The Tecno Camon i4 and Honor 8X Max represent distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Camon i4 focuses on affordability, while the 8X Max attempts to deliver a more premium experience with a larger display and a more powerful chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing smooth multitasking and occasional gaming, the Honor 8X Max is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 660 chipset offers significantly better performance than the Camon i4’s Helio A22, justifying the potential price difference. However, the Camon i4 remains a viable option for basic users on a very tight budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, April 03. Released 2019, April 03 | 2018, September. Released 2018, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 156.9 x 75.8 x 8 mm (6.18 x 2.98 x 0.31 in) | 177.6 x 86.3 x 8.1 mm (6.99 x 3.40 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 140 g (4.94 oz) | 210 g (7.41 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) | 1080 x 2244 pixels, 18.7:9 ratio (~350 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.12 inches, 127.8 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 512 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9 (Pie), EMUI 9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 16 MP, f/2.0, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
8 MP
2 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | 3500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aqua Blue, Champagne Gold, Midnight Black, Nebula Black | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | - | ARE-AL00, ARE-L22HN, ARE-AL10 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 250 EUR |
Tecno Camon i4
- Potentially lower price point
- More power-efficient chipset (12nm)
- Lightweight and portable (likely)
- Significantly weaker performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Likely slower charging speeds
Honor 8X Max
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 660
- Faster 18W charging
- 5W reverse wired charging
- Potentially higher price
- Less power-efficient chipset (14nm)
- Larger size and weight (likely)
Display Comparison
While both phones likely feature LCD panels (data unavailable), the Honor 8X Max’s larger size is a key differentiator. The Camon i4’s display size is not specified, but the 8X Max boasts a substantial screen real estate. The 8X Max’s larger display is beneficial for media consumption and productivity. Neither device is expected to offer high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like OLED or LTPO, focusing instead on cost-effectiveness. Bezels are likely to be noticeable on both devices, typical for this price segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are limited, making a direct comparison challenging. However, the Honor 8X Max is likely to offer a more refined camera experience due to its more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Snapdragon 660. While both phones likely feature a primary rear camera, the 8X Max’s chipset allows for better image processing, resulting in sharper images and improved low-light performance. The absence of detailed camera specs suggests both phones target casual photography rather than enthusiast-level image capture. We can assume both will have basic front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Honor 8X Max’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 660, built on a 14nm process, is an octa-core processor with a mix of Kryo 260 Gold and Silver cores clocked up to 1.95 GHz. This architecture allows for efficient performance scaling. In contrast, the Tecno Camon i4 utilizes the MediaTek Helio A22, a quad-core processor built on a more efficient 12nm process, but clocked at 2.0 GHz. While the A22’s node is smaller, the Snapdragon 660’s core count and architectural advantages translate to significantly better multitasking and application launch speeds. The 8X Max will handle more demanding apps and games with greater ease. The 8X Max also benefits from a more mature GPU, offering a smoother gaming experience.
Battery Life
Battery capacity data is unavailable for the Tecno Camon i4. The Honor 8X Max features 18W wired charging, a significant advantage over the likely 10W or 15W charging expected on the Camon i4. Furthermore, the 8X Max supports 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices. While a larger battery capacity doesn’t always equate to longer battery life (due to chipset efficiency), the 8X Max’s faster charging and reverse charging capabilities provide a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Camon i4 if you need a functional smartphone for essential tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Honor 8X Max if you prefer a more responsive experience for multitasking, enjoy media consumption on a larger screen, and occasionally play mobile games – even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Camon i4 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Camon i4 can run these apps, expect slower loading times and potential lag when switching between them. The Helio A22 is designed for basic tasks, and these apps can be resource-intensive, especially with multiple chats or features open.
❓ Can the Honor 8X Max handle moderate gaming, like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Snapdragon 660 in the Honor 8X Max can handle PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a smooth frame rate. Don't expect high-end gaming performance, but it's significantly better than what the Camon i4 can offer.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Honor 8X Max from 0%?
With its 18W charging support, the Honor 8X Max should fully charge in approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the charger used. This is considerably faster than the expected charging time for the Tecno Camon i4.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the Honor 8X Max useful in everyday scenarios?
The 5W reverse charging is best suited for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch in an emergency. It won't quickly charge a smartphone, but it's a convenient feature to have when you're away from a power outlet.
