Looking for an affordable smartphone? TCL offers several compelling options, and the NxtPaper 12 Pro and 403 are two popular choices. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL NxtPaper 12 Pro is the clear winner, boasting a significantly more powerful chipset and a unique e-ink display. While the TCL 403 offers affordability, the NxtPaper 12 Pro's superior performance and display make it the better overall choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - T431D |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - T431D |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T431Q |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 05 | 2023, January 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 05 | Available. Released 2023, April 04 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 279 x 192.5 x 6.9 mm (10.98 x 7.58 x 0.27 in) | 159.2 x 78.2 x 9.6 mm (6.27 x 3.08 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 599 g (1.32 lb) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| | Stylus support | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1440 x 2160 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~213 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.2 inches, 443.2 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | NCVM IPS, 370 nits (typ) | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8771 | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP
8 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF
or
5 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm - T431Q only |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps or 720p@30fps (T431Q only) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP
8 MP | - |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.8
or
2 MP, f/2.8 - T431Q only |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS - cellular model only | GPS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, magnetic connector | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 8000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Navy Blue | Prime Black, Mauve Mist |
| Models | 9494G | T431D, T431U, T431Q, T431P, T431A, T431E |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 80 EUR |
TCL NxtPaper 12 Pro
- Unique e-ink-like display
- Faster performance
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Faster charging (18W)
- Potentially higher price
- Design may not appeal to everyone
TCL 403
- More affordable
- Long battery life (potentially)
- Compact size
- Slow performance
- Basic display
- Limited camera capabilities
Display Comparison
The NxtPaper 12 Pro's standout feature is its 6.78-inch LCD with a paper-like texture and a 120Hz refresh rate. This e-ink-inspired display reduces eye strain, making it perfect for extended reading. The TCL 403 features a standard 6.6-inch HD+ LCD, which is adequate but lacks the NxtPaper 12 Pro's unique visual experience and higher refresh rate.
Camera Comparison
While specific camera specs are limited, the NxtPaper 12 Pro likely offers a more capable camera system due to its more powerful processor and potentially better image processing capabilities. The TCL 403's camera is likely adequate for casual snapshots, but won't compete with the NxtPaper 12 Pro in terms of image quality or features.
Performance
The NxtPaper 12 Pro's Mediatek MT8771 chipset with an Octa-core CPU provides a substantial performance boost over the TCL 403's Helio A22. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the NxtPaper 12 Pro. The 403 will handle basic tasks, but struggles with demanding apps or games.
Battery Life
Both phones likely offer decent battery life, but the TCL 403's more efficient chipset and smaller screen could give it a slight edge in longevity. However, the NxtPaper 12 Pro's 18W charging is faster than what is likely available on the 403.
Buying Guide
The TCL NxtPaper 12 Pro is ideal for students, readers, and anyone who values a comfortable, eye-friendly display and decent performance for everyday tasks. The TCL 403 is best suited for users on a very tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and long battery life over performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL NxtPaper 12 Pro's display truly like e-ink?
While it's not true e-ink, the NxtPaper 12 Pro's display uses a special coating to mimic the look and feel of paper, reducing eye strain and glare.
❓ Can the TCL 403 handle gaming?
The TCL 403's processor is not powerful enough for demanding games. It can handle basic games, but expect low frame rates and lag.
