Tecno Camon 30 Pro 5G Review
Coming in at PhP19,999, this latest smartphone by Tecno promises quite a lot with little difference to its more “premium” sibling. Performance boost is somewhat minimal as well, but is it worth getting this or you might as well get the Tecno Camon 30 Premiere 5G instead?
Hardware
The Camon 30 Pro 5G packs an eye-catching design that’s sure to turn heads. Available in Iceland Basaltic Dark and Alps Snowy Silver, the phone features a unique snowy texture with a leather-like finish The device measures 164 x 74.5 x 7.7 mm and weighs a comfortable 188.6 g.
At the heart of the Camon 30 Pro 5G’s visual experience is a stunning 6.78-inch AMOLED display. With a resolution of 1080 x 2436 pixels and a 144Hz refresh rate, the screen offers crisp visuals and smooth scrolling. The always-on display feature is a nice touch for quick glances at notifications and time.
Under the hood, the device is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate chipset, an octa-core processor that promises solid performance. Coupled with 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage, the Camon 30 Pro 5G is well-equipped to handle multitasking and storage needs.
The phone also includes some thoughtful additions like an under-display fingerprint scanner, IR blaster, and FM radio. However, it’s worth noting that the device lacks an official IP rating for water and dust resistance, which might be a concern for some users.
Performance
The Tecno Camon 30 Pro 5G doesn’t disappoint when it comes to performance. The MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate chipset proves to be a capable performer, handling everyday tasks with ease and providing smooth gaming experiences.
While specific benchmark scores for the Camon 30 Pro 5G weren’t provided in the search results, we can infer its performance based on the chipset. The Dimensity 8200 is known for its strong mid-range performance, and the “Ultimate” version in this device likely offers even better results.
The 12GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking, while the 144Hz refresh rate display contributes to a fluid user experience. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, switching between apps, or engaging in more demanding tasks like video editing, the Camon 30 Pro 5G should handle it all without breaking a sweat.
Gaming performance is also noteworthy. The Mali-G610 MC6 GPU is capable of running popular titles at high settings. While it may not match the absolute top-tier gaming phones, it offers a great experience for most mobile gamers.
Performance, based on our benchmark, sits a little lower the Camon 30 Premiere. While I may have something to do with the type of RAM or storage, we could not conclude for certain.
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 Pro 5G runs on HiOS 14, based on Android 14, providing users with the latest software features. HiOS offers a clean and minimal interface, which is a plus for those who prefer a streamlined experience.
However, it’s worth noting that some users might find the software experience a bit flat compared to more feature-rich custom Android skins. This could be seen as a pro or con depending on personal preference – those who like a more stock Android-like experience might appreciate the simplicity, while others might miss the extra bells and whistles.
The software includes some AI-powered features that enhance the user experience. For instance, the AIGC Portrait feature allows users to create unique avatars using AI technology. Other AI-driven features include video background changing, video beauty enhancements, and fill lighting, providing content creators with a robust set of tools. These features are also available on its more expensive sibling, the Camon 30 Premiere 5G, with better quality because of its better set of cameras.
Camera
Now, speaking of cameras, its camera system is where the Camon 30 Pro 5G truly shines. The device boasts a triple rear camera setup, featuring a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP depth sensor. On the front, there’s an impressive 50MP selfie camera with autofocus.
The main 50MP sensor, which uses the Sony IMX890, delivers excellent image quality with good detail and dynamic range. The inclusion of OIS helps in capturing sharp images, especially in low-light conditions. The 50MP ultra-wide camera is a standout feature, offering a high-resolution option for landscape shots and group photos.
Video capabilities are equally impressive. The Camon 30 Pro 5G can record 4K video at 60fps, a feature typically reserved for higher-end devices. The combination of OIS and EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) ensures smooth and stable footage, making this phone an excellent choice for vloggers and content creators.
The 50MP front-facing camera with eye-tracking autofocus is perfect for selfie enthusiasts, offering sharp and detailed self-portraits. The high resolution allows for plenty of cropping flexibility without significant loss in quality.
Tecno has also included several AI-powered camera features, such as AI Eraser and video background changing, which add to the creative possibilities. The AI Eraser, however, doesn’t seem to work flawlessly unlike its competitors from OPPO and realme.
Audio
The Camon 30 Pro 5G comes equipped with dual stereo speakers that support Dolby Atmos. This setup promises an immersive audio experience, whether you’re watching videos, playing games, or listening to music.
The inclusion of Dolby Atmos is a nice touch, potentially offering more depth and dimensionality to the audio output. However, it’s worth noting that the actual audio quality might not match that of flagship devices, given the mid-range positioning of this phone.
One minor inconvenience reported is the absence of a quick toggle for Dolby Atmos in the settings. This means users might need to dive into the settings menu to enable or disable this feature, which could be a slight annoyance for those who frequently switch audio modes.
Battery
The Camon 30 Pro 5G is powered by a substantial 5,000mAh battery, which should provide ample juice for a full day of use, even with heavy usage. This capacity is on par with many flagship devices and should be more than sufficient for most users.
Charging is handled by a 70W Ultra Charge system, which Tecno claims can charge the device from 0 to 100% in just 50 minutes. This fast-charging capability is a significant plus, allowing users to quickly top up their battery when in a hurry.
However, it’s worth noting that some users have reported the absence of a fast charging toggle in the quick settings. While this doesn’t affect the charging speed itself, it might be an inconvenience for those who like to have quick access to such controls.
Verdict
The Tecno Camon 30 Pro 5G is a compelling mid-range device that punches above its weight in several areas. Its standout features include the versatile camera system, smooth 144Hz AMOLED display, and capable performance courtesy of the Dimensity 8200 Ultimate chipset.
For content creators and photography enthusiasts, the Camon 30 Pro 5G offers an impressive array of camera features, including 4K60fps video recording and a high-resolution ultra-wide camera. The AI-powered camera tools add extra creative possibilities, making this device a solid choice for vloggers and social media content creators.
Performance-wise, the device holds its own, offering smooth everyday use and capable gaming performance. The 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage ensure that most users will have plenty of memory and space for their needs.
The 5,000mAh battery and 70W fast charging are definite pluses, promising all-day battery life and quick top-ups when needed. The inclusion of features like an under-display fingerprint scanner, IR blaster, and FM radio adds to the overall value proposition.
However, the device isn’t without its drawbacks. The lack of an official IP rating might be a concern for some users, and the HiOS software, while clean, might feel a bit basic for those used to feature-rich Android skins.
At its price point of PhP19,999, the Tecno Camon 30 Pro 5G offers excellent value for money. It brings several flagship-level features to the mid-range segment, making it an attractive option for those who want high-end capabilities without breaking the bank.
So, should you buy this or the Camon 30 Premiere 5G? The Tecno Camon 30 Pro 5G is a well-rounded device that should satisfy most users, especially those who prioritize camera capabilities and smooth performance. While it may not be perfect, it certainly holds its own in the competitive mid-range smartphone market, making it a worthy contender for your next smartphone purchase. The PhP3,000 difference to its more expensive sibling is a little slim though. If you have the budget to go for the Camon 30 Premiere, the benefits you get from it outweigh what the Camon 30 Pro can offer.
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.
