Tecno continues to deliver impressive smartphones at competitive prices. The Camon 18 Premier and the newer Camon 19 Pro 5G both offer compelling features, but cater to slightly different needs. This review dives deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Camon 19 Pro 5G edges out the 18 Premier thanks to its more efficient chipset, 5G connectivity, and faster charging. While the 18 Premier boasts exceptional battery life, the 19 Pro 5G's overall improvements make it the better choice for most users.
| 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 |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 04 | 2022, June 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 11 | Available. Released 2022, July 13 |
| 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) | 166.7 x 74.3 x 8.6 mm (6.56 x 2.93 x 0.34 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 (~88.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 8.0 | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | Unspecified |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (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 | 64 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps, HDR |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (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, 100% in 65 min |
| Type | 4750 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Polar night, Vast sky | Eco Black, Cedar Green |
| Models | CH9, CH9n | CI7n |
| Price | About 390 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
- Exceptional battery life
- Potentially better display contrast (though brightness is low)
- Competitive price
- Low screen brightness
- Older chipset
- Slower charging
Tecno Camon 19 Pro 5G
- 5G connectivity
- More efficient chipset (Dimensity 810)
- Faster charging
- Likely improved camera software
- Slightly shorter battery life than 18 Premier
- Price may be slightly higher
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display technology (likely LCD), but the Camon 19 Pro 5G likely has a slightly improved panel. The Camon 18 Premier's 422 nits max brightness is a significant drawback, especially in outdoor conditions. The 'infinite' contrast ratio of the 18 Premier is a marketing term and doesn't translate to a noticeably better viewing experience. Expect a smoother 120Hz refresh rate on the 19 Pro 5G.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer capable camera systems, the 19 Pro 5G likely benefits from software optimizations and potentially a slightly improved sensor. Both likely feature a primary sensor around 64MP, but image processing and low-light performance are key differentiators. Expect better video recording capabilities on the 19 Pro 5G due to the newer chipset.
Performance
The Mediatek Dimensity 810 in the Camon 19 Pro 5G is a clear winner. Its 6nm process offers better power efficiency and a noticeable performance boost over the 18 Premier's Helio G96. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the 19 Pro 5G. The CPU clock speeds also favor the 19 Pro 5G.
Battery Life
The Camon 18 Premier's endurance rating of 112h is remarkable, suggesting exceptional battery life. However, the Camon 19 Pro 5G's faster 33W charging (100% in 65 minutes vs 64% in 30 minutes) provides a more convenient charging experience. While the 18 Premier might last longer on a single charge, the 19 Pro 5G's charging speed makes up for any slight difference.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Camon 18 Premier is ideal for users prioritizing maximum battery life and a potentially slightly better display contrast (though brightness is a concern). The Tecno Camon 19 Pro 5G is perfect for those wanting 5G connectivity, a more modern chipset for smoother performance, and faster charging speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tecno Camon 19 Pro 5G worth the upgrade from the Camon 18 Premier?
Yes, the 19 Pro 5G offers significant improvements in performance, charging speed, and 5G connectivity, making it a worthwhile upgrade for most users.
❓ Which phone has the better camera?
While both have capable cameras, the Camon 19 Pro 5G likely has a slight edge due to its newer chipset and potentially improved image processing.
