Tecno continues to deliver impressive smartphones at competitive prices. The Camon 18T and 18 Premier are two compelling options, but which one reigns supreme? This in-depth comparison will analyze their key features to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Camon 18 Premier offers a significant upgrade over the 18T, boasting a more powerful chipset, faster charging, and likely a superior camera system. While the 18T is a budget-friendly option, the Premier's enhanced performance and features justify its higher price for most users.
| 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 30 | 2021, October 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 30 | Available. Released 2021, October 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 168.9 x 76.7 x 8.9 mm (6.65 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 163.8 x 75.9 x 8.2 mm (6.45 x 2.99 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 200.6 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) | AMOLED, 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 8.0 | Android 11, HIOS 8.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 48 MP, (wide) | 32 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/3.5, 135mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, 5x optical zoom
12 MP, (ultrawide), gimbal OIS |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 48 MP, (wide) | 32 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, 64% in 30 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 4750 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Iris purple, Dusk Gray, Ceramic White | Polar night, Vast sky |
| Models | - | CH9, CH9n |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 390 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 112h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.2 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 293517 (v8), 346389 (v9)
GeekBench: 1758 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Tecno Camon 18T
- More affordable
- Decent battery life
- Good value for money
- Less powerful chipset
- Slower charging
- Potentially inferior camera
Tecno Camon 18 Premier
- Faster performance
- Faster charging
- Likely better camera
- Premium design (likely)
- More expensive
- Battery life similar to 18T despite faster charging
Display Comparison
The Camon 18 Premier likely features a superior display, given its 'Infinite' contrast ratio claim (though this is nominal and needs further testing). While the 18T's display is adequate, the Premier should offer better color accuracy and deeper blacks. Both likely use similar LCD panel technology, but the Premier's implementation is expected to be better.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the Camon 18 Premier is expected to have a more advanced camera system. It likely features a higher resolution main sensor and potentially improved image processing algorithms. Expect better low-light performance and more detailed photos from the Premier.
Performance
The Helio G96 in the Camon 18 Premier provides a noticeable performance boost over the Helio G85 in the 18T. The G96's Cortex-A76 cores offer improved CPU performance, leading to smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. Gaming performance should also be better on the Premier.
Battery Life
Both phones boast an impressive endurance rating of 112h, suggesting excellent battery life. However, the Camon 18 Premier's 33W fast charging is significantly faster than the 18T's 18W, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Camon 18T is ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize affordability and basic smartphone functionality. The Tecno Camon 18 Premier is a better choice for those seeking a smoother experience, faster charging, and a more capable camera, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tecno Camon 18 Premier worth the extra money?
If you prioritize performance, faster charging, and a better camera, then yes. The Premier offers a noticeable upgrade over the 18T.
❓ What is the difference between the Helio G85 and Helio G96?
The Helio G96 features more powerful Cortex-A76 cores, resulting in improved CPU performance compared to the Helio G85's Cortex-A75 cores.
