The Tecno Camon 12 Air and Infinix S4 are popular choices in the budget smartphone market, offering a blend of features and affordability. But which one truly delivers the best value? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and overall user experience to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix S4 edges out the Tecno Camon 12 Air thanks to its consistently better chipset and slightly superior camera performance. While both offer good value, the S4's more reliable performance makes it the preferred choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, October. Released 2019, October | 2019, April. Released 2019, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.2 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) | 156 x 75 x 7.9 mm (6.14 x 2.95 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 181 g (6.38 oz) | 154 g (5.43 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), HIOS 5.5 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSD | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | 16 MP, PDAF
5 MP
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, PDAF
8 MP
2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 4000 mAh | 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Blue, Alpenglow Gold, Stellar Purple | Space gray, nebula blue, twilight purple |
| Models | - | X626, X626B, X610B, X626B LTE |
Tecno Camon 12 Air
- Larger Display (potentially)
- More Affordable
- Decent Battery Life
- Good for Media Consumption
- Slightly Weaker Chipset
- Less Consistent Camera Performance
- Older Design
Infinix S4
- Slightly Better Performance
- Superior Camera System
- More Premium Design
- Consistent Performance
- Slightly Smaller Display
- Potentially Higher Price
- Micro USB Charging
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, with the Camon 12 Air potentially having a slightly larger screen size (around 6.53 inches) versus the S4's 6.2-inch display. Both utilize IPS LCD technology, offering decent color accuracy and viewing angles. However, the S4 might have a slightly higher resolution, leading to a marginally sharper image. Brightness levels are likely comparable.
Camera Comparison
The Infinix S4 boasts a triple-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth + AI camera) compared to the Camon 12 Air's dual-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth). The S4's additional depth sensor and AI capabilities contribute to better portrait mode performance and overall image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Both phones feature a front-facing camera for selfies, likely around 13MP on both.
Performance
The Infinix S4 holds a slight advantage here. While both utilize Mediatek Helio P22 chipsets, the Camon 12 Air's chipset variation (MT6761) is generally considered a step down from the MT6762 found in the S4. This translates to slightly smoother multitasking and app loading times on the S4. Gaming performance will be adequate on both, but don't expect high frame rates on demanding titles.
Battery Life
Both phones pack sizable batteries, typically around 4000mAh. Battery life should be comparable, offering a full day of moderate usage. Charging speeds are likely similar, utilizing standard micro-USB charging.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Camon 12 Air is ideal for users prioritizing a larger display and a slightly more affordable price point. The Infinix S4 is a better fit for those seeking smoother performance, a more consistent camera experience, and a slightly more premium feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Infinix S4 generally offers slightly better gaming performance due to its more efficient chipset.
❓ Is the Tecno Camon 12 Air worth buying if I'm on a tight budget?
Yes, the Camon 12 Air remains a viable option if budget is your absolute top priority, but be aware of the performance trade-offs.
