Tecno continues to deliver budget-friendly smartphones packed with features. The Camon 18 P and Camon 17 Pro are two popular contenders, each offering a compelling package. But which one is the better choice for your needs? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tecno Camon 18 P edges out the 17 Pro thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset (Helio G96 vs G95), faster charging, and potentially improved software experience. While the 17 Pro boasts impressive battery life, the 18 P's overall performance makes it the more appealing option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 04 | 2021, May 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 14 | Available. Released 2021, June 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 168.9 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 168.9 x 77 x 9 mm (6.65 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (HBM) |
| 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 MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 8.0 | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| 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 | 16 MP, (wide) | 48 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
13 MP, 45mm (telephoto), PDAF, 1.7x optical zoom
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | 48 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 25W / 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dusk Gray, Ceramic White, Iris purple | California Silver, Malibu Blue |
| Models | CH7n, CH7 | CG8, CG8h |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 280 EUR |
| 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 18 P
- Slightly faster chipset (Helio G96)
- Faster 33W charging
- Potentially improved software experience
- Modern design
- Battery life might be slightly shorter than 17 Pro
- Display brightness may be slightly lower
Tecno Camon 17 Pro
- Exceptional battery life (140h endurance rating)
- Slightly brighter display (538 nits measured)
- Potentially lower price
- Slightly older chipset (Helio G95)
- Slower 25W charging
- Older software version
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar displays with a 781:1 contrast ratio. However, the Camon 17 Pro has a measured peak brightness of 538 nits, which is slightly higher than what's generally reported for the 18 P. While both offer vibrant colors, the 17 Pro's slightly brighter screen might offer a better viewing experience in direct sunlight. Both likely use an LCD panel.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely comparable, as both phones feature similar camera setups. Both offer a primary sensor, ultrawide lens, and potentially a macro lens and depth sensor. The Camon 18 P might benefit from software optimizations and newer image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in slightly better image quality, especially in low light. Video recording capabilities are likely similar.
Performance
The Camon 18 P holds a slight advantage here. It's powered by the Mediatek Helio G96, while the Camon 17 Pro uses the Helio G95. The G96 offers a modest performance boost, particularly in graphics-intensive tasks. Both phones utilize an Octa-core CPU with the same core configuration, but the G96's architecture and manufacturing process provide a small edge.
Battery Life
The Camon 17 Pro shines in this category. It boasts an endurance rating of 140 hours, indicating exceptional battery life. The Camon 18 P's battery capacity is likely similar, but the slightly more power-hungry chipset might result in slightly shorter battery life. However, the 18 P's 33W charging offers a faster top-up compared to the 17 Pro's 25W charging.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Camon 18 P is ideal for users who prioritize performance and faster charging. If you're primarily focused on exceptional battery life and are less concerned about raw processing power, the Camon 17 Pro remains a solid choice, especially if you can find it at a significantly lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tecno Camon 18 P worth the upgrade from the Camon 17 Pro?
If performance and faster charging are important to you, then yes. The Helio G96 offers a noticeable improvement. However, if battery life is your top priority and you're happy with the 17 Pro's performance, the upgrade might not be necessary.
❓ What is the difference between the Helio G96 and Helio G95 chipsets?
The Helio G96 is a slightly newer and more efficient chipset than the Helio G95. It offers a modest performance boost, particularly in graphics-intensive tasks, and may have improved power efficiency.
