Looking for an affordable smartphone? The TCL 406 and 408 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 408 edges out the 406 thanks to its slightly more efficient chipset (Helio G25 vs. a generic Octa-core). While both offer similar CPU performance, the G25 generally provides better power efficiency and potentially slightly improved graphics. Both share the same charging speed, making the 408 the better overall value.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - T507A, T507U, T507U1, T507U2, T507J |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T507U, T507U1, T507U2 |
| 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 - T507D1 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2023, January 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 26 | Available. Released 2023, March 31 |
| 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 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.3% 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 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | 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/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 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) | Yes (T507U only) |
| 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), 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 | Gravity Grey, Midnight Blue |
| Models | T506K | T507D1, T507A, T507U, T507U1, T507U2, T507J |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 130 EUR |
TCL 406
- Affordable price
- Large display
- Decent battery life
- Unspecified chipset performance
- Basic camera
- Slow charging (10W)
TCL 408
- More efficient chipset (Helio G25)
- Slightly better graphics performance
- Good battery life
- Slow charging (10W)
- Basic camera
- May lack advanced features
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with a standard resolution (likely 720+HD). Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for everyday use, but don't expect flagship-level vibrancy or sharpness. The 408 *might* have a slightly brighter display, but this is not confirmed.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, with both phones probably featuring a primary 13MP or 16MP camera and a depth sensor. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The 408's slightly better chipset *could* lead to marginally improved image processing.
Performance
While both phones share the same CPU core configuration, the TCL 408's Mediatek Helio G25 chipset is generally more efficient and offers slightly better integrated graphics compared to the unspecified Octa-core CPU in the TCL 406. This translates to smoother multitasking and potentially better performance in graphically intensive apps and games. Expect both to handle basic tasks like browsing, social media, and calling without issue.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the 408's more efficient chipset could provide slightly better battery endurance.
Buying Guide
The TCL 406 is a good choice for users prioritizing a very basic smartphone experience with essential features. The TCL 408 is better suited for those who want a slightly more responsive experience, potentially better graphics performance for casual gaming, and a bit more future-proofing thanks to its more modern chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the TCL 406 and 408?
The main difference is the chipset. The TCL 408 uses a Mediatek Helio G25, which is generally more efficient than the unspecified Octa-core CPU in the TCL 406, leading to slightly better performance and potentially longer battery life.
❓ Are these phones good for gaming?
Both phones are suitable for casual gaming. The TCL 408's Helio G25 chipset offers slightly better graphics performance, but don't expect to play demanding games at high settings.
