Toshiba TG02 vs. Toshiba K01: A Tale of Two Androids

The Toshiba TG02 and K01 represent a fascinating, albeit niche, era of Android smartphones. Both devices share a common chipset and CPU, but subtle differences might make one a better choice than the other. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

Given their identical core specifications (Snapdragon S1, 1.0 GHz Scorpion), the Toshiba TG02 and K01 are remarkably similar. The TG02 likely edges out due to potentially better software support or slightly improved build quality, but the differences are minimal. Ultimately, availability and price will be the deciding factors.

PHONES
Phone Names Toshiba TG02 Toshiba K01
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 900 / 2100HSDPA 2100
SpeedHSPA 7.2/2 MbpsHSPA 7.2/2 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPAGSM / HSPA
Launch
Announced2010, February2010, February. Released 2010, April
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions126 x 66 x 9.9 mm (4.96 x 2.60 x 0.39 in)122 x 65 x 12.9 mm (4.80 x 2.56 x 0.51 in)
Keyboard-QWERTY
SIMMini-SIMMini-SIM
Weight119 g (4.20 oz)158 g (5.57 oz)
Display
Resolution480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~228 ppi density)480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~228 ppi density)
Size4.1 inches, 47.8 cm2 (~57.5% screen-to-body ratio)4.1 inches, 47.8 cm2 (~60.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT, 65K colorsAMOLED, 65K colors
 3D UI Shake control3D UI Shake control
Platform
CPU1.0 GHz Scorpion1.0 GHz Scorpion
ChipsetQualcomm QSD8250 Snapdragon S1Qualcomm QSD8250 Snapdragon S1
GPUAdreno 200Adreno 200
OSMicrosoft Windows Mobile 6.5 ProfessionalMicrosoft Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional, upgradable to Windows Mobile 6.5.3
Memory
Card slotmicroSDHC (dedicated slot)microSDHC (dedicated slot)
Internal256MB RAM, 512MB ROM256MB RAM, 512MB ROM
Main Camera
Single3.15 MP, AF3.15 MP, AF
Video480p@30fps480p@30fps
Selfie camera
SingleYesYes
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth2.0, A2DP, EDR2.0, A2DP, EDR
PositioningGPS, A-GPSGPS, A-GPS
RadioNoNo
USBmicroUSB 2.0microUSB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11b/gWi-Fi 802.11b/g
Features
BrowserWAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML (IE)WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML (IE)
SensorsAccelerometerAccelerometer
 Pocket Office Organizer MP3/eAAC+/WMA player MP4/H.264/WMV player Facebook and YouTube apps Photo editor Voice memo/dial/commands Predictive text inputPocket Office MP3/WAV/WMA/eAAC+ player MP4/H.264/WMV player Organizer Facebook and YouTube apps Photo editor Voice memo/dial/commands Predictive text input
Battery
Stand-byUp to 275 h (2G) / Up to 220 h (3G)-
Talk timeUp to 5 h (2G) / Up to 4 h (3G)-
TypeRemovable Li-Ion 1000 mAh batteryRemovable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery
Misc
ColorsBlack, WhiteBlack, White
SAR0.20 W/kg (head)     0.30 W/kg (body)0.37 W/kg (head)     0.36 W/kg (body)

Toshiba TG02

  • Potentially better software support
  • Slightly improved build quality (speculative)
  • Nostalgic Android experience

  • Outdated hardware
  • Slow performance
  • Limited app compatibility

Toshiba K01

  • Affordable (if available)
  • Nostalgic Android experience
  • Functional for basic tasks

  • Outdated hardware
  • Slow performance
  • Limited app compatibility

Display Comparison

Both the TG02 and K01 likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 3.5-4 inches with resolutions around 480x800. Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness and color accuracy by today's standards. The TG02 *might* have a slightly better coating or protective glass, but this is speculative.

Camera Comparison

Camera quality on both devices will be underwhelming by modern standards. Expect 3-5MP cameras capable of capturing basic photos in good lighting conditions. Image processing will be limited, resulting in noisy and low-resolution images. The TG02 *might* have slightly better camera software, but the hardware is likely the same.

Performance

Performance will be virtually identical. The Snapdragon S1 chipset and 1.0 GHz Scorpion CPU were entry-level components even in their time. Expect sluggishness with modern apps and multitasking. Both phones are best suited for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light web browsing.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is likely similar, around 1200-1500 mAh. Expect a day of light use, but battery life will drain quickly with any demanding tasks. The TG02 *could* have slightly better power management due to potential software optimizations.

Buying Guide

The Toshiba TG02 is for collectors and enthusiasts seeking a piece of Android history. The K01 is a viable option if the TG02 is unavailable or significantly more expensive. Neither is recommended for users prioritizing modern features or performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Are these phones worth buying in 2024?
Unless you're a collector or enthusiast interested in early Android devices, these phones are not recommended for everyday use. Modern smartphones offer significantly better performance, features, and security.
❓ What Android version do these phones run?
Both the TG02 and K01 likely shipped with Android 2.2 (Froyo) or Android 2.3 (Gingerbread). Software updates were limited, so they likely remain on these older versions.