The Tecno Camon 18 P and Samsung Galaxy A32 represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, they take different approaches. The Camon 18 P prioritizes processing power and charging speed, while the Galaxy A32 focuses on display quality and established brand recognition. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Camon 18 P emerges as the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Helio G96 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Galaxy A32’s Helio G80, and the 33W fast charging significantly reduces downtime. While the A32 boasts a brighter display, the Camon 18 P’s overall package offers a more modern and responsive experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 04 | 2021, February 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 14 | Available. Released 2021, February 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168.9 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 158.9 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm (6.26 x 2.90 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 184 g (6.49 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ) | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 8.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
13 MP, 45mm (telephoto), PDAF, 1.7x optical zoom
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dusk Gray, Ceramic White, Iris purple | Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Blue, Awesome Violet |
| Models | CH7n, CH7 | SM-A325F, SM-A325F/DS, SM-A325M, SM-A325N |
| Price | About 200 EUR | € 124.99 / £ 89.38 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.45 W/kg (head) 1.30 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 119h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.3 LUFS (Below average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 286666 (v8)
GeekBench: 1277 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 8.1fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Tecno Camon 18 P
- Faster charging (33W)
- More powerful chipset (Helio G96)
- Improved CPU architecture
- Display brightness likely lower than A32
- Limited display specifications available
Samsung Galaxy A32
- Brighter display (814 nits)
- Established brand reputation
- Good contrast ratio
- Slower charging (15W)
- Less powerful chipset (Helio G80)
- Potentially less responsive performance
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A32 holds a clear advantage in display brightness, achieving a measured peak of 814 nits. This makes it significantly more usable outdoors under direct sunlight. While the Camon 18 P’s display specifications are not provided, it’s unlikely to match the A32’s peak brightness. The A32’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio (nominal) suggests a typical IPS panel, offering good color reproduction, but potentially limited viewing angles compared to more advanced panel technologies. The lack of refresh rate information for the Camon 18 P suggests it likely operates at the standard 60Hz, while the A32 is also expected to be 60Hz, meaning neither offers the smoother scrolling experience of higher refresh rate displays.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. Without information on sensor sizes, apertures, or image processing algorithms, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market positioning suggests the Galaxy A32 likely prioritizes a balanced camera experience, while Tecno often focuses on megapixel count. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A32 is a common budget phone tactic, offering limited real-world benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS). The Camon 18 P may offer a more competitive camera system given its focus on delivering value in key areas.
Performance
The Tecno Camon 18 P’s Mediatek Helio G96 chipset represents a step up from the Galaxy A32’s Helio G80. The G96 features a more modern CPU architecture with 2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 cores alongside 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, compared to the A32’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration. The Cortex-A76 cores in the G96 offer improved single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother overall responsiveness. Both chipsets are built on a 12nm process, but the architectural improvements in the G96 give the Camon 18 P a clear edge in demanding tasks. The GPU performance difference is also significant, making the Camon 18 P better suited for gaming.
Battery Life
Interestingly, both the Tecno Camon 18 P and Samsung Galaxy A32 share an endurance rating of 119 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life despite differing charging capabilities. However, the Camon 18 P’s 33W wired charging is a significant advantage over the A32’s 15W charging. This translates to substantially faster charging times – potentially reducing a full charge from over two hours on the A32 to under an hour on the Camon 18 P. While both phones offer all-day battery life for moderate users, the Camon 18 P’s faster charging mitigates the inconvenience of running low on power.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Camon 18 P if you prioritize smooth multitasking, gaming, and quick charging. This phone is ideal for users who frequently switch between apps, enjoy mobile games, or simply dislike waiting for their phone to power up. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A32 if a vibrant, easily visible display is paramount, and you value the Samsung brand ecosystem and its associated software features. It’s a solid choice for media consumption in bright environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Camon 18 P struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
While not a flagship gaming phone, the Helio G96 chipset in the Camon 18 P is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty at medium settings. Expect playable frame rates, but you may need to lower graphics settings for a smoother experience. The G80 in the Galaxy A32 will likely require even more compromises in graphical fidelity.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the Samsung Galaxy A32 slow compared to modern standards?
Yes, 15W charging is relatively slow by today's standards. It will take significantly longer to fully charge the Galaxy A32 compared to the Tecno Camon 18 P’s 33W charging. Expect a full charge to take over two hours, while the Camon 18 P can achieve a full charge in under an hour.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A32 have a good display for watching videos?
The Galaxy A32’s 814 nits peak brightness makes it well-suited for watching videos, especially in bright environments. The IPS panel offers decent color accuracy, but it may not have the same contrast ratio or viewing angles as more premium display technologies.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the Tecno Camon 18 P and the Samsung Galaxy A32?
The Samsung Galaxy A32 runs One UI, Samsung’s custom Android skin, which is known for its feature-richness and polish. The Tecno Camon 18 P likely runs Tecno’s HiOS, which is generally lighter but may lack the same level of refinement and software updates as One UI. Samsung typically provides longer software support.
