Both the TCL 505 and OPPO A38 are budget-friendly business smartphones launched between late 2023 and early 2024. Designed for organisations seeking reliable mobile devices for everyday business use, these entry-level smartphones offer solid day-to-day performance without the high costs associated with premium models. With similar screen sizes, 128GB storage, and dual SIM support, both phones strike a balance between affordability and functionality—yet each serves slightly different business priorities, from field teams working off site to app-based productivity.
The Contenders
TCL 505
The TCL 505 is an excellent choice for businesses and professionals prioritising ultra-low-cost smartphones with reliable performance for essential tasks. With its long-lasting battery, support for calls, emails, and light browsing, and durable build, it’s ideal for fleet management, logistics teams, and organisations needing a dependable business mobile solution for large-scale deployment.
OPPO A38
The OPPO A38 is a strong option for businesses and professionals who need a budget-friendly smartphone with greater performance and functionality. With its faster processor, 33W fast charging, and modern software, it’s well suited to multitasking, running business apps, and handling video calls—making it ideal teams that rely on responsive, everyday business mobiles.
Detailed Comparison by Category
Affordability
Winner: TCL 505 – At nearly half the cost of the OPPO A38 (if you were to buy them outright), the TCL is a standout choice for budget-constrained teams or organisations needing to bulk-deploy devices.
Performance
Winner: OPPO A38 – The Helio G85 offers more headroom for multitasking and smoother performance with business apps like Teams, Slack, and browser-based dashboards.
Display
Tie – Both offer 90Hz refresh rates and HD+ resolution. The OPPO A38 has a marginally brighter and slightly crisper screen, which may help outdoors.
Camera
Roughly Equal – Both use 50MP sensors with basic imaging capabilities. Suitable for scanning documents or occasional snapshots, but not ideal for marketing or content production.
Security and OS
OPPO A38 edges ahead with Android 13 and ColorOS 13.1, offering more features and better update support. TCL’s Android 14 Go Edition is lighter but more limited.
Which One Should You Choose?
TCL 505
- Low cost
- Basic use
- Document viewing, calls and email.
- Mass deployment across field teams.
OPPO A38
- More processing power
- Heavier app use
- Frequent charging needs and fast top-ups.
- Future proofing and longer support.
Final Verdict
The TCL 505 is ideal for organisations needing functional, dependable smartphones at scale, especially for communication-heavy roles like field staff, delivery, and security personnel. The OPPO A38 is better suited for professionals needing more power and flexibility—those who rely on apps, fast charging, and a more refined user experience.
Specification Comparison Table
| Feature | TCL 505 | OPPO A38 |
|---|---|---|
| Simpatico Price | 11.95 per month (plus VAT) | 12.95 per month (plus VAT) |
| Display | 6.75 inch HD+ IPS LCD, 90Hz | 6.56 inch HD+ IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels (260 PPI) | 720 x 1612 pixels (269 PPI) |
| Brightness (typ./max) | 400 nits (typical) | 600 to 720 nits (peak) |
| Processor | MediaTek Helio G36 | MediaTek Helio G85 |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 128GB (expandable via microSD upto 512GB) | 128GB (expandable via microSD) |
| Operating System | Android 14 (Go Edition) | Android 13 with ColorOS 13.1 |
| Main Camera | 50MP + 2MP depth | 50MP + 2MP depth |
| Front Camera | 5MP | 5MP |
| Battery Capacity | 5010mAh | 5000mAh |
| Charging Speed | Standard (10W to 15W) | 33W SUPERVOOC fast charging |
| 5G Support | No | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (depends on version) | Yes |
| SIM Support | Dual SIM | Dual SIM |
| Security | Face unlock | Face unlock, fingerprint (side) |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| USB Port | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| Software Support (est.) | 1.5 to 2 years | 2 to 3 years |
