Looking for an affordable smartphone? The TCL 408 and 406 are both contenders in the budget market, offering decent features at attractive 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 modern chipset (Helio G25 vs. likely an older variant). While both offer similar core performance, the 408's newer chip potentially provides better efficiency and future-proofing. Both are solid budget choices, though.
| 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 - T507D1 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 05 | 2023, February 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 31 | Available. Released 2023, February 26 |
| 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 12 | Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | 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, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (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) | 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 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 | Gravity Grey, Midnight Blue | Dark Grey, Lavender Purple |
| Models | T507D1, T507A, T507U, T507U1, T507U2, T507J | T506K |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 110 EUR |
TCL 408
- Slightly newer chipset (Helio G25)
- Potentially better efficiency
- Likely slightly improved image processing
- 10W charging is slow
- HD+ display resolution is not ideal
- Limited gaming performance
TCL 406
- Very affordable
- Large 6.6-inch display
- All-day battery life
- Older chipset
- 10W charging is slow
- HD+ display resolution is not ideal
- Limited gaming performance
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 6.6-inch HD+ display, offering a large viewing area. Expect similar color accuracy and brightness levels. The 408 *might* have a slightly newer display technology, but this is not confirmed and unlikely to be a significant difference.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, with both phones featuring a multi-lens setup including a primary sensor, macro lens, and depth sensor. Image quality will be comparable in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance will be average on both devices. The 408 *might* have slightly improved image processing due to its newer chipset.
Performance
Both devices utilize an Octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU. However, the TCL 408's Helio G25 chipset (12nm) is newer than the likely chipset in the 406. This means the 408 *could* offer slightly better performance and efficiency, though real-world differences will be minimal for everyday tasks. Gaming performance will be adequate on both, but don't expect high frame rates.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired, which is relatively slow by today's standards.
Buying Guide
The TCL 408 is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly more modern chipset and potentially better future performance. The TCL 406 is a great option for those seeking a very budget-friendly device where minor performance differences aren't a major concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL 408 worth the extra money over the TCL 406?
If you want a slightly more modern chipset and potentially better future performance, the TCL 408 is worth the small price difference. Otherwise, the TCL 406 offers excellent value for the budget-conscious.
❓ How is the camera quality on these phones?
Both phones offer decent camera quality in good lighting conditions. Don't expect flagship-level performance, but they are capable of capturing usable photos for social media and everyday use.
