The TCL 408 and 405 are both budget-friendly smartphones aiming to deliver value. While they share a core processor, subtle differences in features and design might make one a better fit for your needs. This comprehensive comparison will help you navigate those differences and choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 408 and 405 are remarkably similar, sharing the same chipset and charging speed. The 408 *might* offer slightly better software support or a marginally improved design, but the differences are minimal. Ultimately, the best choice depends on price and availability.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - T507A, T507U, T507U1, T507U2, T507J | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T507U, T507U1, T507U2 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 - T507D1 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 05 | 2022, November 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 31 | 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) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 (Go edition), TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 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 (T507U only) | 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 | Gravity Grey, Midnight Blue | Lavender Purple, Space Dark |
| Models | T507D1, T507A, T507U, T507U1, T507U2, T507J | T506D |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 100 EUR |
TCL 408
- Potentially better camera
- Slightly more refined design (speculative)
- Potentially longer software support (speculative)
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still limited by the Helio G25 chipset
TCL 405
- Lower price point
- Decent battery life
- Adequate performance for basic tasks
- Less impressive camera
- Basic design
- Slower charging
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. Expect similar color accuracy and brightness levels. The 408 *may* have a slightly more modern design with slimmer bezels, but this is not definitively confirmed without hands-on testing.
Camera Comparison
The TCL 408 is expected to have a slightly better main camera sensor (likely 50MP vs 13MP on the 405) and potentially additional features like macro or depth sensors. Image quality in good lighting should be comparable, but the 408 might offer slightly better detail and low-light performance. Both likely have a front-facing camera around 8MP.
Performance
Powered by the Mediatek Helio G25, both phones offer adequate performance for everyday tasks. Don't expect to play demanding games smoothly. Multitasking will be acceptable with moderate app usage. The difference in performance will be negligible.
Battery Life
Both devices are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. With 10W charging, expect slow charging times – around 3-4 hours to fully charge.
Buying Guide
The TCL 408 is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly more refined design and potentially longer software support. The TCL 405 is a great pick for those seeking the absolute lowest price point without sacrificing essential features. Both are suitable for basic users needing calls, texts, social media, and light web browsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are the TCL 408 and 405 the same phone?
They are very similar, sharing the same chipset and battery capacity. The main differences are likely in the camera and design, with the 408 potentially offering improvements.
❓ Which TCL phone is better for gaming?
Neither phone is ideal for gaming. The Helio G25 chipset is entry-level and struggles with demanding games. Both will handle basic games adequately.
