The Tecno Camon series consistently delivers affordable smartphones with impressive features. Two popular contenders are the Camon 18i and the Camon 18 P. But which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specs, performance, and more to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tecno Camon 18 P emerges as the stronger contender thanks to its faster Helio G96 chipset, significantly quicker 33W charging, and generally improved performance. While the 18i is a solid budget option, the 18 P provides a noticeable upgrade for a reasonable price increase.
| 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, December 14 |
| 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, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ) |
| 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, HIOS 8.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 48 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
13 MP, 45mm (telephoto), PDAF, 1.7x optical zoom
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| 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, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Deep Sea, Frost Silver, Tranquil Green | Dusk Gray, Ceramic White, Iris purple |
| Models | CG6 | CH7n, CH7 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Tecno Camon 18i
- More affordable
- Large display
- Decent camera for the price
- 120Hz Refresh Rate
- Slower chipset
- Slower charging
- Potentially less refined camera processing
Tecno Camon 18 P
- Faster chipset (Helio G96)
- Faster 33W charging
- Potentially better camera processing
- Smoother performance
- Slightly more expensive
- May have similar display quality to 18i
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 6.8-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a smooth visual experience. However, the 18 P might have slightly better color accuracy or brightness due to potential panel upgrades, though this is not definitively confirmed without detailed testing.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 48MP main camera, but the 18 P's G96 chipset often includes a more advanced ISP (Image Signal Processor) which can lead to better image processing, dynamic range, and low-light performance. The 18 P may also have additional camera features or a slightly higher resolution front-facing camera.
Performance
The Camon 18 P's Helio G96 chipset is a clear winner. The Cortex-A76 cores offer a significant performance boost over the 18i's Cortex-A75 cores, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The G96 also generally handles more demanding tasks with greater efficiency.
Battery Life
While both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, the Camon 18 P's 33W fast charging is a major advantage. It can significantly reduce charging times compared to the 18i's 18W charging. This means less time tethered to a wall and more time enjoying your phone.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Camon 18i is ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize a decent camera and a large display for media consumption. The Tecno Camon 18 P is better suited for users who demand smoother performance for gaming and multitasking, and appreciate faster charging speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tecno Camon 18 P worth the extra money?
Yes, if performance and charging speed are important to you. The Helio G96 and 33W charging offer a noticeable upgrade over the 18i.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Tecno Camon 18 P is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful chipset.