The Tecno Camon 17 and Oppo A74 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive sub-$200 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features, they diverge significantly in their core processing power and underlying architecture. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing long-term efficiency and 5G connectivity, the Oppo A74 5G is the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 480, built on an 8nm process, offers better power management than the Tecno Camon 17’s 12nm Helio G85, translating to potentially longer battery life and less thermal throttling during sustained use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, May 08 | 2021, April 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 22 | Available. Released 2021, April 13 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 76.5 x 9 mm (6.48 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 162.9 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm (6.41 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 (single lane) |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 16 MP | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Triple | 48 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Panorama |
| Single | 16 MP | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | Yes | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Frost Sliver, Deep Sea, Tranquil Green | Fluid Black, Space Silver |
| Models | CG6, CG6j | CPH2197, CPH2263 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Tecno Camon 17
- Potentially higher CPU performance in burst tasks.
- May offer brighter, more saturated image processing.
- Competitive price point.
- Less power-efficient chipset (12nm).
- Likely shorter battery life.
- May experience more thermal throttling.
Oppo A74 5G
- More efficient Snapdragon 480 chipset (8nm).
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds.
- Potentially longer battery life.
- Better long-term software support.
- CPU performance may be slightly lower in peak loads.
- Image processing may be less vibrant.
- Price may be slightly higher.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood: display driver efficiency. While specific panel specs are unavailable, the Oppo A74 5G’s more efficient chipset could contribute to slightly better battery life even when displaying content at similar brightness levels. Bezels are expected to be comparable, and color accuracy will likely be standard for budget phones.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor information, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the market positioning suggests the Oppo A74 5G may prioritize image processing algorithms optimized for social media sharing, while the Tecno Camon 17 might lean towards brighter, more saturated images. The presence of 5G on the A74 5G also facilitates faster uploads of photos and videos. It's crucial to note that the inclusion of low-resolution 'macro' or 'depth' sensors on either device adds minimal value to the overall photography experience.
Performance
The core battleground is the chipset. The Oppo A74 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G, fabricated on an 8nm process, holds a significant advantage over the Tecno Camon 17’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm). The smaller node size directly translates to improved power efficiency and reduced heat generation. While both CPUs feature a 2x2.0 GHz core configuration alongside 6x1.8 GHz cores, the Snapdragon’s Kryo 460 cores are architecturally more advanced, offering better performance per watt. This means the A74 5G will likely handle demanding tasks and multitasking more smoothly, and sustain performance for longer periods without throttling.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds. However, the Oppo A74 5G’s more efficient Snapdragon 480 chipset will likely result in better real-world battery life. The 8nm process consumes less power than the Helio G85’s 12nm process, even with similar usage patterns. While battery capacity isn't specified, the efficiency gain of the Snapdragon 480 is a significant advantage, potentially adding hours to daily usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Camon 17 if you prioritize raw CPU performance for tasks like video editing or running multiple apps simultaneously, and aren't heavily reliant on 5G. Buy the Oppo A74 5G if you value 5G connectivity, efficient power consumption for all-day use, and a more modern chipset architecture that promises better software support in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 480 in the Oppo A74 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 480 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. While not a gaming powerhouse, its efficiency will prevent excessive throttling during extended gaming sessions, offering a more consistent experience than the Helio G85.
❓ How much faster is 5G on the Oppo A74 5G compared to 4G on the Tecno Camon 17?
5G speeds on the Oppo A74 5G can be significantly faster than 4G on the Tecno Camon 17, potentially offering download speeds 10-100x faster depending on network conditions and carrier support. This translates to quicker app downloads, smoother streaming, and faster web browsing.
❓ Does the Tecno Camon 17 benefit from a larger RAM capacity if I multitask frequently?
While a larger RAM capacity can help with multitasking, the Helio G85’s inherent limitations in processing efficiency will still be a bottleneck. The Oppo A74 5G’s more efficient chipset will likely provide a smoother multitasking experience even with a comparable RAM configuration.
❓ Is the 18W charging on both phones considered fast charging in 2024?
18W charging is relatively standard for phones in this price range and is not considered 'fast charging' by today's standards. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours. The efficiency of the chipset will have a minor impact on charge times, but the wattage is the primary factor.
