While TECNO is making waves for its impressive line of budget mid-range phones with the Camon 18 series, realme is catching up with them with the launch of the 8i in the Philippines. It’s no secret that the realme 8i is gunning for the TECNO Camon 18P, so here’s our quick comparo between the two budget mid-range phones.
realme 8i specs
- MediaTek Helio G96 processor
- 4GB/6GB RAM
- 64GB/128GB internal storage, expandable via microSD
- 6.6-inch IPS Full HD+ display, 120hz refresh rate
- 50-megapixel f/1.8 main camera, 2-megapixel mono camera, 2-megapixel depth-sensing camera, LED flash
- 16-megapixel camera
- LTE
- WiFi, Bluetooth, side-mounted fingerprint scanner
- 18W fast charging
- 5000mAh battery
- Android 11, realme UI 2.0
TECNO Camon 18P specs
- MediaTek Helio G96 processor
- 8GB RAM
- 128GB internal storage, expandable via microSD
- 6.8-inch Full HD+ IPS Display, 120hz refresh rate
- 48-megapixel f/1.8 main camera with PDAF, 13-megapixel telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom, 2-megapixel depth sensor; LED flash
- 16-megapixel f/2.2 selfie camera
- LTE
- WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, side-mounted fingerprint scanner
- 33W fast charging
- 5000mAh battery
- Android 11, HiOS
Design
Both phones come with a polycarbonate back panel and have triple rear cameras. While the realme 8i keeps all three cameras (and an LED flash) in a square module, the Camon 18P opts for a vertical module with the LED flash placed beside one of the three cameras.
Both phones employ a punch-hole for the selfie camera, with the realme 8i placing it at the corner while the Camon 18P has it right at the center.
Display
While both phones come with Full HD+ displays with a 120hz refresh rate, the Camon 18P offers a bigger screen estate at 6.8-inches vs 6.6-inches on the realme 8i. Save for the size difference, both phones have roughly the same technical specs on paper, which is at par with what is expected for budget mid-range phones today.
Cameras
Both phones come with a triple rear camera setup. While the realme 8i uses a newer and higher-resolution 50-megapixel main camera, the Camon 18P has a usable 13-megapixel telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom.
It all boils down to preference when it comes to the rear cameras: the realme 8i is better if you favor a higher resolution, while the Camon 18P favors those who prefer versatility.
Internals
Both phones are powered by MediaTek’s current top-end 4G processor–which is the Helio G96. The realme 8i has an affordable 4GB/64GB variant and 6GB/128GB variant, while the Camon 18P has a single 8GB/128GB variant.
Unless budget is a concern for you, the 6GB/128GB variant of the realme 8i is the more sensible choice, as 64GB of internal storage is considered small in 2021.
Both phones come with 5000mAh batteries to power them up, though the Camon 18P has faster charging speeds at 33w (vs 18w on the realme 8i).
Price
The realme 8i is priced at Php 9,990 for the 4GB/64GB variant and Php 11,990 for the 6GB/128GB variant, while the Camon 18p is priced at Php 10,990. While the Camon 18P offers better value for money on paper, the realme 8i makes up for it with a better main rear camera.
That wraps up our comparison of the realme 8i and TECNO Camon 18P. Which is the better phone for you?
