The Tecno Camon series consistently delivers affordable smartphones with impressive features. The Camon 18i and Camon 18 are two popular contenders, but which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tecno Camon 18 edges out the 18i thanks to its slightly more powerful Helio G88 chipset, resulting in marginally better performance. Both offer similar battery life and camera capabilities, making the G88 the deciding factor for those prioritizing speed and responsiveness.
| 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 01 | 2021, October 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 01 | Available. Released 2021, November 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 76.5 x 8.9 mm (6.48 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 168.9 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~271 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 | Android 11, HIOS 8.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0 | - |
| Triple | 48 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Deep Sea, Frost Silver, Tranquil Green | Dusk Gray, Ceramic White, Iris purple |
| Models | CG6 | CH6, CH6n |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Tecno Camon 18i
- More affordable
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Decent camera quality
- Slightly less powerful chipset than Camon 18
- 18W charging is relatively slow
Tecno Camon 18
- Slightly better performance due to Helio G88
- Good value for money
- All-day battery life
- Slightly more expensive than Camon 18i
- 18W charging is relatively slow
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch display, likely with an FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. While specific panel types (AMOLED vs LCD) aren't explicitly stated, expect similar viewing experiences. Color accuracy and brightness will likely be comparable, making this a draw.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature a similar camera setup, typically including a 48MP main sensor, a depth sensor, and a macro lens. Image quality should be comparable in well-lit conditions. Low-light performance will depend on software processing, which may be similar across both models. Video recording capabilities are likely to be similar as well.
Performance
The Camon 18 boasts the Helio G88 chipset, a slight upgrade over the Camon 18i's Helio G85. While both are based on the 12nm process and share the same CPU configuration, the G88 generally offers a small performance boost in graphics and overall responsiveness. Expect smoother multitasking and slightly better gaming performance on the Camon 18.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. The 18W wired charging is consistent across both models, meaning charging times will be roughly the same.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Camon 18i is a great choice for budget-conscious users who want a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks and decent photography. The Tecno Camon 18 is better suited for users who want a bit more processing power for gaming or multitasking, even if the difference is subtle.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tecno Camon 18i good for gaming?
The Camon 18i is decent for casual gaming, but the Camon 18's slightly more powerful chipset will provide a smoother experience for more demanding games.
❓ What is the difference between the Helio G85 and Helio G88?
The Helio G88 offers a slight performance improvement over the G85, particularly in graphics processing, thanks to architectural refinements.
