Looking at the Tecno Camon 30 for the first time, it was clear that this phone was built with a focus on camera prowess. The device features a unique design that reminds me of a DSLR camera, with a large dial housing three sensors and an NPC sensor. It’s not just about looks, though—the Camon 30’s 50-megapixel primary rear camera with OIS and a 50-megapixel selfie camera with autofocus suggest that Tecno is serious about competing in the mid-range smartphone market.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the Tecno Camon 30 is a standout feature. I reviewed the black variant, which comes with a glass back that has a marble-like design, making it feel premium. The phone’s large camera dial, complete with a flashlight and a red dot LED that lights up when you get a notification or start recording, adds to its unique look. Thankfully, you can turn off the LED functionality if it’s not your style.

The build quality feels sturdy, with IP53 splash and dust resistance adding a layer of durability. The phone strikes a good balance in terms of weight, neither too heavy nor too light, making it comfortable for extended use.

Display

The 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is impressive. With a brightness of 1300 nits, it’s vibrant and easy to view even under direct sunlight. Colors are slightly on the cooler side, but the display manages to provide a crisp and immersive viewing experience. Whether I was streaming Netflix or scrolling through social media, the display performed exceptionally well, with smooth animations thanks to the high refresh rate.

Performance

Under the hood, the Tecno Camon 30 runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7020 processor, which, while not the latest, still offers reliable performance for daily tasks. I found switching between apps and general multitasking to be smooth, with minimal lag. However, it’s worth noting that this chipset isn’t as powerful as some of its competitors in the same price range.

Tecno’s HiOS 14, based on Android 14, provides a user interface that’s both customizable and responsive. I enjoyed using the cute videos for the always-on display feature, which added a personalized touch to my phone. However, the OS does have some quirks. For instance, swiping right on the home screen brings up a widget window instead of the Google News tab, which might take some getting used to.

Pre-installed apps are another area where the Camon 30 stumbles. The device comes with a number of apps from Tecno that can be more annoying than useful, taking up valuable storage space. While some of these apps can be deleted, others can only be disabled, which adds unnecessary clutter to the device.

Camera Performance

Given Tecno’s emphasis on the camera, I had high expectations, and the Camon 30 didn’t disappoint. The 50-megapixel primary rear camera produces detailed images with natural colors. The OIS helps stabilize shots, making it easier to capture clear photos even in less-than-ideal conditions. The 50-megapixel selfie camera is equally impressive, offering autofocus for sharp selfies.

Whether I was shooting in bright daylight or low light, the Camon 30’s camera delivered consistently good results. It’s clear that Tecno has invested a lot into making sure this phone’s camera can compete with higher-end devices.

Battery Life and Charging

The 5000mAh battery is another highlight of the Tecno Camon 30. With regular use, the battery easily lasted a full day, and with lighter use, it stretched to a day and a half. Even during heavy use, including hours of streaming and gaming, the phone made it through the day. The 70W fast charging is decent, getting the phone from 0 to 100% in around an hour and a half.

Audio Experience

The Camon 30 features dual speakers powered by Dolby Atmos, but this is where the phone falls short. While the volume is loud enough, the audio quality is just average. At higher volumes, the sound tends to distort, which can detract from the overall multimedia experience.

Is It Worth It?

So, is the Tecno Camon 30 worth buying? In my opinion, yes, especially if you’re looking for a stylish smartphone with a strong camera performance. It offers good value for its price, with a vibrant display, decent performance, and long battery life. However, the phone is not without its flaws, particularly with its average audio quality and pre-installed apps that might be more of a nuisance than a benefit. For a budget of around ₱18,000 (approx. $320), the Tecno Camon 30 offers strong competition to other brands like Vivo, OnePlus, and Oppo. It’s a solid all-rounder that delivers on most fronts, though there’s still room for improvement.