Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The TCL 406 and 405 are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 406 edges out the 405 thanks to its slightly more efficient chipset (Helio G25 vs. generic Octa-core). While both offer similar core performance, the 406's chipset generally provides smoother multitasking and slightly better power efficiency. Both are budget options, so manage expectations.
| 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 |
| 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 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2022, November 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 26 | Available. Released 2022, November 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 164.7 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 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 (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 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 (Go edition), TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| 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, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Grey, Lavender Purple | Lavender Purple, Space Dark |
| Models | T506K | T506D |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 100 EUR |
TCL 406
- Slightly more efficient chipset (Helio G25)
- Potentially better image processing
- Generally smoother multitasking
- 10W charging is slow
- Display likely standard LCD
- Limited camera capabilities in low light
TCL 405
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Large display for media consumption
- Less efficient chipset
- Potentially slightly lower performance
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.6 inches with a standard resolution (likely 720+HD). Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for the price point, but don't anticipate OLED-level vibrancy. The 406 *might* have a slightly brighter panel, but this is speculative without more detailed specs.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar on both, probably featuring a primary 13MP or 50MP camera, along with a depth sensor and a macro lens. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be limited. The 406 *might* have slightly improved image processing due to the chipset, but the difference will be minimal.
Performance
The TCL 405 uses the Mediatek Helio G25, a 12nm chipset. The TCL 406 uses an Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) which is a more generic configuration. While both have eight cores, the Helio G25 is generally more efficient and offers slightly better performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. Expect both to handle basic apps and social media well, but demanding games will struggle.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging is limited to 10W wired, so expect relatively slow charging times. The Helio G25 in the 405 *could* offer slightly better battery life due to its efficiency, but this is marginal.
Buying Guide
The TCL 406 is ideal for users prioritizing slightly better performance and efficiency in a budget device. The TCL 405 is a good choice for those seeking a very affordable option where minor performance differences aren't a major concern, and price is the absolute top priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the TCL 406 and 405 processors?
The TCL 405 uses a Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, while the TCL 406 uses a generic Octa-core configuration. The Helio G25 is generally more efficient and offers slightly better performance.
❓ How long does the battery last on these phones?
Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the 405 *might* have slightly better battery life due to the Helio G25's efficiency.
