Tecno has become a significant player in the budget smartphone market, offering impressive features at competitive prices. The Camon 18i and Camon 16 S are two popular choices, but which one offers the best value? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tecno Camon 18i clearly wins thanks to its significantly more powerful Helio G85 chipset, resulting in smoother performance and better gaming capabilities. While the Camon 16 S remains a decent budget option, the 18i's improved processing power makes it the superior choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 01 | 2020, November 05. Released 2020, November 05 |
| 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) | 164.5 x 76.5 x 9 mm (6.48 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~271 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 | Android 10, HIOS 6.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0 | - |
| Triple | 48 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP |
| 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 |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Deep Sea, Frost Silver, Tranquil Green | Ice Jadeite, Misty Grey, Blue Hawaii |
| Models | CG6 | - |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 130 EUR |
Tecno Camon 18i
- Significantly faster performance
- Better gaming capabilities
- Improved image processing
- Modern design
- Potentially slightly higher price
- 18W charging is relatively slow
Tecno Camon 16 S
- More affordable
- Decent battery life
- Acceptable for basic tasks
- Slow performance
- Laggy multitasking
- Subpar gaming experience
- Older chipset
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) and resolution (likely FHD+). The Camon 18i might have a slightly brighter display, but overall, the viewing experience will be comparable. Screen size is likely around 6.6 inches for both.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a quad-camera setup. The Camon 18i's more powerful processor should allow for better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance. Expect similar megapixel counts on the main sensors (likely 48MP), but the 18i's image quality should be superior.
Performance
This is where the Camon 18i shines. The Helio G85 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Helio P22. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the 18i. The 16 S will feel sluggish by comparison, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh. However, the Camon 18i's more efficient chipset might translate to slightly better battery life in real-world usage. The 18W wired charging is consistent across both models.
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 phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, the Camon 16 S could still be a viable option. Consider your usage patterns and budget carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tecno Camon 18i worth the extra money?
Yes, if performance is a priority. The significant chipset upgrade makes a noticeable difference in everyday use and gaming.
❓ Can the Camon 16 S handle social media and browsing?
Yes, it can handle basic tasks like social media and browsing, but it may feel slow at times.
❓ What is the camera quality like on each phone?
The Camon 18i generally offers better camera quality due to its more powerful processor and improved image processing capabilities.
