Durability

The TCL 402 opts for a straightforward approach in its build, crafted with plastic, which can contribute to a more affordable and less premium feel in your hands. Consequently, its durability might not be as robust, given the material choice. Devices constructed solely with plastic are often more prone to breaking upon impact or getting scratched easily by sharp objects.

Visual Experience

The TCL 402 boasts a larger screen size of 6.0", providing users with an immersive and visually captivating experience. The expanded screen real estate contributes to enhanced multimedia engagement, enabling users to enjoy movies, games, and other content with greater clarity and detail. The larger display also facilitates improved multitasking, allowing users to comfortably navigate through multiple apps simultaneously. Furthermore, a bigger screen enhances the overall user interface, making it more user-friendly and accommodating for various tasks.

In terms of visual experience, TCL 402 features with IPS LCD screen, a characteristic commonly found in standard budget oriented mobile devices. The choice of IPS LCD technology helps keep the overall cost of the TCL 402 reasonable while still providing a satisfactory visual experience for daily use. While IPS LCD may not offer the same level of contrast and vibrant colors as more advanced display technologies like OLED, it remains sufficient for routine tasks.

TCL 402 integrates a 6.0" screen with a resolution of 480 x 960 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 178 pixels per inch (ppi). This configuration is typical for budget devices, where compromises on visual performance may be evident. Unfortunately, the lower pixel density in TCL 402 may lead to less visual experiences, potentially causing pixelation and a reduction in overall display quality.

Mobile Network Speed

Based on the specification data, the TCL 402 relies solely on 4G network technology, delivering faster speeds but noticeably lagging behind 5G networks. Technically, the 4G network can achieve speeds of up to 150 Mbps for downloads and 100 Mbps for uploads. Despite these somewhat lower speeds, the 4G feature proves sufficient for basic to medium level activities such as streaming movies, browsing, engaging in social media, and playing online games.

Connectivity Experience

Regarding Wi-Fi technology, the TCL 402 is equipped with outdated specifications, lacking Wi-Fi 5 or newer generations. While this may be acceptable for an entry-level and budget friendly device, the use of older technology can result in limited connection speed, higher latency, and potential security concerns.

The TCL 402 uses Bluetooth 5.1, an extended version of Bluetooth 5.0, bringing significant improvements like AoA, AoD, Advertising Channel Index, GATT caching, and more. These enhancements enhance location precision and optimize data exchange, providing users with an improved Bluetooth experience.

Absence of NFC on the TCL 402 could be a downside for users. NFC is crucial for contactless payments, fast data transfers, and seamless device connectivity. Without NFC, the user experience is limited, hindering the convenience of swift and secure wireless communication, affecting the overall user experience, particularly in contexts where these features are integral to daily activities.

Gaming Experience

TCL 402 comes with good hardware performance in its class, equipped with the Mediatek MT6761V and a PowerVR GE8300. While it may not be exceptionally fast, this setup demonstrates its proficiency in managing casual gaming experiences.

Geared towards entry-level devices, the performance might face limitations when handling more graphically intense processes, especially in hardcore games. Nevertheless, it remains reliable for supporting gameplay within the low to mid graphic settings range.

No standout features distinguish the screen of TCL 402, with only standard specifications and a modest 60Hz screen refresh rate, contributing to an overall basic appearance for the device. Despite the absence of advanced screen technology, it's worth noting that users can still enjoy gaming on the device.

However, it's undeniable that the gaming experience may not be as optimal as on devices with higher refresh rates, like 90Hz or more. The 60Hz refresh rate may lead to less fluid motion and transitions, especially noticeable in fast paced games.

Playing online games on the TCL 402 remains reliable, even with its support limited to a 4G network. While it may not match the cutting edge capabilities of a 5G network, the 4G connectivity proves adequate for online gaming. The reality is that the 4G network can still provide a fast and reliable data connection, enough to ensure a satisfying and consistent online gaming experience.

Battery Endurance

The TCL 402 is outfitted with a 3000 mAh battery, given its positioning in the low level category, the battery capacity may understandably fall on the lower end. While this capacity might not be deemed substantial by contemporary standards, it does imply a potential need for more frequent recharging, perhaps up to twice a day, particularly under moderate to heavy usage.

Phone Storage

Featuring a standard internal storage capacity, the TCL 402 may potentially posing limitations for users who require ample space for files and applications. The modest size of the internal storage memory may result in users facing constraints on storage space.

However, it's important to consider that this storage configuration aligns with the budget friendly nature of the device, classifying it within the entry-level device category. The trade-off between a more conservative internal storage size and affordability may be reasonable for users seeking a budget-friendly smartphone that still fulfills basic functionality.

For users seeking additional storage space, the TCL 402 offers the convenience of an expansion memory feature through external memory. This capability allows users to augment the device storage capacity by using external memory cards, offering a practical solution to address potential limitations in internal storage.

The significance of this feature lies in its ability to empower users with the flexibility to expand storage based on their evolving needs, accommodating a growing collection of files, photos, videos, and applications.

Multitasking Experience

TCL 402 is equipped with a standard RAM capacity, but this limitation may pose a problem for modern usage, as many apps require a significant amount of RAM for smooth operation. Consequently, this RAM amount may not be ideal for extensive multitasking.

In a technical sense, the device can still perform reasonably well when opening 2 or 3 low resource apps simultaneously. This level of performance is reasonable and aligns with a budget conscious approach.

Photo & Videography Experience

Equipped with a 5 MP camera, the TCL 402 allows users to capture memorable moments with great clarity. While this single lens provides a decent photography experience, users may face limitations when exploring more diverse and advanced photography options.

Devices with multiple camera lenses can offer enhanced versatility, providing users the ability to explore a broader range of creative possibilities. Multiple lenses contribute to improved depth perception, better low light performance, and various shooting modes, enriching the overall photography experience.

For the front facing camera, the TCL 402 features a 2 MP selfie camera, providing users with a reliable option for daily use, this configuration ensures clear and detailed self portraits, suitable for various activities like video calls and social media sharing.

Users also can effortlessly capture videos on TCL 402, because it supports up to 720p resolution quality. This capability allows users to freely document special moments, create content for social media, or simply capture the world around them. The video recording feature ensures that the recorded videos are clear and visually impressive, making it an ideal tool for preserving memories and sharing experiences.

Audio Experience

Fortunately, the TCL 402 comes equipped with a dedicated 3.5mm audio jack, a feature cherished by many users who appreciate the simplicity and universality of audio connectivity. This classic headphone jack provides users with the convenience of enjoying music or watching movies in a more private and personalized manner.

By retaining this widely favored audio option, TCL 402 ensures that users can seamlessly connect their favorite headphones or earphones without the need for adapters, enhancing the overall user experience.

Security Features

The TCL 402 does not include a dedicated biometric sensor for its primary security features. Instead, it relies solely on software based security protection, such as basic Face Unlock, pattern, password, or PINs. This approach is understandable and aligned with budget oriented devices.

While software based security provides essential protection, it may have certain disadvantages compared to devices equipped with dedicated biometric sensors.