The Tecno Camon 16 and Realme 8i represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. Both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The Camon 16 focuses on providing a functional device, while the Realme 8i attempts to elevate performance with a more modern chipset. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you determine which best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 8i is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G96 chipset, featuring Cortex-A76 cores, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Camon 16’s Helio G70. While both phones share an identical endurance rating, the 8i’s faster processor translates to a smoother overall experience, especially for gaming and multitasking.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 10. Released 2020, October 16 | 2021, September 09 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, September 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 170.9 x 77.2 x 9.2 mm (6.73 x 3.04 x 0.36 in) | 164.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 207 g (7.30 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CB Helio G70 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, HIOS 6.0 | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Penta-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | Panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide), AF | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cloud White, Purist Blue, Misty Grey | Space Black, Space Purple |
| Models | CE7, CE7j, CE9h, MZ-TECNO CE7j | RMX3151 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 440 EUR |
| SAR | 0.95 W/kg (head) 0.82 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 131h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.4 LUFS (Average)
|
Tecno Camon 16
- Potentially lower price point
- Decent battery endurance
- Functional for basic tasks
- Older, less powerful chipset
- Limited display information
- Potentially basic camera system
Realme 8i
- More powerful Helio G96 chipset
- Brighter and higher contrast display
- Faster 18W charging
- May be slightly more expensive
- Battery life is comparable, not superior
- Camera details are limited
Display Comparison
The Realme 8i boasts a measured peak brightness of 540 nits and a 1244:1 contrast ratio, suggesting a more vibrant and visible display in bright conditions compared to the Tecno Camon 16, for which display specifications are not provided. While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels given their price points, the Realme 8i’s higher brightness offers a tangible advantage for outdoor visibility. The lack of detailed display information for the Camon 16 suggests it may not compete in this area.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are absent. Given the market positioning, it’s likely both rely on primary sensors in the 13-48MP range. Without knowing sensor sizes, apertures, or image processing algorithms, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Realme brand generally emphasizes camera features more heavily, suggesting a potentially more refined camera experience. The absence of details on the Camon 16’s camera suggests it may be a more basic implementation.
Performance
The core difference between these two devices lies in their chipsets. The Realme 8i’s Mediatek Helio G96, with its octa-core configuration of 2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, represents a significant upgrade over the Tecno Camon 16’s Helio G70 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55). The Cortex-A76 cores in the G96 offer superior single-core performance, resulting in snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The G96 also benefits from a more efficient architecture, potentially leading to better sustained performance under load. While both are 12nm chips, the architectural improvements in the G96 are key.
Battery Life
Interestingly, both the Tecno Camon 16 and Realme 8i share an endurance rating of 131 hours. This suggests similar real-world battery life despite the Realme 8i’s more powerful processor. The Realme 8i includes 18W wired charging, which, while not exceptionally fast, offers a quicker top-up compared to the charging speed of the Camon 16, which is not specified. The similar endurance rating indicates that the G96’s efficiency partially offsets its higher power draw.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Camon 16 if you prioritize a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and are on a very tight budget. Buy the Realme 8i if you value smoother performance for gaming, multitasking, and a more responsive user experience, and are willing to spend a little more for the upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 8i handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Realme 8i’s Helio G96 chipset, with its Cortex-A76 cores, is significantly better equipped for gaming than the Tecno Camon 16’s Helio G70. While it won’t deliver flagship-level performance, it should provide a playable experience in PUBG Mobile at medium settings. Expect frame rate drops during intense firefights, but overall, it’s a more capable gaming device.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera information for the Tecno Camon 16 a cause for concern?
Yes, the absence of specific camera specs for the Camon 16 suggests it may not be a primary focus of the device. In the budget segment, camera quality often correlates with sensor size and image processing capabilities, both of which are unknown for the Camon 16. The Realme 8i, while also lacking detailed specs, benefits from Realme’s general emphasis on camera features.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Realme 8i with the 18W charger?
While a precise 0-100% charging time isn't available, the Realme 8i’s 18W charging should take approximately 2-2.5 hours for a full charge. This is faster than the Tecno Camon 16, whose charging speed is unspecified, likely being slower.
