Tecno's Camon series consistently delivers impressive features at competitive prices. The Camon 18 Premier and Camon 18 P are two compelling options, but which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tecno Camon 18 Premier emerges as the clear winner, boasting a significantly brighter display and exceptional battery life. While the 18 P offers a similar chipset, the Premier's added features and performance justify its likely higher price point for users prioritizing display and longevity.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 04 | 2021, October 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 11 | Available. Released 2021, December 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back | - |
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.9 x 8.2 mm (6.45 x 2.99 x 0.32 in) | 168.9 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200.6 g (7.09 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ) |
| 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 MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 8.0 | Android 11, HIOS 8.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | Unspecified |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, (wide) | 16 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/3.5, 135mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, 5x optical zoom
12 MP, (ultrawide), gimbal OIS | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
13 MP, 45mm (telephoto), PDAF, 1.7x optical zoom
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 32 MP, (wide) | 16 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 64% in 30 min | 33W wired |
| Type | 4750 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Polar night, Vast sky | Dusk Gray, Ceramic White, Iris purple |
| Models | CH9, CH9n | CH7n, CH7 |
| Price | About 390 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 112h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-26.2 LUFS (Good)
| - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 293517 (v8), 346389 (v9)
GeekBench: 1758 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Tecno Camon 18 Premier
- Brighter Display (422 nits)
- Exceptional Battery Life (112h Endurance)
- Potentially Superior Camera System
- Likely Premium Build Quality
- Likely Higher Price
- May be slightly larger/heavier
Tecno Camon 18 P
- More Affordable
- Solid Performance with Helio G96
- Compact Design (likely)
- Dimmer Display
- Shorter Battery Life
- Less Advanced Camera System
Display Comparison
The Camon 18 Premier holds a significant advantage with a measured peak brightness of 422 nits, offering a much more visible screen in bright sunlight. The 18 P's display, while likely adequate, lacks this brightness advantage. Both feature nominal 'infinite' contrast ratios, which is a marketing term and doesn't provide concrete data.
Camera Comparison
While both phones are marketed as 'camera phones,' the Premier model typically features a more advanced camera setup. Expect the Premier to have a higher resolution main sensor, potentially improved image processing, and possibly additional lenses (e.g., ultrawide, macro, depth). The 18 P likely offers a competent camera, but not at the Premier's level.
Performance
Both devices share the same Mediatek Helio G96 chipset and CPU configuration, suggesting similar performance in everyday tasks and gaming. Real-world performance differences will likely be minimal and depend on software optimization.
Battery Life
The Camon 18 Premier's endurance rating of 112 hours is exceptional, indicating significantly longer battery life than the 18 P. The 18 P's battery capacity is likely smaller, and its endurance will be noticeably shorter. Both support 33W wired charging, offering reasonably fast charging speeds.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Camon 18 Premier is ideal for users who prioritize a vibrant display, long battery life, and potentially a more advanced camera system (based on typical Premier model upgrades). The Camon 18 P is a good choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want a solid performance and the Helio G96 chipset, but are less concerned with top-tier display or battery performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tecno Camon 18 Premier worth the extra cost?
If you prioritize a bright display, long battery life, and a potentially better camera, then yes. The Premier offers a noticeable upgrade over the 18 P.
❓ What is the difference between the Helio G96 chipset in both phones?
There's no difference in the chipset itself. Both phones use the same Mediatek Helio G96, so performance should be similar. Software optimization can influence real-world speed.
