Tecno Camon 30 Premiere 5G Review
It wasn’t too long ago when Tecno announced the Tecno Camon series in Barcelona last February. Since then, we received rave request to try the high-end Tecno Camon 30 Premiere.
The Tecno Camon 30 Premiere 5G is a testament to the growing popularity of Tecno. This smartphone is positioned as a mid-range powerhouse, boasting specifications that would make even some flagship devices blush. With its striking design, powerful camera system, and robust performance, the Camon 30 Premiere 5G is poised to shake up the market and challenge the notion of what a mid-range phone can be.
Hardware
The moment you lay eyes on the Camon 30 Premiere 5G, you know you’re dealing with something special. Tecno has gone all out with the design, crafting a device that looks and feels premium. The phone sports a 6.77-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a resolution of 2780 x 1264 pixels, offering crisp visuals and vibrant colors. The 120Hz adaptive refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and fluid animations, while the peak brightness of 1,400 nits makes outdoor visibility a non-issue.
It is just a shame that this phone only managed to reach this level of brightness level as other smartphones especially from Honor is already beyond its current level.
The build quality is impressive, with an aluminum frame sandwiched between glass panels. The back panel features a unique eco-leather finish, which not only looks great but also provides a comfortable grip. The camera module is a standout feature, reminiscent of a classic camera design that adds a touch of nostalgia to this modern device. It really like it, and it gives a premium look that somewhat justifies its “premiere” monicker.
At 210 grams, the Camon 30 Premiere 5G has some heft to it, but it’s well-balanced and feels solid in hand. The phone also boasts an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance, which is a nice addition at this price point.
One minor gripe is the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack, but that’s becoming increasingly common these days. So, too bad for IEM users like me who prefer using 3.5mm jacks for more a analog feel and usage. On the plus side, the phone does include an IR blaster, which is a neat feature for those who like to use their phone as a universal remote.
Performance
Under the hood, the Camon 30 Premiere 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate chipset. This octa-core processor, coupled with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage, ensures that the phone can handle just about anything you throw at it.
In day-to-day use, the Camon 30 Premiere 5G feels snappy and responsive. Apps open quickly, multitasking is a breeze, and there’s rarely any lag or stutter to be seen. The generous amount of RAM allows for smooth app switching, even with multiple heavy apps running in the background.
Gaming performance is particularly impressive. Demanding titles like Zenless Zone Zero and Genshin Impact run smoothly on high settings, with stable frame rates and minimal heating. The phone’s 10-layer cooling system does an admirable job of keeping temperatures in check during extended gaming sessions.
Artificial Benchmark Results
Antutu Benchmark
Antutu Benchmark is a popular software tool used to measure the performance of smartphones and other mobile devices. It is developed by Antutu, a Chinese software company, and is available for both Android and iOS operating systems.
The benchmark test evaluates the device’s CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), and storage performance. The tool generates an overall score based on the device’s performance in different tests, including CPU and GPU tests, RAM and storage tests, and user experience tests.
The Antutu Benchmark score is commonly used to compare the performance of different mobile devices and to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a particular device. Higher scores generally indicate better performance, but it’s important to note that the benchmark score is just one factor to consider when evaluating a device’s overall performance.
Geekbench 6
Geekbench is a cross-platform benchmark tool developed by Primate Labs that measures the performance of a computer’s CPU and GPU. It is designed to evaluate the single-core and multi-core performance of processors, as well as the performance of the system’s memory and compute capabilities.
Geekbench 6 uses a variety of workloads to test different aspects of a system’s performance, including image processing, encryption, and machine learning. The results are reported as a single score for the CPU and GPU, which can be used to compare the performance of different systems.
Geekbench 6 is widely used by hardware enthusiasts, tech reviewers, and manufacturers to test and compare the performance of different computer systems, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and is regularly updated to support the latest hardware and software platforms.
Geekbench 6 – Single Core
Geekbench 6 – Multi Core
PC Mark 3.0
PCMark for Android is a benchmark tool developed by UL Benchmarks that measures the performance of Android devices, including smartphones and tablets. The tool evaluates the device’s performance in a variety of scenarios, such as web browsing, video playback, and photo editing, and generates an overall score based on the device’s performance.
PCMark for Android includes several benchmark tests, each designed to evaluate a different aspect of the device’s performance. For example, the “Work 2.0” test evaluates the device’s performance in productivity scenarios, such as document editing and data manipulation, while the “Web Browsing 2.0” test evaluates the device’s web browsing performance.
PCMark for Android is widely used by hardware enthusiasts, tech reviewers, and manufacturers to test and compare the performance of different Android devices. It is available for download from the Google Play Store and is compatible with most Android devices running Android 5.0 or later.
Software
The Camon 30 Premiere 5G runs on Android 14 with Tecno’s custom HiOS 14 skin on top. HiOS has come a long way in recent years, and this latest iteration offers a clean, intuitive interface with plenty of customization options.
The software experience is generally smooth, with useful features like floating windows, smart panel, and game mode enhancing usability. The AI-powered voice assistant is a nice touch, though its usefulness may vary depending on your needs.
One area where Tecno has made significant improvements is in reducing bloatware. While there are still some pre-installed apps, they’re mostly unobtrusive and can be easily uninstalled if not needed. The overall software experience feels polished and user-friendly.
However, Tecno’s update policy could use some improvement. The company promises two major OS updates and three years of security patches, which is decent but falls short of what some competitors offer in this price range.
Camera
The camera system is undoubtedly one of the Camon 30 Premiere 5G’s standout features. The phone boasts a triple rear camera setup, all featuring 50MP sensors. The main camera uses a Sony IMX890 sensor with OIS, delivering sharp, detailed images in various lighting conditions. The 50MP periscope telephoto lens offers 3x optical zoom, while the 50MP ultrawide camera captures expansive landscapes with minimal distortion. Tecno and their imaging partner, Sony, hyped this up during MWC 2024. Undoubtedly, this feature shows how the Camon 30 Premiere is insanely good for the price they ask.
In good lighting, the main camera produces excellent shots with accurate colors and impressive dynamic range. Low-light performance is also commendable, thanks to the large sensor and effective night mode. The periscope telephoto lens is a real treat, allowing for high-quality zoom shots that are rare in this price range.
The ultrawide camera performs well in good light, though there’s a noticeable drop in quality compared to the main sensor. Still, it’s more than capable of capturing those wide vistas or group shots.
Video capabilities are equally impressive, with 4K recording at 60fps possible on both the main and selfie cameras. The inclusion of OIS helps in capturing stable footage, even when shooting handheld.
Speaking of selfies, the 50MP front-facing camera doesn’t disappoint. It captures detailed self-portraits with natural skin tones and offers a range of beautification options for those who prefer a more polished look.
While the camera app is feature-rich and intuitive, some users might find the abundance of modes and options a bit overwhelming at first. However, once you get used to it, the versatility on offer is truly impressive.
I should also note that AI is a bit disappointing on this device especially AI Eraser, which does not seem to work properly at the moment. For what it’s worth, I truly enjoyed AIGC Portrait despite having little templates to play around.
Audio
The Camon 30 Premiere 5G features dual stereo speakers that deliver clear, loud audio. While they may not match the quality of dedicated external speakers, they’re more than adequate for casual media consumption and gaming.
The phone supports Dolby Atmos, which enhances the audio experience when using headphones. The lack of a 3.5mm jack might disappoint some, but the included USB-C to 3.5mm adapter helps mitigate this issue.
Call quality is excellent, with clear voice transmission on both ends. The phone also supports various high-quality audio codecs for Bluetooth devices, ensuring a good wireless audio experience.
Battery
Powering the Camon 30 Premiere 5G is a substantial 5,000mAh battery. This capacity, combined with the efficient Dimensity 8200 Ultimate chipset and adaptive refresh rate display, translates to excellent battery life. Most users should comfortably get through a full day of heavy use, with moderate users potentially stretching it to two days.
When it’s time to recharge, the included 70W fast charger is a game-changer. It can juice up the phone from 0 to 100% in just about 45 minutes, which is incredibly convenient. While wireless charging is absent, the speed of the wired charging more than makes up for it.
The phone also includes various power-saving modes and battery optimization features, allowing users to extend battery life when needed.
Verdict
The Tecno Camon 30 Premiere 5G is a compelling package that offers tremendous value for its price. It successfully combines premium features with a mid-range price tag, delivering a user experience that punches well above its weight class.
The phone’s strengths lie in its versatile camera system, powerful performance, and long-lasting battery life with fast charging. The premium design and build quality add to its appeal, making it feel like a much more expensive device.
While there are some minor quibbles, such as the lack of wireless charging and a somewhat limited software update policy, these are easily overshadowed by the phone’s numerous strengths.
For PhP23,999, the Camon 30 Premiere 5G offers a combination of features and performance that’s hard to beat in its price range. It’s a phone that can confidently compete with devices costing significantly more, making it an excellent choice for those looking for flagship-like features without the flagship price tag.
Should you buy it? The Tecno Camon 30 Premiere 5G is a standout device that showcases Tecno’s growing popularity in the smartphone market. It’s a phone that not only meets expectations but often exceeds them, proving that you don’t need to break the bank to get a premium smartphone experience. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a mobile gamer, or just someone looking for a capable all-rounder, the Camon 30 Premiere 5G deserves serious consideration. Buy it!
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
