The Tecno Camon 16 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, they take different approaches, primarily centered around their chipset choices. This comparison dives deep into the nuances of the Mediatek Helio G70 versus the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, and how that impacts real-world performance and user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing overall performance and future-proofing, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 720G, built on a more efficient 8nm process, offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Tecno Camon 16’s Helio G70, especially in demanding tasks and gaming. However, the Camon 16 remains a viable option for users focused on basic functionality.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 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, October 01 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, October 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 170.9 x 77.2 x 9.2 mm (6.73 x 3.04 x 0.36 in) | 165.8 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm (6.53 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 207 g (7.30 oz) | 209 g (7.37 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CB Helio G70 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 10, HIOS 6.0 | Android 10, MIUI 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| 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 | 48 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide), AF | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5020 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cloud White, Purist Blue, Misty Grey | Aurora Blue, Glacier White, Interstellar Black, Champagne Gold |
| Models | CE7, CE7j, CE9h, MZ-TECNO CE7j | M2002F4LG |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | 0.95 W/kg (head) 0.82 W/kg (body) | 1.17 W/kg (head) 0.86 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.01 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Camon 16
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- May offer unique software features specific to Tecno
- Inferior chipset performance
- Less efficient power consumption
- Slower charging speeds (likely)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite
- Superior chipset performance (Snapdragon 720G)
- More efficient power consumption
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Potentially higher price point
- May have less aggressive marketing in some regions
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be polarizing
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. While specific details like peak brightness and color accuracy are unavailable, the focus here is on the underlying processing power needed to drive a high-refresh-rate panel – a feature absent on both. The Redmi Note 10 Lite’s chipset is more capable of handling demanding display tasks should a future software update enable higher refresh rates. Bezels are likely comparable given the market segment, and both will likely utilize IPS LCD technology.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, the chipset plays a crucial role in image processing. The Snapdragon 720G’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is more advanced, enabling faster processing, better noise reduction, and improved dynamic range. While both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, the Redmi Note 10 Lite will likely deliver superior image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of a more powerful ISP also aids in video recording capabilities.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) significantly outperforms the Tecno Camon 16’s Mediatek Helio G70 (12nm). The 8nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and sustained performance. The Snapdragon 720G’s Kryo 465 Gold cores, clocked at 2.3 GHz, provide a clear advantage over the Helio G70’s 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. This difference is particularly noticeable in graphically intensive games and multitasking. The Redmi Note 10 Lite will exhibit less throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 10 Lite benefits from 18W wired charging, a feature absent or less prominent on the Tecno Camon 16 (specific charging speed unavailable). While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the Snapdragon 720G’s superior power efficiency means the Redmi Note 10 Lite will likely achieve comparable or better battery life despite potentially having a similar or smaller battery capacity. The 18W charging will also significantly reduce charging times, offering a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Camon 16 if you need a functional smartphone for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and prioritize a potentially lower price point. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience, enjoy mobile gaming, and value the benefits of a more efficient chipset and faster charging capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi Note 10 Lite’s Snapdragon 720G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 720G is well-equipped to handle PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. Its Adreno 618 GPU provides sufficient graphical power, and the 8nm process minimizes throttling during extended gaming sessions. Expect a smoother and more consistent gaming experience compared to the Tecno Camon 16.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance between the Helio G70 and Snapdragon 720G noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
While both phones will handle basic tasks adequately, the Snapdragon 720G offers a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience. App launch times will be faster, multitasking will be more fluid, and animations will appear less laggy. The difference is subtle for casual users, but becomes apparent with frequent app switching and heavier usage.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 10 Lite support fast charging, and how long does it take to fully charge?
The Redmi Note 10 Lite supports 18W fast charging. While the exact 0-100% charge time will vary depending on usage and ambient temperature, you can expect a full charge in approximately 2-3 hours. This is significantly faster than the Tecno Camon 16, which likely supports slower charging speeds.
