The TCL 605 and Samsung Galaxy A14 represent compelling options in the sub-$200 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, they diverge significantly in their core hardware, particularly in chipset and battery performance. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing longevity, the TCL 605 is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio G81 chipset, coupled with exceptional 49:07h battery endurance, provides a more reliable and sustained experience than the Samsung Galaxy A14, which offers chipset variations and shorter battery life.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, March 03 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 76.2 x 8.3 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 5 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, PDAF | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5200 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Black, Blizzard White, Quartz Blue, Obsidian Black | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | T517D | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | $ 118.56 / £ 74.00 / € 158.41 | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 49:07h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class B | - |
| Free fall | Class B (180 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
TCL 605
- Exceptional battery life (49:07h endurance)
- Potentially better gaming performance with Helio G81
- Long-term battery health with 1000 charge cycles
- Slower 18W charging
- Display specs unknown, potentially lower quality
Samsung Galaxy A14
- Samsung brand recognition and ecosystem
- Exynos 850 variant offers potentially better power efficiency
- Potentially more vibrant display colors
- Shorter battery life compared to TCL 605
- Helio G80 variant offers lower performance
- Slower 15W charging
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Samsung provide display specs in the provided data. However, given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels. The real difference will be in color calibration and brightness, areas where Samsung typically excels. Without specific nit ratings, it's reasonable to assume the A14 may offer slightly more vibrant colors, but the TCL 605’s focus on efficiency could translate to better outdoor visibility if it manages power consumption effectively.
Camera Comparison
The provided data doesn’t detail camera specifications beyond the chipsets. Given the market segment, both phones likely feature a primary camera around 13-50MP. The TCL 605’s image processing will likely focus on maximizing detail within its sensor’s limitations, while Samsung’s processing tends towards more saturated and vibrant colors. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A14 is largely a marketing gimmick and offers minimal practical benefit. Without sensor size or aperture information, a definitive camera comparison is impossible.
Performance
The TCL 605’s Mediatek Helio G81 (12nm) and the Samsung Galaxy A14’s dual chipset options present a complex performance picture. Both chipsets feature the same CPU core configuration (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55), suggesting similar multi-core performance. However, the Samsung A14’s Exynos 850 variant, built on an 8nm process, *should* offer improved power efficiency and potentially slightly better sustained performance due to reduced thermal throttling. The Helio G81’s advantage lies in its GPU, which is optimized for gaming. The A14’s Helio G80 version will likely be less performant than the G81. The lack of LPDDR5x RAM information suggests both devices likely utilize slower RAM standards, limiting overall system responsiveness.
Battery Life
This is where the TCL 605 truly shines. Its 49:07h endurance is a significant advantage over the Samsung Galaxy A14, which lacks published endurance data. The 18W charging on the TCL 605 is slower than what some competitors offer, but the exceptional battery life mitigates this. The A14’s 15W charging further exacerbates the difference. The TCL 605’s 1000 charge cycles suggest a focus on long-term battery health, a crucial consideration for budget devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 605 if you need a phone that can reliably last through a full day – and then some – of moderate to heavy use. It’s ideal for users who prioritize battery life above all else. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 if you prefer the Samsung ecosystem and potentially benefit from the Exynos 850 variant, which offers a different CPU architecture, though at the cost of overall battery performance. The A14 is better suited for users who prioritize brand familiarity and a potentially smoother, if less enduring, experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 chip in the Samsung Galaxy A14 overheat during extended gaming sessions?
While the 8nm process of the Exynos 850 should offer better thermal efficiency than the Helio G81’s 12nm process, sustained gaming will still generate heat. The A14’s thermal design is likely basic, meaning some throttling is possible during prolonged, demanding gameplay. The TCL 605’s Helio G81, while less efficient, may experience similar throttling.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Samsung Galaxy A14 actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget smartphones offer limited practical benefit. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. They are often included as a marketing feature rather than a genuinely useful photographic tool. Expect soft, noisy images from the A14’s macro lens.
❓ Can the TCL 605 reliably handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high frame rates?
The Helio G81 chipset in the TCL 605 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but achieving consistently high frame rates (60fps+) will depend on the graphics settings. Expect to play at medium settings for a smoother experience. The A14’s Helio G80 variant will likely struggle to maintain high frame rates even at lower settings.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the TCL 605 from 0% to 100% with the included 18W charger?
While the exact 0-100% charging time isn't specified, with an 18W charger, expect a full charge to take approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The Samsung Galaxy A14’s 15W charger will likely take even longer.
