Tecno's Camon series consistently delivers compelling features at aggressive price points. The Camon 12 Pro and 15 Pro represent iterative improvements within this line, but the core question remains: does the 15 Pro's upgraded chipset justify the potential price difference over the 12 Pro? This comparison dives deep into the specifications to reveal which device offers the best value for everyday users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Camon 15 Pro is the superior choice. The Helio P35 chipset, with its faster core clock speeds, provides a noticeable performance boost in multitasking and app loading times. While the Camon 12 Pro remains a capable device, the 15 Pro’s improved processing power offers a smoother user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 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, September. Released 2019, September | 2020, February 21. Released 2020, February 25 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 158.6 x 75.5 x 7.8 mm (6.24 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) | 163.3 x 77.7 x 9.1 mm (6.43 x 3.06 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 161 g (5.68 oz) | 203 g (7.16 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~276 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~390 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.35 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 106.9 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), HIOS 5.5 | Android 10, HIOS 6.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, PDAF
5 MP
2 MP
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 16 MP, PDAF
8 MP
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | - |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | Motorized pop-up 32 MP |
| 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, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 3500 mAh, non-removable | 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dawn Blue | Ice Jadeite, Opal White |
| Models | - | CD8 |
| Price | About 10000 INR | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.79 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Camon 12 Pro
- Potentially lower price point
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks
- Likely good battery life for light usage
- Slower processor compared to the 15 Pro
- Less responsive multitasking
- May struggle with demanding games
Tecno Camon 15 Pro
- Faster and more efficient Helio P35 chipset
- Improved multitasking and app loading speeds
- Better gaming performance
- Potentially longer battery life due to chipset efficiency
- Likely a higher price tag
- May not offer a significant camera improvement without sensor details
Display Comparison
Neither Tecno provides detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given the market segment, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The key difference lies in the processing power driving the display, which impacts UI smoothness. Without knowing resolution or brightness, it's difficult to assess visual quality, but the 15 Pro’s faster chipset could contribute to a more fluid scrolling experience.
Camera Comparison
Without sensor details, a direct camera comparison is limited. Both phones likely feature multi-camera setups common in this price range. However, the improved processing power of the Helio P35 in the Camon 15 Pro could lead to faster image processing, better low-light performance, and more effective HDR algorithms. The chipset’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) plays a crucial role in image quality, and the P35’s is demonstrably more capable than the P22’s. Any software enhancements in the 15 Pro would also benefit from the increased processing headroom.
Performance
The core distinction between these devices is the chipset. The Camon 12 Pro features the Mediatek Helio P22 (MT6762) with an octa-core CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz, all Cortex-A53 cores. The Camon 15 Pro steps up to the Helio P35 (MT6765), also octa-core, but with a heterogeneous configuration: four cores at 2.35 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz, still Cortex-A53 based. This 'big.LITTLE' architecture in the P35 allows for more efficient power management – using the faster cores for demanding tasks and the slower cores for background processes. This translates to a more responsive user experience and improved performance in applications that can leverage multiple cores.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified, making a direct comparison difficult. However, the Helio P35 in the Camon 15 Pro is a more power-efficient chipset than the P22. This means the 15 Pro could potentially offer longer battery life despite similar capacity. Furthermore, the faster processing power could reduce the time spent waiting for apps to load, indirectly conserving battery. Charging wattage is also unknown, but the P35’s improved power management could allow for more efficient charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Camon 12 Pro if you prioritize maximizing value and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Its Helio P22 chipset is sufficient for these needs. Buy the Tecno Camon 15 Pro if you frequently multitask, enjoy mobile gaming, or demand quicker app responsiveness. The Helio P35 provides a tangible performance upgrade that justifies the investment for power users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Camon 15 Pro handle PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Helio P35 in the Camon 15 Pro is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The Camon 12 Pro’s Helio P22 would struggle to provide a consistently smooth experience, even on low settings.
❓ Does the difference in chipset translate to a noticeable difference in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the Helio P35’s faster processing speeds will result in quicker app launches, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall user experience when browsing the web or using social media apps. The difference won't be dramatic, but it will be noticeable.
❓ If I primarily use my phone for calls and WhatsApp, is the Camon 15 Pro worth the extra cost?
For basic usage like calls and WhatsApp, the Camon 12 Pro is perfectly adequate and represents better value. The 15 Pro’s extra processing power won’t be fully utilized in these scenarios.
❓ Are there any known thermal throttling issues with the Helio P35 in the Camon 15 Pro?
Based on general Helio P35 performance, prolonged intensive tasks like gaming *could* lead to some thermal throttling, reducing sustained performance. However, Tecno’s thermal management implementation will play a significant role, and specific throttling behavior isn't documented for this device.
