The TCL 605 is an entry-level 4G phone built to a price, offering a big screen, a big battery and a headphone jack for the smallest possible outlay. It keeps a dedicated microSD slot, so its fixed storage is cheap to extend.
605: Display
The 6.7-inch IPS LCD runs at 90Hz, which should make scrolling smoother than the 60Hz panels common at this price, with a Mohs level 5 hardness rating on the front glass.
Resolution is 720 x 1600 at roughly 262 pixels per inch, so text and images look soft, and the typical brightness of 480 nits will make sunlight use a struggle.
605: Camera
The single 50MP main camera with PDAF should manage acceptable daylight snaps, with a 5MP selfie camera for video calls.
There is no ultrawide or any secondary lens, and video recording tops out at 1080p at 30fps on both cameras, so this is a point-and-shoot for records rather than results.
605: Battery
The 5,200mAh battery is rated at 49:07 hours of endurance on the EU energy label, so light users should comfortably clear a full day and more.
Charging is slow at 18W with no wireless option, making overnight charging the sensible routine.
605: Size, Weight and Build
At 165.6 x 76.2 x 8.3mm and 190g with a plastic frame and back, the 605 carries a basic IP54 splash rating and comes in four colours including Quartz Blue and Blizzard White.
IP54 covers splashes only, not immersion, so this is not a phone to risk near water.
605: Performance
The Helio G81 with up to 8GB of RAM covers calls, messaging and light browsing, and the dedicated microSD slot means the 128GB entry storage is easily expanded.
This is a 12nm chip with no 5G, and the phone ships on Android 15 with no stated upgrade commitment, so buyers planning to keep it for years should weigh that carefully.
605: Who Should Buy
Buy the TCL 605 as a first phone, a backup, or for someone whose needs stop at calls, messaging and light browsing with a headphone jack. Buyers who want a sharper AMOLED screen and a long update window for similar money should look at the Galaxy A26 instead. Buyers comparing upfront prices will find current deals in the table above.