The Tecno Camon 20 Pro is a mid-range smartphone that prioritizes camera performance at an affordable price point. Launched in 2023, it boasts a sleek design, a vibrant display, and a capable camera system, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious users who prioritize capturing high-quality photos and videos.
Here’s a comprehensive review of the Tecno Camon 20 Pro, including its specifications, strengths, weaknesses, and who it might be the best suited for.
Product Specifications:
- Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 1080 x 2400 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G99 chipset
- RAM: 6GB/8GB
- Storage: 128GB/256GB
- Rear Camera: 64MP main sensor + 8MP ultrawide sensor + 2MP depth sensor
- Front Camera: 48MP selfie camera
- Battery: 5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging
- Operating System: Android 13 (upgradable to Android 14 by June 30th, 2024)
- Connectivity: 4G LTE (depending on variant), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS
- Design: Plastic back with a gradient finish, in-display fingerprint sensor
Strengths:
- Excellent Camera System: The highlight of the Camon 20 Pro is undoubtedly its camera system. The 64MP main sensor captures sharp and detailed photos in well-lit conditions. The 8MP ultrawide sensor offers a wider perspective for capturing landscapes and group shots. The 48MP selfie camera is a treat for selfie enthusiasts, producing high-resolution and clear selfies. AI features further enhance the camera experience, automatically adjusting settings for various shooting scenarios.
- Vibrant AMOLED Display: The 6.67-inch AMOLED display provides a stunning viewing experience with rich colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and animations, making it ideal for gaming and multimedia consumption.
- Long-lasting Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery offers a full day’s worth of usage on a single charge for moderate users. Power users might need to top up in the evening, but the 33W fast charging ensures quick refills.
- Affordable Price: The Tecno Camon 20 Pro strikes a good balance between features and price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers looking for a camera-centric phone.
Weaknesses:
- MediaTek Helio G99 Performance: While the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset can handle everyday tasks and even some light gaming, it’s not the most powerful processor on the market. Users who demand top-tier performance for demanding games or multitasking might find it lacking.
- Plastic Build Quality: The phone boasts a sleek design, but the plastic back feels less premium compared to glass backs found on some competitors. However, the plastic construction helps keep the weight down and reduces the risk of shattering upon accidental drops.
- Bloatware: The phone comes pre-installed with some bloatware apps, which can be uninstalled but might clutter the app drawer initially.
- Limited 5G Availability: Depending on the variant, the Camon 20 Pro might only support 4G LTE connectivity. This could be a dealbreaker for users looking for future-proof connectivity with access to 5G networks.
Who Should Consider the Tecno Camon 20 Pro?
The Tecno Camon 20 Pro is a compelling option for:
- Budget-conscious users: It offers great camera capabilities, a stunning display, and long battery life at an attractive price point.
- Photography enthusiasts: The phone’s camera system allows users to capture high-quality photos and videos, making it ideal for capturing memories and sharing them on social media.
- Social media users: The 48MP selfie camera and AI beauty features cater to users who frequently take selfies and share them online.
- Casual gamers: While not a powerhouse, the phone can handle light gaming sessions without any major issues.
Alternatives:
Here are some alternative smartphones to consider depending on your priorities:
- For a more powerful processor: If raw processing power is your top priority, consider the Samsung Galaxy A54 which boasts a more powerful Exynos chipset and might be better suited for heavy multitasking or demanding games.
- For a pure Android experience: If you prefer a bloatware-free and stock Android experience, phones like the Google Pixel series or Nokia smartphones might be a better fit.
- For 5G connectivity: If future-proof connectivity is crucial, look for phones with confirmed 5G support in your region. The Tecno Camon 20 Pro 5G variant offers this feature, but availability can vary depending on the market.
Camera Performance in Detail:
As mentioned earlier, the camera system is the Tecno Camon 20 Pro’s strongest selling point. Let’s delve deeper into its capabilities:
- Main Sensor (64MP): The 64MP main sensor captures crisp and detailed photos in daylight conditions. Tecno’s image processing algorithms further enhance image quality by optimizing colors and sharpness. However, low-light performance takes a hit, with noise creeping in and details getting softer. Night mode helps to some extent, but it can’t compete with high-end flagships in low-light scenarios.
- Ultrawide Sensor (8MP): The 8MP ultrawide sensor allows you to capture expansive landscapes, group photos, or fit more elements into the frame. While it doesn’t match the detail and sharpness of the main sensor, it’s a valuable addition for capturing wider perspectives.
- Selfie Camera (48MP): The 48MP selfie camera is a highlight for selfie lovers. It captures high-resolution selfies with plenty of detail, even in well-lit environments. Beauty modes with adjustable levels are available for those who prefer a touch of enhancement.
- Video Recording: The phone can record videos in up to 1080p resolution at 30fps. While not the highest resolution, it’s sufficient for casual video recording and sharing on social media. Video stabilization helps to minimize shakiness, but it might not be as effective in highly dynamic situations.
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Software:
The Tecno Camon 20 Pro runs on Android 13 with HiOS on top, Tecno’s custom user interface. HiOS offers a feature-rich experience with additional customization options compared to stock Android. However, as mentioned earlier, some bloatware apps come pre-installed, which might be a turnoff for some users. The phone is scheduled to receive an upgrade to Android 14 by June 30th, 2024, ensuring access to the latest features and security patches.
Design and Build Quality:
The Tecno Camon 20 Pro boasts a sleek and stylish design with a gradient finish on the plastic back. It’s available in various color options to suit different preferences. While the plastic construction keeps the weight down and offers some durability, it doesn’t feel as premium as glass backs found on some competitors. The phone is comfortable to hold and relatively lightweight, making it easy to use with one hand. A side-mounted fingerprint sensor provides a convenient way to unlock the phone.
Battery Life:
The 5000mAh battery is a strong point of the Tecno Camon 20 Pro. It can easily last a full day on a single charge for moderate users, with some users even reporting stretching it to a day and a half. Power users who heavily use gaming, social media, or camera features might need to top up in the evening. Thankfully, the 33W fast charging allows for quick refills, getting you back to using your phone in no time.
Conclusion:
The Tecno Camon 20 Pro is a solid mid-range smartphone that prioritizes camera performance at an affordable price. It boasts a vibrant display, long battery life, and a capable camera system, making it a good option for budget-conscious users who prioritize capturing high-quality photos and videos. While the processor might not be the most powerful, and the plastic build feels less premium, it offers excellent value for the price.
Overall, the Tecno Camon 20 Pro is a compelling choice for:
- Budget-conscious photography enthusiasts
- Social media users who love selfies
- Casual gamers
