Looking for an affordable smartphone? The TCL 406 and TCL 306 are both contenders in the budget market, offering a range of features at accessible prices. But which one delivers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 406 edges out the 306 primarily due to its slightly newer chipset and potentially improved software experience. While both offer similar core performance, the 406's minor upgrades make it a more compelling choice for most users seeking a reliable budget device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA, APAC |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2022, January 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 26 | Available. Released 2022, February |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| 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 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| 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 12, TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB 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 | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 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 | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Grey, Lavender Purple | Space Gray, Atlantic Blue |
| Models | T506K | X668, 6102H |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 40 EUR |
TCL 406
- Potentially newer chipset
- Slightly improved software support (likely)
- Modern design (potentially)
- Good battery life
- 10W charging is slow
- Limited camera capabilities
- Performance not ideal for demanding games
TCL 306
- Very affordable
- Good battery life
- Decent display for the price
- Older chipset
- Slower software updates (likely)
- Limited camera capabilities
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for everyday use, but don't anticipate flagship-level vibrancy or sharpness. The 406 *might* have a slightly improved panel, but this is difficult to confirm without detailed reviews.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, with a primary sensor around 13MP and potentially a depth sensor. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be limited. The 406 *might* have slightly improved image processing algorithms.
Performance
While both share the same CPU configuration (Octa-core Cortex-A53), the TCL 406 utilizes a newer chipset (likely a slightly updated version of the Helio G35) which *could* offer marginally better performance and efficiency. The 306 uses the Helio G25. Expect adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming, but demanding games will struggle on both.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a battery capacity around 5000mAh, providing all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging speeds are limited to 10W wired charging on both devices, so expect relatively slow charging times.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the TCL 406? Users prioritizing a slightly more modern chipset and potentially better software support. Who should buy the TCL 306? Those seeking the absolute lowest price point and are comfortable with a slightly older platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the TCL 406 and TCL 306 chipsets?
The TCL 406 likely uses a slightly newer and potentially more efficient chipset than the TCL 306, although both are based on the Cortex-A53 architecture. This could translate to marginally better performance and battery life.
❓ How long does it take to charge the TCL 406 and TCL 306?
Both phones use 10W wired charging, so expect charging times of around 2.5 - 3 hours to reach 100% from empty.
