Looking for an affordable smartphone? The TCL 406 and 403 are both contenders in the budget market, offering a range of features at accessible prices. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs and performance to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 406 edges out the 403 thanks to its octa-core processor, offering noticeably better performance for multitasking and demanding apps. While both are budget-friendly, the 406's improved speed and slightly better camera make it the more compelling choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - T431D |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - T431D |
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T431Q |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2023, January 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 26 | Available. Released 2023, April 04 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 159.2 x 78.2 x 9.6 mm (6.27 x 3.08 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF
or
5 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm - T431Q only |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps or 720p@30fps (T431Q only) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.8
or
2 MP, f/2.8 - T431Q only |
| 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) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 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 | Accelerometer |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Grey, Lavender Purple | Prime Black, Mauve Mist |
| Models | T506K | T431D, T431U, T431Q, T431P, T431A, T431E |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 80 EUR |
TCL 406
- Octa-core processor for better performance
- Potentially slightly better camera
- Likely similar battery life to 403
- Modern design
- 10W charging is slow
- Display likely not high-end
- Camera still limited in low light
TCL 403
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Suitable for basic tasks
- Quad-core processor is less powerful
- Camera performance is limited
- 10W charging is slow
- May feel sluggish with multitasking
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 brighter display, but this is not confirmed.
Camera Comparison
While specific megapixel counts are not provided, the 406's more powerful processor likely contributes to better image processing and potentially slightly improved image quality. Both phones will likely feature a main camera and a depth sensor. Low-light performance on both will be limited.
Performance
This is where the TCL 406 has a clear advantage. Its octa-core processor (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) provides significantly more processing power than the 403's quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better overall responsiveness on the 406. The 403 will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with more demanding apps or games.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the 406's more powerful processor *could* lead to slightly faster battery drain under heavy load. The 10W charging on both is slow, so be prepared for longer charging times.
Buying Guide
The TCL 406 is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a slightly better camera experience, even on a budget. The TCL 403 is a good option for those seeking a very basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light browsing, and who are extremely price-sensitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the TCL 406 and 403 processors?
The TCL 406 has an octa-core processor, offering significantly more processing power than the TCL 403's quad-core processor. This translates to smoother performance and faster app loading times.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
Both phones likely offer all-day battery life with moderate usage thanks to their approximately 5000mAh batteries. However, the 406's more powerful processor might drain the battery slightly faster under heavy load.
