The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The TCL 406 and Samsung Galaxy A14 both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The TCL 406 focuses on efficiency, while the Samsung Galaxy A14 offers a choice between a Mediatek Helio G80 or an Exynos 850 chipset, promising a wider range of performance capabilities.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a slightly faster charging experience, the Samsung Galaxy A14 (specifically the Helio G80 version) is the better choice. Its more modern CPU architecture and 15W charging offer a tangible advantage over the TCL 406's older Cortex-A53 cores and 10W charging.
| 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 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 26 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| 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) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| 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 | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| 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 | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| 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, proximity, compass |
| | 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, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | T506K | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | About 110 EUR | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
TCL 406
- Potentially longer battery life due to efficient processor (though unconfirmed without battery capacity)
- Simpler user experience for basic tasks
- Likely more affordable
- Significantly weaker performance for gaming and multitasking
- Slower charging speed (10W)
- Older processor architecture
Samsung Galaxy A14
- More powerful processor (Helio G80 or Exynos 850)
- Faster charging speed (15W)
- Better multitasking and gaming performance
- Potentially shorter battery life compared to TCL 406 (depending on battery capacity)
- May be slightly more expensive
- Software bloat common with Samsung devices
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Samsung provide display specifications beyond size in the provided data. However, given the price bracket, both likely utilize LCD panels. The absence of details like resolution, refresh rate, or peak brightness suggests a focus on cost reduction. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices. Color accuracy will likely be standard for this segment, prioritizing saturation over precise calibration.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the provided data doesn't allow for meaningful comparison beyond the assumption that the A14 will have more advanced image processing capabilities due to its more powerful chipset. The TCL 406’s camera will likely be adequate for basic snapshots, but the A14’s processing power could translate to better low-light performance and more detailed images. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A14 is unlikely to significantly impact image quality, serving primarily as a marketing feature.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A14’s chipset options represent a significant architectural leap over the TCL 406’s octa-core Cortex-A53 processor. The Helio G80 (12nm) features two Cortex-A75 performance cores and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, offering a substantial improvement in single-core and multi-core performance compared to the TCL 406’s four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz and four at 1.5 GHz. The Exynos 850 (8nm) version further refines this with a more efficient manufacturing process. The A75 cores in the Helio G80 will provide a smoother experience with demanding apps and games. The TCL 406’s older architecture will likely struggle with heavier workloads, resulting in noticeable lag. RAM specifications are not provided, but both will likely feature 3-4GB, further emphasizing the chipset's importance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Samsung Galaxy A14’s 15W wired charging is a clear advantage over the TCL 406’s 10W charging. While a larger battery capacity on the TCL 406 could partially offset this, the faster charging speed on the A14 will result in significantly shorter 0-100% charge times. This is particularly important for users who frequently need to top up their battery throughout the day. The more efficient chipset in the A14 will also contribute to better battery life during usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 406 if you need a simple, reliable smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and prioritize maximizing battery life over demanding applications. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 if you prefer a phone capable of handling moderate gaming, multitasking, and benefit from the potential for faster charging speeds, and are willing to spend a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A14's Exynos 850 chip overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850 is an 8nm chip, which generally offers better thermal efficiency than the 12nm Helio G80. While it may get warm during extended gaming, it's unlikely to experience significant throttling, providing a more consistent gaming experience than the TCL 406. However, sustained peak performance will still generate heat.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Samsung Galaxy A14 actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget smartphones offer limited detail and image quality. The small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization result in soft, often blurry images. It's more of a marketing feature than a genuinely useful camera component. Expect passable results in ideal lighting conditions.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A14 run PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
The Helio G80 version of the Samsung Galaxy A14 should be capable of running PUBG Mobile at 60fps on medium settings. The Exynos 850 version will likely offer even smoother performance. However, achieving a stable 60fps will depend on the specific device configuration (RAM, storage speed) and in-game settings.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the TCL 406 with the 10W charger?
Without knowing the battery capacity, it's difficult to provide an exact time. However, with a 10W charger, a full charge will likely take between 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the battery size. This is significantly slower than the Samsung Galaxy A14's 15W charging.
