The Tecno Camon i4 and Infinix S4 represent a common segment in the smartphone market: affordable devices aiming to deliver essential functionality. Both rely on Mediatek’s Helio series of chipsets, but a key difference lies within – the Camon i4 utilizes the Helio A22, while the S4 features the Helio P22. This comparison dissects the architectural and real-world implications of this chipset disparity, helping you determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing multitasking and smoother app performance, the Infinix S4 is the better choice. Its Helio P22, with its octa-core configuration, provides a noticeable advantage over the Camon i4’s quad-core Helio A22, despite both being built on the same 12nm process. However, the Camon i4 remains a viable option for extremely basic usage.
| 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, April 03. Released 2019, April 03 | 2019, April. Released 2019, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 156.9 x 75.8 x 8 mm (6.18 x 2.98 x 0.31 in) | 156 x 75 x 7.9 mm (6.14 x 2.95 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 140 g (4.94 oz) | 154 g (5.43 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
8 MP
2 MP | 13 MP, PDAF
8 MP
2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| 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, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 3500 mAh | 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aqua Blue, Champagne Gold, Midnight Black, Nebula Black | Space gray, nebula blue, twilight purple |
| Models | - | X626, X626B, X610B, X626B LTE |
| Price | About 150 EUR | - |
Tecno Camon i4
- Potentially slightly better battery life (depending on battery capacity)
- Lower price point (likely)
- Sufficient for basic communication tasks
- Significantly slower performance compared to the S4
- Struggles with multitasking
- Less responsive user experience
Infinix S4
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Improved gaming experience (for light games)
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life (depending on battery capacity)
- Likely a higher price point than the Camon i4
- Still limited by the Cortex-A53 architecture
Display Comparison
Neither Tecno nor Infinix provide detailed display specifications for these models in the available data. However, given their market positioning, it’s safe to assume both utilize IPS LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The display experience will likely be similar, with the chipset playing a larger role in rendering UI elements smoothly. The absence of higher refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO is typical for this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely feature a primary camera alongside auxiliary sensors (often 2MP depth or macro lenses). The image processing capabilities are heavily reliant on the ISP within the chipset. The Helio P22 in the Infinix S4 generally offers a slightly more capable ISP, potentially leading to better image quality and faster processing times, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The usefulness of the auxiliary 2MP cameras on both devices is limited, primarily serving to add depth effects to portrait mode photos.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset architecture. The Infinix S4’s Mediatek Helio P22 boasts an octa-core CPU (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 + 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53), while the Tecno Camon i4 is equipped with a quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 processor. This doubling of cores in the P22 translates to significantly improved multitasking capabilities and a more fluid user experience. While both are based on the ARM Cortex-A53 architecture and the 12nm process, the P22’s additional cores allow it to handle more simultaneous tasks without significant slowdown. This benefits users who frequently switch between apps or engage in light web browsing alongside social media.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, given the lower processing demands of the Helio A22 in the Camon i4, it *could* potentially offer slightly better battery life under identical usage scenarios. However, the more efficient processing of the Helio P22 in the S4, coupled with optimized software, could offset this difference. Charging wattage is also unknown, making it difficult to assess 0-100% charging times. Real-world battery performance will heavily depend on individual usage patterns.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Camon i4 if you need a phone for absolutely essential tasks – calls, texts, and very light app usage – and prioritize minimizing cost above all else. Buy the Infinix S4 if you prefer a more responsive experience for social media, browsing, and occasional light gaming, and are willing to spend a little more for improved performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix S4 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio P22 can run PUBG Mobile, expect to play at low settings and potentially experience frame drops, especially during intense action. It's not designed for demanding gaming, but it's capable of casual play.
❓ Is the difference between the Helio A22 and Helio P22 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Helio P22’s octa-core configuration provides a smoother and more responsive experience when switching between apps, browsing the web, and using social media. The Camon i4 with the Helio A22 will feel sluggish in comparison.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging?
Neither Tecno nor Infinix explicitly advertise fast charging support for these models. Expect standard 5W or 10W charging speeds, resulting in relatively long charging times.
❓ Which phone is better for watching videos?
Both phones will provide a similar video playback experience, assuming similar screen resolutions. The Helio P22 in the Infinix S4 might offer slightly smoother decoding of higher-resolution videos, but the difference will likely be minimal.