The Tecno Camon 18T and Realme 9 Pro represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive budget 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver an accessible 5G experience, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through chipset choice and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best overall package for the price-conscious consumer.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 9 Pro emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage and future-proofs the device with 5G connectivity. While the Camon 18T offers a lower price point, the 9 Pro’s faster charging and superior processing power justify the slight premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 30 | 2022, February 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 30 | Available. Released 2022, February 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 168.9 x 76.7 x 8.9 mm (6.65 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 8.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 48 MP, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 48 MP, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Iris purple, Dusk Gray, Ceramic White | Midnight Black, Aurora Green, Sunrise Blue |
| Models | - | RMX3471, RMX3472 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | € 248.86 |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.71 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 134h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1601:1 |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.3 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 401894 (v9)
GeekBench: 2020 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Tecno Camon 18T
- Lower price point makes it highly accessible.
- Decent battery endurance for basic usage.
- Functional for everyday tasks like calling and messaging.
- Less powerful Helio G85 chipset limits performance.
- Slower 18W charging.
- Lacks 5G connectivity.
Realme 9 Pro
- Faster and more efficient Snapdragon 695 5G chipset.
- 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- 5G connectivity for future-proofed data speeds.
- Slightly higher price compared to the Tecno Camon 18T.
- Camera performance likely relies heavily on software processing.
- No information on display refresh rate.
Display Comparison
Both the Tecno Camon 18T and Realme 9 Pro share a 1601:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar visual pop. However, the Realme 9 Pro boasts a measured peak brightness of 567 nits, which will translate to better visibility in direct sunlight compared to the Camon 18T, whose brightness is not specified. While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, the Realme 9 Pro’s higher brightness gives it an edge for outdoor usability. The lack of high refresh rate information for the Camon 18T suggests a standard 60Hz panel, while the 9 Pro’s refresh rate is not specified, but is a common feature in this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Realme 9 Pro’s image processing pipeline, leveraging Qualcomm’s ISP, is likely more refined than that of the Tecno Camon 18T. The absence of details suggests neither phone will excel in low-light photography, and reliance on software processing will be high. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 9 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) is a significant upgrade over the Tecno Camon 18T’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm). The 6nm process node of the Snapdragon 695 offers superior power efficiency, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance during demanding tasks. The Snapdragon 695’s CPU, with 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold cores, also outperforms the Camon 18T’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the Realme 9 Pro. The 5G modem within the Snapdragon 695 is a key advantage, offering future-proof connectivity.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 134 hours, indicating similar overall battery life under typical usage. However, the Realme 9 Pro’s 33W wired charging is a substantial advantage over the Tecno Camon 18T’s 18W charging. This means the 9 Pro can replenish its battery significantly faster, reducing downtime. While the battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the Snapdragon 695’s efficiency may allow the Realme 9 Pro to maintain its charge for longer despite the faster charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Camon 18T if you prioritize absolute affordability and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. You’ll need to accept compromises in performance and charging speed. Buy the Realme 9 Pro if you value a smoother user experience, faster 5G connectivity, and quicker charging times, even if it means spending a bit more. This phone is better suited for users who enjoy mobile gaming or frequently multitask.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 695 in the Realme 9 Pro handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 695 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve consistently smooth frame rates. It’s not a dedicated gaming chipset, but it offers a significantly better gaming experience than the Helio G85 in the Camon 18T.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Realme 9 Pro with the 33W charger?
Realistically, the Realme 9 Pro should charge from 0-100% in approximately 60-75 minutes with the included 33W charger. This is considerably faster than the Tecno Camon 18T, which will likely take over 2 hours with its 18W charger.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specs on both phones a cause for concern?
Yes, it suggests that neither phone will deliver exceptional camera performance. Expect decent results in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low light. Image processing will play a significant role in the final image quality.
❓ Does the Realme 9 Pro support VoLTE and VoWiFi for improved call quality?
The Realme 9 Pro, being a 5G enabled device, almost certainly supports VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and likely VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) depending on carrier compatibility. These technologies provide improved call quality and reliability.
