The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Tecno Camon 17 Pro and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at attractive price points, but which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12S edges out the Camon 17 Pro thanks to its likely improved camera system and potentially more modern software experience. While the Camon 17 Pro boasts impressive battery endurance, the Note 12S offers a more well-rounded package for most 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, May 08 | 2023, March 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 03 | Available. Released 2023, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 168.9 x 77 x 9 mm (6.65 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak) |
| 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 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| 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 | - |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 48 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1), BDS (B1) |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | Stereo FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 25W / 33W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | California Silver, Malibu Blue | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green |
| Models | CG8, CG8h | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L |
| Price | About 280 EUR | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 140h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 781:1 (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-24.4 LUFS (Very good)
| - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 309107 (v8)
GeekBench: 1668 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Tecno Camon 17 Pro
- Exceptional battery life (140h endurance)
- Vibrant display with high contrast
- Potentially good value for money
- Camera details are unclear
- Software experience may be less polished
- Chipset is slightly older
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- Likely improved camera system
- Potentially smoother software experience
- Fast charging (33W)
- Modern design
- Battery life may be slightly shorter than Camon 17 Pro
- Performance is comparable to Camon 17 Pro
Display Comparison
The Tecno Camon 17 Pro boasts a high contrast ratio of 781:1 and a measured brightness of 538 nits, suggesting a vibrant and easily viewable display. The Redmi Note 12S likely features an AMOLED display (common for the series), offering deeper blacks and potentially better color accuracy, though specific specs are needed for confirmation. Brightness is expected to be competitive.
Camera Comparison
The Camon 17 Pro is marketed as a camera-focused device, but specific sensor details are missing. The Redmi Note 12S is expected to have a higher resolution main sensor and potentially improved image processing, leading to better overall photo quality, especially in low light. Video capabilities are likely comparable.
Performance
Both phones utilize a Mediatek Helio G95 (Camon 17 Pro) and Helio G96 (Redmi Note 12S) chipset with the same CPU configuration. While the G96 generally offers a slight edge in GPU performance, real-world differences will likely be minimal for everyday tasks. Software optimization will play a crucial role in the overall user experience.
Battery Life
The Tecno Camon 17 Pro shines with an impressive endurance rating of 140 hours, indicating exceptional battery life. The Redmi Note 12S, while offering 33W fast charging, likely has a slightly smaller battery capacity, but should still provide a full day of use.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Camon 17 Pro is ideal for users prioritizing exceptional battery life and a vibrant display. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is a better choice for those seeking a more versatile camera system, a potentially smoother user experience, and a more modern design.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Tecno Camon 17 Pro has a significantly higher endurance rating (140h), suggesting superior battery life.
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12S worth the extra money?
It depends on your priorities. If camera quality and a smoother software experience are important, the Redmi Note 12S is likely worth the investment.