The Tecno Camon 15 and Nokia 5.3 represent two popular choices in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, they diverge significantly in their core hardware, particularly the chipset. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing overall performance and efficiency, the Nokia 5.3 is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 665, built on an 11nm process, provides a noticeable advantage in multitasking and app responsiveness compared to the Tecno Camon 15’s older, less efficient Helio P22.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Global |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global |
| 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, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 21. Released 2020, February 25 | 2020, March 19. Released 2020, April 02 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.1 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.46 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 164.3 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10, HIOS 6.0 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, PDAF
2 MP
2 MP
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Shoal Gold, Fascinating Purple, Jade | Cyan, Sand, Charcoal |
| Models | CD7 | TA-1234, TA-1223, TA-1227, TA-1229 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 290 EUR |
| SAR | 0.80 W/kg (head) 0.82 W/kg (body) | 1.03 W/kg (head) 0.95 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Camon 15
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- May have a larger battery capacity (unconfirmed)
- Less efficient chipset (Helio P22)
- Slower performance and responsiveness
- Inferior image processing capabilities
Nokia 5.3
- More efficient chipset (Snapdragon 665)
- Better performance and multitasking
- Superior image processing
- More modern CPU architecture
- Slightly higher price
- Slow 10W charging
- May have a smaller battery capacity (unconfirmed)
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifications are not provided, so we must rely on market positioning. Both likely feature 720p+ LCD panels. However, the Nokia 5.3, being a slightly newer device, may benefit from minor improvements in color calibration and viewing angles. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO is standard for this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, the market positioning suggests both phones will feature basic camera setups. The Nokia 5.3 likely benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP), which generally offers superior image processing capabilities compared to MediaTek’s ISP found in the Camon 15. This translates to better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of a dedicated ISP on the Snapdragon 665 is a significant advantage. We can assume both phones will include a standard macro lens, but its utility will be limited due to the low resolution typically found in this price range.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia 5.3’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 (11nm) is a clear upgrade over the Tecno Camon 15’s MediaTek Helio P22 (12nm). The 11nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon 665 translates to better power efficiency and reduced heat generation. Furthermore, the Snapdragon 665 utilizes a Kryo CPU architecture with a combination of performance (Gold) and efficiency (Silver) cores – a design that optimizes for both speed and battery life. The Helio P22, with its homogenous Cortex-A53 cores, lacks this nuanced approach. While both are octa-core and clocked at 2.0 GHz, the Snapdragon 665’s architecture provides a more responsive user experience, especially during multitasking and app switching. The Nokia 5.3 will handle moderately demanding apps and light gaming more comfortably.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Snapdragon 665’s superior power efficiency gives the Nokia 5.3 an advantage in battery life. While the Tecno Camon 15 might have a slightly larger battery, the Helio P22’s less efficient architecture will likely negate that advantage. The Nokia 5.3’s 10W charging is slow by modern standards, but it’s consistent with the budget nature of the device. The Camon 15’s charging speed is unknown, but likely similar.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Camon 15 if your primary need is a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and you are on an extremely tight budget. Buy the Nokia 5.3 if you value smoother performance, slightly better gaming capabilities, and a more modern chipset architecture, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia 5.3 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 665 in the Nokia 5.3 can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (balanced or low) to maintain a stable frame rate. The Helio P22 in the Tecno Camon 15 will struggle with PUBG Mobile, even on the lowest settings.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance noticeable for everyday tasks?
Yes, the Snapdragon 665 offers a noticeably smoother experience for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and app switching. The Helio P22 can feel sluggish, especially when multitasking or opening multiple apps.
❓ Does the Nokia 5.3 support fast charging?
No, the Nokia 5.3 only supports 10W wired charging, which is relatively slow. Expect a full charge to take over two hours. The Tecno Camon 15’s charging speed is unknown, but likely similar.
❓ Which phone is better for taking photos in low light?
The Nokia 5.3 is expected to perform better in low-light conditions due to the Snapdragon 665’s superior image signal processor (ISP), which improves noise reduction and dynamic range.
