Tecno has become a significant player in the budget smartphone market, offering impressive features at competitive prices. The Camon 18i and Camon 16 are two popular choices, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tecno Camon 18i edges out the Camon 16 thanks to its more powerful Helio G85 chipset, resulting in smoother performance and better gaming capabilities. While the Camon 16 remains a solid option, the 18i offers a noticeable upgrade for a relatively small price difference.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 01 | 2020, October 10. Released 2020, October 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 01 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 76.5 x 8.9 mm (6.48 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 170.9 x 77.2 x 9.2 mm (6.73 x 3.04 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 207 g (7.30 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~271 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CB Helio G70 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 | Android 10, HIOS 6.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash | Penta-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0 | - |
| Triple | 48 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Deep Sea, Frost Silver, Tranquil Green | Cloud White, Purist Blue, Misty Grey |
| Models | CG6 | CE7, CE7j, CE9h, MZ-TECNO CE7j |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.95 W/kg (head) 0.82 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Camon 18i
- More powerful Helio G85 chipset
- Improved performance for gaming and multitasking
- Potentially better image processing
- Sleek design (likely)
- May be slightly more expensive than the Camon 16
- 18W charging is relatively slow
Tecno Camon 16
- More affordable
- Decent battery life
- Reliable for everyday tasks
- Good value for money
- Less powerful chipset
- Slower performance
- Older design (likely)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. While specific panel technology (AMOLED vs LCD) isn't explicitly stated, expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction. The 18i *might* have slightly improved brightness due to its newer design, but this is not definitively confirmed without testing.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a quad-camera setup, with a primary sensor around 48MP. The Camon 18i *may* have slightly improved image processing due to its newer chipset, potentially resulting in better low-light performance and more accurate colors. Video recording capabilities are likely similar, supporting 1080p at 30fps.
Performance
This is where the Camon 18i shines. The Helio G85 chipset is a significant upgrade over the G70 in the Camon 16. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games. The G85's GPU is also more powerful.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. The Camon 18i's slightly more efficient chipset *could* translate to marginally better battery life, but real-world usage will vary.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Camon 18i is ideal for users who prioritize performance, especially for gaming or multitasking. If you're on a tighter budget and primarily need a reliable phone for everyday tasks and decent photography, the Camon 16 is still a viable choice. Consider your usage patterns and budget carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tecno Camon 18i worth the extra money?
If you value performance and gaming, the Camon 18i's improved chipset makes it worth the investment. However, if you're on a strict budget and primarily need a phone for basic tasks, the Camon 16 remains a good option.
❓ What is the difference between the Helio G70 and Helio G85?
The Helio G85 is a newer and more powerful chipset than the G70. It offers improved CPU and GPU performance, resulting in smoother overall operation and better gaming capabilities.
