The Lenovo A7 and Tecno Camon 18 represent two contenders in the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential functionality at an accessible price, they diverge significantly in their core hardware, particularly in their chipsets. This comparison will dissect those differences, focusing on how they impact everyday use and overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and a slightly smoother experience, the Tecno Camon 18 is the better choice. Its MediaTek Helio G88, built on a more efficient 12nm process, offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Lenovo A7’s Unisoc SC9863A, despite both being octa-core CPUs. The 18W charging is also a welcome addition.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, April 13. Released 2019, April 13 | 2021, October 04 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, November 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 155 x 75 x 12 mm (6.10 x 2.95 x 0.47 in) | 168.9 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~78.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 11, HIOS 8.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | Unspecified |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 16 MP, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Dusk Gray, Ceramic White, Iris purple |
| Models | L19111 | CH6, CH6n |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Lenovo A7
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple user interface (likely)
- Outdated and inefficient chipset
- Slow performance with demanding apps
- Likely slower charging speeds
Tecno Camon 18
- More powerful and efficient Helio G88 chipset
- Faster 18W charging
- Smoother user experience
- Slightly higher price
- May still struggle with graphically intensive games
- Build quality may be similar to the A7
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the price point, details like panel type (IPS is assumed for both) and resolution are likely similar. However, the focus should be on performance differences. Display quality is likely comparable, but the chipset will dictate how smoothly animations and scrolling appear.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset plays a role in image processing speed. The Helio G88’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is likely more capable than the Unisoc SC9863A’s, resulting in faster image capture and potentially better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The presence of a more powerful processor allows for more complex image processing algorithms. It's reasonable to assume the Camon 18 will offer a more refined camera experience.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Camon 18’s MediaTek Helio G88 (12nm) is a significant upgrade over the Lenovo A7’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The 12nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and potentially sustained performance. While both are octa-core, the Helio G88 features a more powerful CPU configuration with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores alongside 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, compared to the A7’s 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55. This means the Camon 18 will handle multitasking and more demanding apps with greater ease. The A7’s older, larger-node chipset will likely struggle with heavier workloads.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for the A7, but both phones likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The Tecno Camon 18’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage. While not fast charging by today’s standards, it’s significantly quicker than the likely 10W or slower charging on the Lenovo A7. This translates to less time tethered to a charger and more usable time throughout the day. The Helio G88’s efficiency also contributes to better battery life, offsetting any potential capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo A7 if your primary need is a basic, functional smartphone for essential tasks like calls, messaging, and light web browsing, and you are on an extremely tight budget. Buy the Tecno Camon 18 if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, occasional gaming, and faster charging, even if it means spending a little more. The Camon 18 is better suited for users who want a phone that feels less sluggish.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Camon 18 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Helio G88 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. Don't expect flagship-level gaming performance; the focus is on playable, rather than visually stunning, gameplay. The Lenovo A7 will struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset in the Lenovo A7 known for overheating?
The Unisoc SC9863A, due to its older 28nm process, is prone to generating more heat under load. While it won't likely cause catastrophic overheating, users may experience noticeable throttling (performance slowdown) during extended use of demanding apps or games. The Camon 18's 12nm Helio G88 will run cooler.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Tecno Camon 18 compared to the Lenovo A7?
The Tecno Camon 18's 18W charging is substantially faster. While a precise comparison requires knowing the A7's charging wattage (likely 5W-10W), the Camon 18 will likely charge from 0-100% in around 2-3 hours, while the A7 could take 4-6 hours or longer.
