The Tecno Camon 18 and Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro represent distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Camon 18 focuses on providing a well-rounded experience at a lower price point, while the Poco X3 Pro prioritizes raw performance, particularly for gaming, at a slightly higher cost. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 860 chipset delivers significantly faster performance, making it ideal for gaming and demanding applications. While the Tecno Camon 18 offers respectable value, the Poco X3 Pro’s performance advantage justifies the price difference.
| 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, November 23 | 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, 90Hz, 550 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 2404Hz PWM, HDR10, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 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 MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 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 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-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 | - | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W 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 | CH6, CH6n | M2102J20SG, M2102J20SI |
| Price | About 170 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
- Lower price point makes it accessible.
- Decent battery endurance for everyday use.
- Suitable for basic smartphone tasks.
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the Poco X3 Pro.
- Limited gaming capabilities.
- Charging speed is relatively slow.
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro
- Powerful Snapdragon 860 processor for excellent performance.
- Fast 33W charging for quick top-ups.
- Better suited for gaming and demanding applications.
- Higher price compared to the Tecno Camon 18.
- Battery life is comparable, but charging is faster.
- May be overkill for users with basic needs.
Display Comparison
Both devices share a nominal contrast ratio of 1401:1, suggesting similar visual pop. However, detailed display specs like resolution, brightness, and refresh rate are missing for the Tecno Camon 18. The Poco X3 Pro’s display, while not explicitly detailed beyond contrast, benefits from the Snapdragon 860’s processing power to drive higher frame rates in compatible games. Without knowing the Camon 18’s panel technology, it’s difficult to assess its color accuracy or viewing angles relative to the Poco.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but specific details are lacking. The absence of sensor size or aperture information makes a direct comparison impossible. However, the Poco X3 Pro’s superior image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 860 chipset will likely result in better image processing, dynamic range, and low-light performance. The Tecno Camon 18 may rely more heavily on software processing to compensate for a potentially less capable sensor. Without further data, it’s safe to assume the Poco X3 Pro offers a more refined camera experience.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Poco X3 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Tecno Camon 18’s MediaTek Helio G88 (12nm). The Snapdragon 860’s Kryo 485 cores, with a prime core clocked at 2.96 GHz, offer significantly faster processing speeds and improved multi-tasking capabilities. The Helio G88’s Cortex-A75 cores, peaking at 2.0 GHz, are adequate for basic tasks but will struggle with graphically intensive games. The 7nm process node of the Snapdragon 860 also translates to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended gaming sessions.
Battery Life
Both devices boast an endurance rating of 112 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Poco X3 Pro’s 33W wired charging (59% in 30 minutes, 100% in 59 minutes) is considerably faster than the Tecno Camon 18’s 18W charging. This faster charging speed is a significant convenience factor, allowing users to quickly top up their battery when needed. While both phones may last a full day on a single charge, the Poco X3 Pro’s charging speed provides a tangible advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Camon 18 if you prioritize a lower upfront cost and need a reliable device for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light photography. Buy the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro if you are a mobile gamer, frequently use demanding apps, or simply want a phone that feels noticeably faster and more responsive.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Poco X3 Pro run demanding games like Genshin Impact smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 860 in the Poco X3 Pro is capable of running Genshin Impact at medium to high settings with playable frame rates. While it won't match the performance of flagship chipsets, it provides a significantly better gaming experience than the Tecno Camon 18.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between the two phones really noticeable?
Absolutely. The Poco X3 Pro’s 33W charging can fully charge the phone in under an hour, while the Tecno Camon 18’s 18W charging will take considerably longer. This difference is particularly beneficial for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ How much of a performance difference will I see in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
While both phones can handle everyday tasks, the Poco X3 Pro will feel noticeably snappier and more responsive. Apps will launch faster, multitasking will be smoother, and the overall user experience will be more fluid due to the superior processing power of the Snapdragon 860.
