TECNO Camon 30 5G is aimed for photography enthusiasts
A couple of weeks ago, TECNO sent over a TECNO Camon 30 5G for us to review. The timing was perfect as I actually wanted to test it since I saw it last February 2024. Back then, TECNO Philippines was not yet sure about its availability in the Philippines until two weeks ago.
The TECNO Camon 30 5G is a mid-range smartphone that packs a punch in the camera department, offering impressive imaging capabilities at an affordable price point. With its sleek design, capable hardware, and a focus on content creation, this device aims to cater to the needs of photography enthusiasts and social media influencers on a budget.
Design
The TECNO Camon 30 5G boasts a sleek and modern design that belies its price tag. The Uyuni Salt White variant, in particular, stands out with its unique texture that resembles the feeling of touching a piece of paper or rough slate, providing a premium and tactile experience.
The inclusion of an indicator light is a nice touch, allowing users to easily identify when the device is recording video, with the option to turn it on or off as desired. You also have the option to make it light up when charging the phone or when there are notifications.
The side-axis camera design, inspired by classic cameras, adds a touch of sophistication and makes the user feel like a professional photographer. Overall, the design of the TECNO Camon 30 5G is a testament to the company’s commitment to delivering a premium experience at an affordable price point.
Display
The TECNO Camon 30 5G features a 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering impressive color reproduction and smooth performance.
The high refresh rate is particularly beneficial for gaming and browsing, ensuring a fluid and responsive experience.
Hardware
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7020 5G chipset, the TECNO Camon 30 5G offers capable performance for most tasks.
While the chipset is slightly underclocked compared to its full potential, it still delivers a remarkably good experience for gaming and excels at productivity applications. However, it’s worth noting that the hardware may feel slightly underwhelming for power users or those with demanding workloads.
Benchmark Results
Software
The software experience on the TECNO Camon 30 5G is generally refined, but there is room for improvement. The device comes with a fair amount of bloatware, some of which may be considered unnecessary by some users. However, the inclusion of Ella, TECNO’s AI software powered by ChatGPT 3.5, is a notable feature. The Zero Data Mode of Ella is particularly useful, allowing users to perform on-device tasks like taking photos, making phone calls, or opening certain applications without an internet connection.
One area where TECNO could improve is in their software update roadmap for the Camon series. According to the company, they are committed to providing one major Android version update and two years of security package upgrades. While this is a standard practice in the industry, more frequent updates would be appreciated by users who value having the latest software features and security patches.
Camera
Undoubtedly, the camera is the standout feature of the TECNO Camon 30 5G, and one of the main reasons why it offers excellent value for its price point. Equipped with a Samsung ISOCELL GN5 50MP main camera and a Samsung JN1 50MP front camera, this device is capable of capturing stunning photos, even in low-light conditions.
The 50MP Eye-tracking Autofocus Front Camera is particularly impressive, elevating vlogging and selfie experiences with its supreme clarity and precise eye-tracking autofocus. The camera’s Vlog Mode provides a comprehensive experience, offering multi-template shooting, automatic multi-segment combination, guided shooting, and front and back-end vlogging capabilities. Also, the improved front camera resolution enhances clarity during live broadcasts on social platforms, making it an ideal choice for content creators and influencers.
The main camera’s large 1/1.56-inch sensor and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) ensure that every detail is captured with precision, even in low-light conditions. The 100MP Ultra-clear Mode, realized through software algorithms, allows for ample room for post-production cropping, making it easier to capture the perfect shot without the need for extensive framing.
TECNO’s AI imaging capabilities further enhance the camera experience. The Social Turbo feature optimizes video calling on third-party apps, offering voice changing, video background changing, video beauty functions, Tmoji avatars, and fill lighting for dark environments. The AI Erase function allows users to quickly and easily remove unwanted objects or people from their photos, ensuring that the focus remains on the intended subjects. In addition, the Universal Tone feature ensures accurate skin tone capture, reflecting everyone in the picture accurately.
Audio
While the TECNO Camon 30 5G boasts stereo dual speakers and Dolby Atmos support, the audio experience could be improved. The speakers lack the necessary bass frequency, resulting in an audio output that feels devoid of depth and richness. Some would call this “tunog lata”, I couldn’t agree to some extent. However, when connected to a Dolby Atmos-enabled device, the audio experience is significantly enhanced, delivering a more immersive and theater-like sound.
It’s interesting to note that TECNO has included this premium audio feature in a device priced below PhP 12,000, which is commendable. However, for those who prioritize audio quality, the built-in speakers may not meet their expectations.
Battery
The TECNO Camon 30 5G impresses with its battery life, thanks to the combination of a 5,000mAh battery and the power-efficient MediaTek 7020 chipset. In testing, the device lasted an impressive 14 hours and 12 minutes, which should be more than enough for most users’ daily needs. The inclusion of a 70W charger is a nice touch, allowing for rapid charging when needed.
Verdict
The TECNO Camon 30 5G is a compelling choice for those seeking an affordable smartphone with impressive camera capabilities and a focus on content creation. While it may not excel in every aspect, its strengths lie in its sleek design, capable hardware, and exceptional camera performance.
For photography enthusiasts and social media influencers on a budget, the TECNO Camon 30 5G offers excellent value for money. Its impressive camera setup, coupled with AI imaging features and vlogging capabilities, make it a standout option in its price range. I should also add that the device’s long battery life and rapid charging support ensure that users can capture and create content without worrying about running out of power.
However, it’s important to note that the TECNO Camon 30 5G may not be the best choice for power users or those with demanding workloads, as its hardware performance may feel slightly underwhelming in such scenarios. The audio experience could be improved, particularly for those who prioritize high-quality sound output from the built-in speakers.
Overall, the TECNO Camon 30 5G is a highly commendable and recommended option for those who are into photography and content creation, offering an impressive camera experience and a sleek design at an affordable price point.
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.
