Tecno has been steadily gaining traction in the smartphone market, and the Camon series is a key player. The Camon 17 Pro and 18 Premier represent recent iterations, each boasting unique features. But which one offers the better overall experience? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Camon 18 Premier edges out the 17 Pro thanks to its faster charging, slightly improved chipset, and potentially better camera capabilities (though both are strong). However, the 17 Pro's significantly longer battery life is a compelling factor for some users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, May 08 | 2021, October 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 03 | Available. Released 2021, October 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 168.9 x 77 x 9 mm (6.65 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) | 163.8 x 75.9 x 8.2 mm (6.45 x 2.99 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 200.6 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 | Android 11, HIOS 8.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP, f/2.4, (monochrome)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 48 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm | 32 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/3.5, 135mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, 5x optical zoom
12 MP, (ultrawide), gimbal OIS |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 48 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm | 32 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 25W / 33W wired | 33W wired, 64% in 30 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 4750 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | California Silver, Malibu Blue | Polar night, Vast sky |
| Models | CG8, CG8h | CH9, CH9n |
| Price | About 280 EUR | About 390 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 140h
|
Endurance rating 112h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 781:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-24.4 LUFS (Very good)
|
-26.2 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 309107 (v8)
GeekBench: 1668 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 293517 (v8), 346389 (v9)
GeekBench: 1758 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Tecno Camon 17 Pro
- Exceptional battery life (140h endurance)
- Bright and vibrant display (538 nits)
- Good value for money
- Solid mid-range performance
- Slightly older chipset
- Charging speed could be faster
- Camera potentially not as advanced as 18 Premier
Tecno Camon 18 Premier
- Faster charging (33W, 64% in 30 min)
- Slightly more powerful chipset (Helio G96)
- Potentially better camera system
- Sleek design
- Lower battery life (112h endurance)
- Lower peak brightness (422 nits)
- Potentially higher price
Display Comparison
The Camon 17 Pro boasts a measured peak brightness of 538 nits and a 781:1 contrast ratio, delivering a bright and vivid display. The Camon 18 Premier, while claiming an 'infinite' contrast ratio (likely a marketing term), has a lower measured brightness of 422 nits. While the 17 Pro's brightness advantage is noticeable outdoors, both offer a pleasant viewing experience. The 18 Premier's display might benefit from slightly better color accuracy, but this is difficult to confirm without detailed testing.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems, but the Camon 18 Premier is generally expected to have a slightly more advanced setup. While specific camera specs are not provided, the 18 Premier often includes a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing algorithms. Both phones likely offer good low-light performance and a variety of shooting modes. Detailed camera comparisons would require extensive testing.
Performance
The Camon 17 Pro utilizes a Mediatek Helio G95, a solid mid-range chipset. The Camon 18 Premier steps up to the Helio G96, offering a modest performance boost. Both phones feature the same CPU configuration (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55), so the difference is primarily in the GPU and overall efficiency of the G96. Expect slightly smoother gaming and app multitasking on the 18 Premier.
Battery Life
This is where the Camon 17 Pro shines. Its endurance rating of 140h significantly surpasses the Camon 18 Premier's 112h. While the 18 Premier offers faster 33W charging (reaching 64% in 30 minutes), the 17 Pro's superior battery life provides longer usage between charges.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Camon 17 Pro is ideal for users prioritizing exceptional battery life and a vibrant display on a budget. The Tecno Camon 18 Premier is a better choice for those who value faster charging speeds, a potentially more refined camera system, and a slightly more powerful processor, even if it means sacrificing some battery endurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tecno Camon 18 Premier worth the upgrade from the Camon 17 Pro?
It depends on your priorities. If battery life is paramount, the 17 Pro remains a strong contender. However, if you value faster charging and a potentially better camera, the 18 Premier is a worthwhile upgrade.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Tecno Camon 18 Premier, with its slightly more powerful Helio G96 chipset, should offer marginally better gaming performance, though both are capable of handling most mobile games.
