The Toshiba TG01 and TG02 are unique Android devices, harkening back to a simpler era of smartphone design. Both boast a distinctive physical keyboard and a focus on durability. But are they truly comparable, or are there subtle differences that make one a better choice than the other? Let's dive in.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Surprisingly, the Toshiba TG01 and TG02 are remarkably similar. Both share the same Snapdragon S1 chipset and 1.0 GHz Scorpion CPU. The TG02 *might* offer slightly improved software support or minor hardware refinements, but overall, the choice hinges on availability and price. The TG01 is likely the better value.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/2 Mbps | HSPA 7.2/2 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, January. Released 2009, June | 2010, February |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 130 x 70 x 9.9 mm (5.12 x 2.76 x 0.39 in) | 126 x 66 x 9.9 mm (4.96 x 2.60 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 129 g (4.55 oz) | 119 g (4.20 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~228 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~228 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.1 inches, 47.8 cm2 (~52.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.1 inches, 47.8 cm2 (~57.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT resistive touchscreen, 256K colors (65K effective) | TFT, 65K colors |
| | 3D UI
Shake control | 3D UI
Shake control |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1.0 GHz Scorpion | 1.0 GHz Scorpion |
| Chipset | Qualcomm QSD8250 Snapdragon S1 | Qualcomm QSD8250 Snapdragon S1 |
| GPU | Adreno 200 | Adreno 200 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, upgradable to Windows Mobile 6.5 | Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256MB RAM, 512MB ROM | 256MB RAM, 512MB ROM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 3.15 MP, AF | 3.15 MP, AF |
| Video | 480p@30fps | 480p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | Yes |
| | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.0, A2DP | 2.0, A2DP, EDR |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11b/g | Wi-Fi 802.11b/g |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML (IE) | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML (IE) |
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| | Pocket Office
MP3/eAAC+/WMA player
MP4/H.264/WMV player
Facebook and YouTube apps
Photo editor
Voice memo/dial
Organizer
Predictive text input | Pocket Office
Organizer
MP3/eAAC+/WMA player
MP4/H.264/WMV player
Facebook and YouTube apps
Photo editor
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 276 h (2G) / Up to 220 h (3G) | Up to 275 h (2G) / Up to 220 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 5 h (2G) / Up to 4 h (3G) | Up to 5 h (2G) / Up to 4 h (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black, White |
| Price | About 500 EUR | - |
| SAR | 0.37 W/kg (head) 0.44 W/kg (body) | 0.20 W/kg (head) 0.30 W/kg (body) |
Toshiba TG01
- Durable build quality
- Physical keyboard for tactile typing
- Retro design
- Relatively affordable (if found)
- Decent battery life
- Low-resolution display
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Limited app compatibility
- Outdated software
Toshiba TG02
- Durable build quality
- Physical keyboard for tactile typing
- Retro design
- Potentially slightly newer software (unconfirmed)
- Decent battery life
- Low-resolution display
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Limited app compatibility
- Outdated software
- Potentially harder to find
Display Comparison
Both the TG01 and TG02 feature a 3.5-inch HVGA (320x480) LCD display. Expect a relatively low pixel density and muted colors, typical of the era. While both are functional, neither offers a premium viewing experience. The TG02 *may* have a slightly brighter display, but this is difficult to confirm definitively.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature a 3.2MP rear-facing camera. Image quality is adequate for basic snapshots in good lighting conditions, but don't expect exceptional detail or low-light performance. The TG02 *might* have slightly improved image processing, but the difference will be minimal.
Performance
Performance is virtually identical. Both are powered by the Qualcomm QSD8250 Snapdragon S1 chipset with a 1.0 GHz Scorpion CPU. Expect basic Android functionality – web browsing, email, and simple apps. Demanding games or multitasking will be sluggish. Don't expect flagship-level speed from either device.
Battery Life
The TG01 and TG02 both feature a 1500mAh battery. Battery life is decent, providing a full day of moderate use. Heavy usage, such as extended web browsing or video playback, will drain the battery more quickly. Expect similar battery performance from both devices.
Buying Guide
The Toshiba TG01 is ideal for users seeking a durable, physical keyboard-equipped Android phone with a retro aesthetic and don't require cutting-edge performance. The Toshiba TG02 might appeal to those prioritizing slightly newer software or a marginally improved build quality, assuming it's available at a reasonable price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still receiving software updates?
Highly unlikely. Both the TG01 and TG02 are very old devices and are no longer supported by Toshiba. Expect to be running an outdated version of Android.
❓ Can I install newer apps on these phones?
You may be able to install some newer apps, but compatibility is limited due to the older Android version and limited processing power. Don't expect to run the latest apps smoothly.
