The Gionee M12 and Tecno Camon 16 Pro represent two contenders in the fiercely competitive budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, they diverge significantly in their internal hardware, impacting performance and overall user experience. This comparison dissects these differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and a smoother experience, the Tecno Camon 16 Pro is the clear winner. Its Helio G70 chipset and more modern CPU architecture provide a noticeable performance boost over the Gionee M12’s Helio A25/P22, making it better suited for multitasking and moderate gaming.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 1900 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 16. Released 2020, November 16 | 2020, September 04. Released 2020, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 76.8 x 9.3 mm (6.45 x 3.02 x 0.37 in) | 170.9 x 77.2 x 9.2 mm (6.73 x 3.04 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 207 g (7.30 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) - model 1Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 - model 2 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) - model 1Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) - model 2 | Mediatek MT6769V/CB Helio G70 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, HIOS 7.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | Unspecified |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Penta-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lenses | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
4th unknown camera |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 16 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm
2nd unknown camera |
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Magic Green, Dazzling Black | Onyx Black, Ice Crystal Blue |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Gionee M12
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- May offer longer standby time due to less demanding hardware
- Significantly weaker performance
- Slower charging speeds
- Less capable camera system
Tecno Camon 16 Pro
- Superior performance with Helio G70
- Faster 18W charging
- More responsive user interface
- Likely slightly higher price
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy use
- May have more bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are missing, but the focus here is on internal differences. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO is expected. Bezels are likely comparable, prioritizing cost reduction over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs are limited. However, the Tecno Camon 16 Pro likely prioritizes its camera system more than the Gionee M12, given Tecno’s marketing focus. While both will likely feature a multi-camera setup, the G70’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) will offer superior image processing capabilities. The Gionee M12’s camera performance will likely be adequate for basic snapshots, but will lack the dynamic range and detail of the Camon 16 Pro. The presence of a 18W charger on the Camon 16 Pro suggests a focus on user experience, potentially extending to camera features like video stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Camon 16 Pro’s Mediatek Helio G70 (12nm) is a significant upgrade over the Gionee M12’s options – either the Helio A25 or Helio P22 (both 12nm). The G70 features a more modern CPU configuration with 2x Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz alongside 6x Cortex-A55 cores at 1.7 GHz. This contrasts with the M12’s either 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 (A25) or 8x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 (P22). The A75 cores in the G70 provide a substantial performance uplift in single-core tasks and improved efficiency. This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking for the Camon 16 Pro. The G70 also has a more capable GPU, offering a better gaming experience. The Gionee M12, while functional, will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Tecno Camon 16 Pro’s 18W wired charging is a key advantage. This will significantly reduce charging times compared to the Gionee M12, which likely supports slower charging speeds. While a larger battery capacity on the M12 could offset this, the convenience of faster charging is a significant benefit for users who rely heavily on their smartphones.
Buying Guide
Buy the Gionee M12 if you prioritize a simple, no-frills experience and are on an extremely tight budget, primarily needing a phone for basic communication and light tasks. Buy the Tecno Camon 16 Pro if you value a more responsive user interface, enjoy occasional gaming, and appreciate the convenience of faster charging, even if it means spending slightly more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Camon 16 Pro handle popular games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Helio G70 in the Camon 16 Pro is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it's significantly better equipped than the Gionee M12 for gaming, which would likely struggle even at the lowest settings.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio G70 and Helio A25/P22 noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Camon 16 Pro’s G70 will result in faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall experience when browsing the web, using social media, and switching between apps. The Gionee M12 will feel sluggish in comparison.
❓ Does the Tecno Camon 16 Pro support fast charging protocols beyond 18W?
While the Camon 16 Pro supports 18W charging, it's unlikely to support more advanced fast charging protocols like Power Delivery or Quick Charge. Using a charger with higher wattage will not necessarily result in faster charging speeds.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
For basic communication, both phones are adequate. However, the Tecno Camon 16 Pro’s superior performance will ensure a smoother and more reliable experience even with basic tasks, and the faster charging is a bonus. The Gionee M12 is a viable option if budget is the absolute primary concern.
