The Tecno Camon 12 Pro represented a strong value proposition in its time, focusing on affordability. However, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G enters the arena with a significantly more modern chipset and 5G connectivity, raising the question: does the upgrade justify the cost for everyday users and those seeking future-proofed features?
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 750G chipset delivers substantially better performance and 5G capabilities, while the 33W charging significantly reduces downtime. The Tecno Camon 12 Pro remains a viable option for extremely budget-conscious buyers prioritizing basic functionality.
| 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September. Released 2019, September | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 158.6 x 75.5 x 7.8 mm (6.24 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) | 165.4 x 76.8 x 9 mm (6.51 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 161 g (5.68 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~276 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.35 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | IPS LCD, HDR10, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), HIOS 5.5 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 16 MP, PDAF
8 MP
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 33W wired, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | 3500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4820 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dawn Blue | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | - | M2007J17C |
| Price | About 10000 INR | About 370 EUR |
Tecno Camon 12 Pro
- Extremely affordable price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Potentially longer battery life with conservative usage
- Outdated Helio P22 chipset
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Slower charging speeds
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- Powerful Snapdragon 750G chipset
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- 33W fast charging (0-100% in 58 minutes)
- Higher price compared to the Camon 12 Pro
- May require a 5G-enabled SIM and network
- IPS LCD display isn't cutting-edge
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. While specific display specs for the Camon 12 Pro are unavailable, Tecno typically utilizes IPS LCD panels in this price bracket. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G also features an IPS LCD. The key difference lies in the processing power driving the display; the Snapdragon 750G’s ISP can likely handle more efficient color calibration and image processing. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s larger market segment suggests a higher probability of better quality control regarding panel uniformity and color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs for the Camon 12 Pro, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G likely holds an advantage due to its more modern image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Snapdragon 750G. This ISP enables better noise reduction, dynamic range, and overall image quality. While both phones likely feature multiple rear cameras, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s processing capabilities will likely result in more usable images, particularly in low-light conditions. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s ISP also supports more advanced features like 4K video recording, which is unlikely on the Camon 12 Pro.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm) is a far more advanced chipset than the Tecno Camon 12 Pro’s MediaTek Helio P22 (12nm). The Snapdragon 750G utilizes Kryo 570 cores clocked up to 2.2 GHz, offering a significant uplift in both single-core and multi-core performance compared to the Camon 12 Pro’s 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The 8nm process node of the Snapdragon 750G also translates to better power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling during sustained workloads, benefiting gamers and power users. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 5G modem is a key advantage, enabling faster data speeds where available.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W wired charging is a game-changer, achieving a full charge in just 58 minutes. This is a significant advantage over the Camon 12 Pro, which likely relies on slower charging speeds. While battery capacity isn’t specified for the Camon 12 Pro, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s efficient Snapdragon 750G chipset and optimized software can deliver comparable, if not better, real-world battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity. The faster charging of the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G minimizes downtime and provides greater convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Camon 12 Pro if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you prioritize smoother multitasking, gaming, faster download speeds with 5G, and quicker charging times, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 750G’s 8nm process and efficient thermal design minimize overheating. While some throttling is possible during extended, graphically intensive gaming, it’s significantly less likely than with the Helio P22 in the Camon 12 Pro, which is more prone to thermal limitations.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G worth the extra cost if 5G isn't widely available in my area?
Even without immediate 5G access, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s modem supports 4G LTE, and the more advanced chipset provides a smoother overall experience. The 5G capability future-proofs the device for when 5G infrastructure expands in your region.
❓ How does the Helio P22 in the Camon 12 Pro handle multitasking compared to the Snapdragon 750G?
The Helio P22 struggles with demanding multitasking. Switching between apps can be slow and laggy, especially with multiple apps open simultaneously. The Snapdragon 750G, with its more powerful cores and ample RAM support, handles multitasking with ease, allowing for a much smoother user experience.
