The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro and Tecno Camon 18 P represent compelling options in the competitive mid-range smartphone market. The Poco X3 Pro, released to acclaim for its aggressive pricing and strong performance, now faces a challenger in the Tecno Camon 18 P, which aims to deliver a balanced experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw gaming performance and sustained frame rates, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 860 chipset offers a significant performance advantage. However, the Tecno Camon 18 P provides a more efficient experience for everyday tasks and benefits from a potentially more refined software experience, making it a viable alternative for less demanding users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 04 | 2021, March 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 14 | Available. Released 2021, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168.9 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm (6.51 x 3.02 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 2404Hz PWM, HDR10, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 Gold & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 Gold & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 640 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 8.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 13 for POCO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 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@30/60/120/240fps, 1080p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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 a/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 | 33W wired, 59% in 30 min, 100% in 59 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5160 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dusk Gray, Ceramic White, Iris purple | Phantom Black, Frost Blue, Metal Bronze |
| Models | CH7n, CH7 | M2102J20SG, M2102J20SI |
| Price | About 200 EUR | $ 128.04 / £ 249.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.99 W/kg (head) 0.67 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 112h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1401:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.1 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 453223 (v8)
GeekBench: 2574 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 38fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Tecno Camon 18 P
- Stronger CPU and GPU performance with Snapdragon 860
- 120Hz Display for smoother visuals
- Faster charging speeds (0-100% in 59 mins)
- Potentially higher power consumption
- May run warmer under heavy load
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro
- More efficient Helio G96 chipset
- Potentially longer battery life for light users
- Competitive price point
- Significantly lower CPU and GPU performance
- Missing display specifications (refresh rate, brightness)
Display Comparison
Both devices share a nominal contrast ratio of 1401:1, suggesting similar visual pop. However, detailed display specs like peak brightness, color gamut coverage, and refresh rate are missing for the Camon 18 P. The Poco X3 Pro’s display, while not exceptional, is known for its 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smoother scrolling experience than a standard 60Hz panel. Without comparable data for the Camon 18 P, the Poco X3 Pro holds an advantage in display fluidity.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are absent. Given Tecno’s recent focus on high-resolution sensors, it’s reasonable to assume the Camon 18 P might prioritize megapixel count. However, without knowing sensor size, aperture, or image processing algorithms, it’s difficult to assess image quality. The Poco X3 Pro’s camera performance is generally considered good for its price point, but it doesn’t excel in low-light conditions. Without further data, a definitive camera comparison is impossible, but the Poco X3 Pro’s established track record gives it a slight edge.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco X3 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7nm) is a significant step up from the Tecno Camon 18 P’s MediaTek Helio G96 (12nm). The Snapdragon 860’s Kryo 485 Gold cores, clocked up to 2.96 GHz, deliver substantially higher CPU and GPU performance. The 7nm process node also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during extended gaming sessions. While the Camon 18 P’s Cortex-A76 cores offer respectable performance, they cannot match the Snapdragon 860’s raw power. This translates to smoother gameplay, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience on the Poco X3 Pro.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 33W wired charging, with the Poco X3 Pro achieving 59% charge in 30 minutes and 100% in 59 minutes. Both phones share an endurance rating of 112 hours, suggesting similar battery life under typical usage. However, the Snapdragon 860’s higher power consumption could potentially offset this, leading to slightly shorter real-world battery life on the Poco X3 Pro during intensive tasks. The Camon 18 P’s more efficient Helio G96 might offer a marginal advantage in longevity for lighter users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Camon 18 P if you need a reliable daily driver with decent performance for social media, browsing, and casual gaming, and value a potentially smoother software experience. Buy the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro if you prioritize gaming, demand high frame rates in demanding titles like PUBG, and are willing to accept potentially more aggressive power management to achieve that performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Poco X3 Pro’s Snapdragon 860 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 860 is known to generate heat under sustained load. However, the Poco X3 Pro incorporates thermal management features like a copper heat pipe to mitigate throttling. While some performance degradation is possible during extended gaming, it generally remains playable.
❓ Is the 33W charging on the Tecno Camon 18 P sufficient for quick top-ups throughout the day?
33W charging is a respectable charging speed, and both phones achieve a full charge in under an hour. It's sufficient for quickly topping up the battery during short breaks, providing flexibility for users who don't want to be tethered to a charger for extended periods.
❓ Does the Poco X3 Pro support high frame rate gaming in titles like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Poco X3 Pro is capable of running PUBG Mobile at high frame rates (60fps or higher) with optimized settings. The Snapdragon 860’s GPU provides the necessary horsepower for a smooth and responsive gaming experience.
❓ What kind of storage options are available on each device?
While not explicitly stated in the provided data, both the Poco X3 Pro and Camon 18 P typically come in configurations ranging from 64GB to 256GB of internal storage. Both also support expandable storage via microSD card, allowing users to increase capacity as needed.
