The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Tecno Camon 18T and Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The Camon 18T relies on the established Helio G85, while the Redmi Note 11R steps up with the more modern Dimensity 700. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R is the better choice. Its Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a more efficient 7nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Camon 18T’s Helio G85, especially in demanding tasks. While both offer 18W charging, the Redmi Note 11R’s superior processing power justifies the slight price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 30 | 2022, September 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 30 | Available. Released 2022, September 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168.9 x 76.7 x 8.9 mm (6.65 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 8.0 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 48 MP, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 48 MP, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| 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 |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Iris purple, Dusk Gray, Ceramic White | Black, Blue, Gray |
| Models | - | 22095RA98C |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 160 EUR |
Tecno Camon 18T
- Potentially lower price point
- Reliable Mediatek Helio G85 chipset for basic tasks
- Decent performance for everyday use
- Less powerful chipset compared to the Dimensity 700
- Less efficient 12nm process
- May struggle with demanding games and apps
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R
- More powerful and efficient Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset
- 7nm process for better performance and battery life
- Smoother user experience and faster app loading times
- Slightly higher price compared to the Camon 18T
- May not offer significant camera improvements without detailed sensor specs
- 18W charging is relatively slow
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. However, the absence of detailed display specs necessitates a focus on the chipset's impact on UI smoothness. The Redmi Note 11R’s Dimensity 700 will contribute to a more responsive user interface, even if the panel itself is similar in quality to the Camon 18T’s.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Dimensity 700 typically includes a more capable image signal processor (ISP) than the Helio G85. This suggests the Redmi Note 11R may offer better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The ISP handles noise reduction, dynamic range, and overall image quality. While both phones likely feature similar sensor resolutions in their primary cameras, the Redmi Note 11R’s ISP gives it an edge.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R’s Dimensity 700 (7nm) significantly outperforms the Tecno Camon 18T’s Helio G85 (12nm). The 7nm process allows for higher transistor density and improved power efficiency, translating to better sustained performance and less heat generation. The Dimensity 700’s CPU, with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores, is also faster than the Camon 18T’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Redmi Note 11R.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds – approximately 2-3 hours for a full charge. The actual battery capacity isn't specified, but the Dimensity 700’s superior power efficiency in the Redmi Note 11R means it will likely deliver longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Camon 18T. The 7nm process reduces power consumption during both active use and standby.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Camon 18T if you prioritize a potentially lower price point and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R if you want a smoother experience with more demanding apps, occasional gaming, and a chipset that offers better long-term performance and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi Note 11R handle graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Redmi Note 11R’s Dimensity 700 chipset is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to adjust graphics settings to medium or low for a consistently smooth experience. The Helio G85 in the Camon 18T will struggle with higher settings and may exhibit noticeable frame drops.
❓ Does the Dimensity 700 in the Redmi Note 11R support 5G connectivity?
Yes, a key feature of the Dimensity 700 is its integrated 5G modem. This allows the Redmi Note 11R to connect to 5G networks, offering significantly faster download and upload speeds where available. The Tecno Camon 18T, with the Helio G85, is limited to 4G LTE.
❓ Is the 18W charging on either phone considered fast charging in 2024?
No, 18W charging is relatively slow by 2024 standards. Many smartphones now offer 33W, 65W, or even faster charging speeds. Expect both the Camon 18T and Redmi Note 11R to take around 2-3 hours to fully charge from 0%.