Tecno has been making waves in the mid-range smartphone market, and the Camon series is a key player. The Camon 19 Pro and Camon 18 Premier are both compelling options, but which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Camon 19 Pro edges out the 18 Premier thanks to its significantly brighter display and slightly better battery endurance. While both share the same chipset, the improved screen makes the 19 Pro a more enjoyable daily driver, especially in bright conditions. However, the 18 Premier might offer a better price point.
| 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 | 2022, June 15 | 2021, October 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 13 | Available. Released 2021, October 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 166.8 x 74.6 x 8.6 mm (6.57 x 2.94 x 0.34 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 | 204 g (7.20 oz) | 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 (~88.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | AMOLED, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 | Android 11, HIOS 8.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Laser AF, Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm | 32 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
50 MP, f/2.0, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF, 2x zoom
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, HDR | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm | 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 | Yes | 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, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 100% in 65 min | 33W wired, 64% in 30 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 4750 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Polar Blue, Eco Black, Mondrian | Polar night, Vast sky |
| Models | CI8, CI8n | CH9, CH9n |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 390 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 121h
|
Endurance rating 112h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1597:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-28.7 LUFS (Average)
|
-26.2 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 348546 (v9)
GeekBench: 1734 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 11fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 293517 (v8), 346389 (v9)
GeekBench: 1758 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Tecno Camon 19 Pro
- Brighter Display
- Slightly Better Battery Life
- Faster Charging (marginally)
- Potentially Improved Software
- May be slightly more expensive
- Similar Chipset to 18 Premier
Tecno Camon 18 Premier
- Potentially Lower Price
- Good Camera System
- Decent Performance
- AMOLED Display
- Less Bright Display
- Slightly Shorter Battery Life
- Charging speed slightly slower
Display Comparison
The Camon 19 Pro boasts a measured peak brightness of 479 nits, a noticeable improvement over the 18 Premier's 422 nits. While both offer excellent contrast ratios (1597:1 for the 19 Pro and 'Infinite' for the 18 Premier – likely a marketing term), the brighter screen on the 19 Pro makes it easier to see in direct sunlight. Both likely feature AMOLED panels with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems, but specifics are missing. Generally, the Camon series emphasizes camera capabilities. Expect similar image quality in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance and video recording quality will be key differentiators, which require further testing. The 19 Pro may have slight improvements due to potential software enhancements.
Performance
Both devices utilize the Mediatek Helio G96 chipset, meaning performance will be largely similar. Expect smooth multitasking and adequate performance for most games at medium settings. Differences in real-world performance might stem from software optimization and RAM management.
Battery Life
The Camon 19 Pro takes a slight lead in battery life, with an endurance rating of 121 hours compared to the 18 Premier's 112 hours. Both support 33W fast charging, but the 19 Pro charges slightly faster (65 minutes vs. 64% in 30 minutes). This suggests slightly improved charging efficiency.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Camon 19 Pro is ideal for users who prioritize a vibrant display and extended battery life. It's a great choice for media consumption and photography. The Tecno Camon 18 Premier is a solid option for budget-conscious buyers who still want a capable smartphone with a decent camera and performance, especially if it's available at a lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tecno Camon 19 Pro worth the upgrade from the Camon 18 Premier?
If you prioritize a brighter display and slightly longer battery life, then yes. However, if you're on a tight budget and the 18 Premier is significantly cheaper, it remains a solid choice.
❓ What chipset do both phones use?
Both the Tecno Camon 19 Pro and the Tecno Camon 18 Premier utilize the Mediatek Helio G96 chipset.
