa-core processor. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the A12. The A12's 8nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
Both phones offer large batteries (around 5000mAh). However, the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)'s 15W fast charging is a noticeable improvement over the TCL 406's 10W charging. Expect quicker top-ups with the A12.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the TCL 406? Users prioritizing a very basic smartphone experience and are extremely budget-conscious. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)? Those seeking a more reliable performer with better processing power, faster charging, and a slightly more premium feel, even within a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL 406 good for gaming?
The TCL 406 can handle basic games, but demanding titles will likely suffer from lag and stuttering. The Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) is a better choice for gaming.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Samsung generally provides better software updates and longer support for its devices compared to TCL. The Galaxy A12 (India) is likely to receive more updates over its lifespan.
