The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Tecno Camon 18i and Realme 8i are two strong contenders. Both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The Realme 8i boasts a more powerful Helio G96 chipset, while the Tecno Camon 18i focuses on providing a balanced package. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 8i emerges as the better choice. Its Helio G96 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Camon 18i’s Helio G85, translating to smoother multitasking and a better gaming experience. While both phones share the same 18W charging and similar battery endurance ratings, the Realme 8i’s superior processing power makes it the more versatile option.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 01 | 2021, September 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 01 | Available. Released 2021, September 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 76.5 x 8.9 mm (6.48 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 164.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~271 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Deep Sea, Frost Silver, Tranquil Green | Space Black, Space Purple |
| Models | CG6 | RMX3151 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 440 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 131h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.4 LUFS (Average)
|
Tecno Camon 18i
- Potentially lower price point
- Balanced feature set for basic use
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Less powerful chipset than the Realme 8i
- Likely inferior camera performance
- May struggle with demanding games
Realme 8i
- More powerful Helio G96 chipset
- Brighter display for outdoor visibility
- Potentially better camera image processing
- May be slightly more expensive
- Similar charging speed to the Tecno Camon 18i
- No significant battery life advantage
Display Comparison
The Realme 8i’s display is measurably brighter at 540 nits, offering better visibility outdoors compared to the Tecno Camon 18i (brightness unspecified). While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, the Realme 8i’s 1244:1 contrast ratio suggests deeper blacks and a more vibrant image. Neither phone is expected to feature high refresh rate technology, focusing instead on power efficiency. The Realme 8i’s superior brightness is a clear advantage for users who spend significant time outdoors.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 'Photo / Video' camera setup, but details are sparse. Without specific sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Realme 8i’s brand reputation suggests a more refined image processing pipeline. The inclusion of features like Night Mode and HDR are likely more effective on the Realme 8i. It’s reasonable to assume the Realme 8i will deliver more consistent and detailed photos, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The lack of OIS on either device means image stabilization will rely heavily on software.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 8i’s Mediatek Helio G96, with its Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.05 GHz, represents a step up from the Tecno Camon 18i’s Helio G85 (Cortex-A75 at 2.0 GHz). The G96’s architecture allows for faster single-core and multi-core performance, resulting in snappier app launches and smoother gameplay. While both use a 12nm process, the G96’s improved CPU design provides a tangible advantage. The Realme 8i will handle graphically intensive games with higher frame rates and fewer stutters.
Battery Life
Both the Tecno Camon 18i and Realme 8i achieve an endurance rating of 131 hours, indicating similar real-world battery life. Both also support 18W wired charging, meaning 0-100% charge times will be comparable – likely around 2-2.5 hours. The slightly more efficient chipset in the Realme 8i *might* translate to marginally better battery life during heavy usage, but the difference is unlikely to be significant. The shared charging speed and battery endurance make this a tie.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Camon 18i if you prioritize a consistently stable experience for everyday tasks like social media, calls, and light web browsing, and are less concerned with demanding gaming or intensive applications. Buy the Realme 8i if you frequently play mobile games, edit photos/videos, or generally demand more processing power from your smartphone, and are willing to spend slightly more for that performance boost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 8i’s Helio G96 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high settings?
The Helio G96 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at high settings, but you may need to balance graphics settings and frame rates for a consistently smooth experience. Expect playable frame rates, but don't anticipate a flawless, ultra-high-fidelity experience. The G96 is a mid-range chipset, and sustained performance will depend on thermal management.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging beyond 18W, and how long does a full charge take?
Neither the Tecno Camon 18i nor the Realme 8i supports charging speeds exceeding 18W. Based on this wattage, a full 0-100% charge is estimated to take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. While not the fastest charging available, 18W is adequate for overnight charging or topping up throughout the day.
❓ How does the camera performance differ in low-light conditions between the two phones?
Without detailed camera specs, it's difficult to say definitively. However, Realme generally invests more in software image processing. Therefore, the Realme 8i is likely to produce brighter, more detailed, and less noisy photos in low-light scenarios compared to the Tecno Camon 18i. Expect the Realme 8i to have a more effective Night Mode.
