The Tecno Camon 12 and Infinix Note 7 represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, they diverge significantly in their core hardware, particularly in processing power and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Infinix Note 7 emerges as the superior choice. Its Helio G70 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the Camon 12’s Helio P22, making it better suited for gaming and demanding applications. The addition of 18W fast charging further enhances its usability, despite a potentially similar battery capacity.
| 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 |
| EDGE | Yes | - |
| GPRS | Yes | - |
| 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 |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August. Released 2019, August | 2020, April 06. Released 2020, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 166 x 75.8 x 8.2 mm (6.54 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) | 173.4 x 79 x 8.8 mm (6.83 x 3.11 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 170.7 g (6.03 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~258 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.95 inches, 114.7 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CB Helio G70 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), HIOS 5.5 | Android 10, XOS 6.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
2 MP, f/1.8, (dedicated video camera) - 128/6 model only
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | - |
| Triple | 16 MP, PDAF
8 MP
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| 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 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Talk time | Up to 7 h (multimedia) | - |
| Type | 4000 mAh, non-removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dawn Blue, Dark Jade, Sky Cyan | Forest Green, Aether Black, Bolivia Blue |
| Models | CC7S | X690B, X690 |
| Price | About 460 EUR | - |
Tecno Camon 12
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Adequate for basic smartphone tasks
- Significantly weaker performance
- Slower charging speeds
- Limited gaming capabilities
Infinix Note 7
- Superior performance with Helio G70
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Better suited for gaming and multitasking
- May be slightly more expensive
- Potentially similar battery capacity to Camon 12
- Software experience can vary
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar power constraints impacting display capabilities. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing, the focus here is on performance. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO on either device indicates a cost-optimized approach. Bezels are likely comparable, given the shared market segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the presence of sensors, a direct comparison is limited. However, the market positioning suggests the Infinix Note 7 likely benefits from more sophisticated image processing algorithms, leveraging the increased processing power of the Helio G70. The Camon 12, while potentially offering a decent camera for its price, will likely struggle with dynamic range and low-light performance compared to the Note 7. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests limited utility; focusing on the main sensor's quality is more important.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Note 7’s MediaTek Helio G70 is a significant upgrade over the Tecno Camon 12’s Helio P22. The G70 features a combination of 2x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x 1.7 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, offering a more powerful and efficient architecture compared to the Camon 12’s all-Cortex-A53 setup at 2.0 GHz. The A75 cores in the G70 provide a noticeable boost in single-core performance, crucial for app responsiveness, while the combination of core types improves multi-core performance for tasks like video editing or gaming. This translates to smoother multitasking and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Note 7.
Battery Life
While specific battery capacities are unknown, the Infinix Note 7’s 18W wired charging is a key advantage. This significantly reduces charging times compared to the likely slower charging speeds of the Tecno Camon 12. Even if the Camon 12 has a slightly larger battery, the Note 7’s faster charging will provide a more convenient user experience. The Helio G70’s improved efficiency may also contribute to comparable real-world battery life despite potentially similar capacities.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Camon 12 if your primary needs revolve around basic smartphone functionality – calls, texts, social media – and you prioritize a lower upfront cost. Buy the Infinix Note 7 if you enjoy mobile gaming, frequently use resource-intensive apps, or value faster charging speeds. The Note 7 is the clear choice for users seeking a more future-proof and versatile experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Note 7 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Helio G70 chipset in the Infinix Note 7 is specifically designed for gaming. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it should handle PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. The improved CPU and GPU architecture compared to the Camon 12’s Helio P22 make a significant difference in gaming smoothness.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Infinix Note 7 a significant improvement over the Tecno Camon 12?
Yes, 18W charging is a substantial upgrade. While the Tecno Camon 12 likely supports standard 5W or 10W charging, the Note 7’s 18W charging will significantly reduce charging times, allowing you to get back to using your phone much faster. Expect a 0-100% charge in under 2 hours with the Note 7, compared to potentially 3+ hours on the Camon 12.
❓ Does the Tecno Camon 12 have any advantages for users who primarily use social media and messaging apps?
The Tecno Camon 12’s lower price point might be attractive if your usage is limited to basic tasks like social media, messaging, and web browsing. However, even for these tasks, the Note 7’s smoother performance will provide a more responsive and enjoyable experience. The Camon 12’s advantage is purely financial.
