Looking for the most capable smartphone in the Php10,000 range? Today we’d be comparing two different devices that should fit whatever your taste is.
First, we have the TECNO Camon 17 Pro. This device is primarily aimed at those who prioritize mobile photography.

We’d be comparing that with the POCO M3 Pro 5G. As written in the name, it’s meant for those who want a more future-proof device thanks to its next-gen connectivity feature.

The question is, should you go with a camera phone or the one with 5G connectivity? To answer that, let’s take a deeper look at their differences here in our TECNO Camon 17 Pro versus POCO M3 Pro 5G specifications and features comparison.
TECNO Camon 17 Pro | POCO M3 Pro 5G | |
Operating System | Android 11 HIOS 7.6 | Android 11 MIUI 12 |
SIM | Dual SIM Dual standby | Dual SIM Dual standby |
Display | 6.8-inch FHD+ IPS 2460 x 1080 pixel resolution 395ppi | 6.5-inch FHD+ IPS 2400 x 1080 pixel resolution 404ppi DynamicSwitch refresh rate (30Hz/50Hz/60Hz/90Hz) 1500:1 contrast ratio 1100-nits 360-degree ambient light sensor |
Processor | 2.05GHz MediaTek Helio G95 octa-core | 2.2GHz MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G octa-core |
RAM | 8GB | 4GB/6GB |
GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
Storage | 128GB/256GB expandable via microSD | 64GB/128GB UFS 2.2 expandable via microSD |
Front Camera | 48-megapixel | 8-megapixel |
Rear Camera | 64-megapixel (f/1.8, PDAF) 8-megapixel (ultra-wide, f/2.3) 2-megapixel (depth sensor) 2-megapixel (mono) Quad-LED flash | 48-megapixel (f/1.8, PDAF) 2-megapixel (macro) 2-megapixel (depth sensor) LED flash |
Audio | Headphone jack Stereo loudspeaker | Headphone jack Single loudspeaker Hi-Res audio |
Security | Side-mounted fingerprint scanner Face unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint scanner Face unlock |
Connectivity | HSPA+, 4G LTE WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, A-GPS FM Radio USB Type-C | HSPA+, 4G LTE, 5G WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band Bluetooth 5.1 GPS, A-GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BDS NFC IR Blaster USB Type-C |
Dimensions | 168.9 x 77 x 9mm | 161.81 x 75.34 x 8.92mm |
Weight | 201g | 190g |
Body | Front: Glass Back: Plastic Frame: Plastic | Front: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 Back: Plastic Frame: Plastic |
Colors | Malibu Blue California Dream Silver | Power Black Cool Blue POCO Yellow |
Battery | 5,000mAh non-removable 25W fast charging | 5,000mAh non-removable 18W fast charging |
Price | 8GB/128GB: Php9,990 8GB/256GB: Php10,990 | 4GB/64GB: Php8,990 6GB/128GB: Php11,990 |
Design and Build Quality
Which between the TECNO Camon 17 Pro and POCO M3 Pro 5G looks better? We’ll let you decide on this one.

For us, we’re leaning towards the M3 Pro 5G. In our eyes, it has a more refreshing look with the bold POCO logo and a black accent that highlights the cameras. It also has a more attractive set of colors too.
On the other hand, the Camon 17 Pro has a familiar look that’s similar to other devices we’ve already seen before. On the upside, it has a middle punch-hole like the POCO device, although we do prefer it on the top left to be less distracting.

It also looks like the M3 Pro 5G has a slightly sturdier build, at least on paper. It has Gorilla Glass 3 on the front, while TECNO Mobile didn’t mention the glass they used on the Camon 17 Pro.
Sadly, they only have plastic frames and back panels. Neither have official IP rating water and dust resistance, either. But that should be fine, considering their price tags.
Display and Audio
The Camon 17 Pro might have a larger screen, but the POCO M3 Pro 5G obviously on this round.

It shows that the M3 Pro 5G has a higher refresh rate that can even intelligently switch from 30Hz to 90Hz depending on the task at hand to save battery. It also has 1100-nits peak brightness for better outdoor visibility and a secondary ambient light sensor on the back for 360-degree coverage.
POCO also managed to squeeze in Hi-Res audio certification for a better listening experience.
Hardware and Performance
The MediaTek Helio G95 of the Camon 17 Pro came from a series of chipsets made for gaming, and with its Mali-G76 MC4 GPU, you can expect better gaming performance than the Mali-G57 MC2 of the M3 Pro 5G.

However, the POCO phone’s Dimensity 700 is a slightly newer processor. It should offer better CPU performance for productivity tasks thanks to its higher clock speed. It also has a smaller 7nm size (vs 12nm of the G95) for better power efficiency.
The POCO device also has a faster UFS 2.2 storage. TECNO Mobile didn’t mention what type of storage the Camon 17 Pro is using, but as per MediaTek’s website, the Helio G95 can only support up to UFS 2.1.

Extra features like a newer Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity are also on the M3 Pro 5G. As well as NFC and IR blaster.
Cameras
Here’s where the Camon 17 Pro is a clear winner. As you can see, it has a 64-megapixel main camera that obviously dominates the 48-megapixel of the M3 Pro 5G.
It also comes with an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, 2-megapixel depth sensor, and even a Quad-LED flash, which the former lacks. Plus, an ultra-sharp 48-megapixel selfie-snapper that towers the 8-megapixel of the POCO device.
Related
- TECNO Camon 17 Pro vs Realme 8 5G: Specs Comparison
- Realme 8 5G vs POCO M3 Pro 5G: Specs Comparison
- Realme smartphones price list in the Philippines
Battery
Both devices rock 5,000mAh batteries. But since the POCO M3 Pro 5G has power-hungry features like 5G connectivity and a high refresh rate screen, it may eat battery charge faster.

The POCO device also lags behind in terms of charging. While an 18W fast charger is actually common on devices at this price, it’s still beaten by the TECNO Camon 17 Pro’s 25W charger.
Conclusion
I guess we have a clear winner here. The TECNO Camon 17 Pro may have a faster charging technology and cheaper price, but the benefits you’d be getting with the POCO M3 Pro 5G are much higher to ignore — unless mobile photography is your top priority.

As you just saw, the POCO device has a much better screen, audio, connectivity features, and more importantly, next-gen 5G connectivity to make it futureproof.
The M3 Pro 5G has a cheaper starting price of Php8,990, albeit it only comes with a 4GB/64GB configuration. Even the top-tier model is only 6GB/128GB which comes with a Php11,990 price tag. If you’re heavy in multitasking and storage is important, you can get the Camon 17 Pro with 8GB/128GB setup for Php10,990.