The TCL 502 and Nokia 130 Music represent opposite ends of the entry-level mobile spectrum. The TCL 502 aims to deliver a smartphone experience at an incredibly low price point, while the Nokia 130 Music doubles down on the classic feature phone formula with a focus on music playback and extended battery life. This comparison dissects their core differences to help you choose the right device for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users needing smartphone functionality like app access and internet browsing, the TCL 502 is the clear winner, leveraging its Mediatek Helio A22 chipset. However, if extended battery life and dedicated music playback are paramount, the Nokia 130 Music offers a compelling, no-frills experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 66, 71 | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, December 04 | 2025, March 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, December | Available. Released 2025, March |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159 x 78 x 9.6 mm (6.26 x 3.07 x 0.38 in) | 130.5 x 52.9 x 14.8 mm (5.14 x 2.08 x 0.58 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 83.1 g (2.93 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~74.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~25.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | TN TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | - |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc 6531F |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | - |
| OS | Android 13 (Go edition) | - |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 8MB 8MB RAM |
| Phonebook | - | Yes |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | No |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 1.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | - | Yes |
| Java | - | No |
| Messaging | - | SMS |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | No |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 3000 mAh | 2500 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Dark Blue, Purple, Gray |
| Models | T432J | - |
| Price | About 60 EUR | - |
TCL 502
- Smartphone functionality (apps, web browsing)
- More powerful processor for basic tasks
- Potential for camera features (though limited)
- Shorter battery life
- Lower build quality expected at this price point
- Limited storage and RAM
Nokia 130 Music
- Exceptional battery life (days or weeks)
- Dedicated music player with FM radio
- Durable and simple design
- No smartphone features
- Limited functionality beyond calls and texts
- Basic display and audio quality
Display Comparison
Display specifications are absent for the Nokia 130 Music beyond its basic feature phone screen. The TCL 502, being a smartphone, will have a larger display, though its resolution and panel type are not specified. This implies a likely LCD panel, prioritizing cost over advanced features like high refresh rates or OLED technology. The Nokia 130 Music’s display is optimized for readability in direct sunlight, a common trait of feature phone screens, while the TCL 502’s display will be geared towards multimedia consumption, albeit at a lower quality tier.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are unavailable for both devices beyond the implication that the Nokia 130 Music likely has a very basic camera, if any. The TCL 502, as a smartphone, will have a camera system, but its quality will be limited by the budget chipset and likely low-resolution sensors. Image processing capabilities will be minimal, focusing on basic scene detection rather than advanced computational photography. The Nokia 130 Music’s camera, if present, is intended for casual snapshots, while the TCL 502’s camera offers a slightly more versatile, though still limited, experience.
Performance
The TCL 502’s Mediatek Helio A22 (12 nm) chipset, featuring a quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, provides a significant performance advantage over the Nokia 130 Music’s Unisoc 6531F. The Helio A22’s 12nm process node is more efficient than the likely larger node used in the Unisoc chip, resulting in better power management during demanding tasks. While neither chipset is designed for intensive gaming, the TCL 502 can handle basic apps and web browsing with relative ease, something the Nokia 130 Music simply cannot do. The Unisoc 6531F is optimized for call handling and basic feature phone functions.
Battery Life
The Nokia 130 Music is expected to offer significantly longer battery life than the TCL 502. Feature phones, with their less demanding chipsets and simpler displays, are renowned for lasting days or even weeks on a single charge. The TCL 502, with its 10W wired charging and smartphone operating system, will require daily charging, even with moderate use. While the TCL 502’s charging speed is adequate for its power needs, it cannot compete with the Nokia 130 Music’s endurance.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 502 if you require smartphone capabilities – even basic ones – such as access to apps, web browsing, and the ability to run modern communication tools. It’s suited for users transitioning from older feature phones or needing a secondary device for light tasks. Buy the Nokia 130 Music if you prioritize extreme battery life, a dedicated music player with FM radio, and a durable, simple device for calls and texts, foregoing smartphone features entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio A22 in the TCL 502 capable of running popular social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio A22 is sufficient to run lightweight apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, though performance may be sluggish with multiple apps open simultaneously. Expect some loading times and occasional lag, but basic functionality should be achievable.
❓ How long can the Nokia 130 Music realistically last on a single charge with moderate use (calls and music playback)?
The Nokia 130 Music can realistically last several days, potentially up to a week or more, on a single charge with moderate use. This is due to its low-power Unisoc chipset and simple feature phone operating system. Heavy music playback will reduce battery life, but it will still significantly outperform a smartphone.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either the TCL 502 or the Nokia 130 Music?
The TCL 502 likely supports microSD card expansion, allowing you to increase storage capacity. The Nokia 130 Music also typically supports microSD card expansion, enabling you to store a large music library.
❓ Does the TCL 502 support 4G LTE connectivity?
While not explicitly stated, the Mediatek Helio A22 chipset *can* support 4G LTE, so it's highly probable the TCL 502 offers 4G connectivity, providing faster data speeds than 2G or 3G networks.
