The TECNO Camon 30 5G steps into the Philippine smartphone market with a focus on camera, display, and performance. With a unique design, camera-centric features, and a performance that’s not to miss, does it live up to the hype? Here’s our review.
Inside the device are the essentials – the phone itself, the charging brick, a USB A to C data and charging cable, a hard TPU case which is a rare thing to get nowadays, documentation, and a piece of hard tempered glass. Do note that there is no pre-applied protection with the display, so you’ll really need that tempered glass if you want some added protection.
Design and Construction
The TECNO Camon 30 5G boasts a sleek design in three color options: Iceland Basaltic Dark, Uyuni Salt White, and Emerald Lake Green. We got the former, which looks really cool considering it’s not the usual glossy back design we get from most brands. It’s comfortable to hold thanks to its slim profile, and smudges aren’t that noticeable unless you look real closely.
Let’s take a look at the glossy sides. At the bottom are the USB Type-C, half of the dual speaker setup, and the microphone.
At the upper left is the tray to place two nano SIMs and a microSD for additional storage. Surprisingly, the microSD has a dedicated slot unlike other brands in this price range.
The right features protruding power/lock and volume keys.
Build quality feels solid, with a premium feel thanks to the glass front and back (though some might prefer a non-slip matte finish). An under-the-radar perk is the inclusion of an IR blaster, which lets you control appliances straight from your phone.
Display and Audio
The phone features a large 6.78-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution. While it doesn’t boast the highest resolution on the market, the visuals are still clear and vibrant. The 120Hz refresh rate makes for smooth scrolling and a more responsive feel, especially noticeable during gaming.
Dual speakers with Dolby Atmos support provide immersive sound for multimedia consumption. Overall, the display and audio combination makes the TECNO Camon 30 5G a good choice for watching videos and listening to music on your phone.
Camera
The camera system might raise an eyebrow. The main focus is the 50MP main sensor with OIS (optical image stabilization). The 2MP depth sensor plays a supporting role in portrait mode. On the front, a 50MP selfie camera with autofocus and dual LED flash caters to selfie lovers. This is one of very few phones released this year with a built-in front flash, and it’s bright enough to be used in low-light scenarios.
In photos, there are so many modes you can choose from – AI, portrait, Super Night, AR, Wide Selfie, and an AIGC mode that lets you convert yourself to different AI portraits (Internet Connection required) is available. Here are some sample shots we took with the device:
With videos, you can choose to record up to max 2K resolution at 30 frames per second, and max 1080p at 60 frames per second. There’s Dual Video and Time Lapse for those who want some creative flair. Here’s a sample clip:
This translates to good photos in various lighting conditions, with OIS helping to reduce blur in low-light situations. However, some users might miss an ultrawide sensor for capturing expansive landscapes. Overall, the camera system is decent, but users who prioritize extreme versatility or low-light photography might want to consider other options.
Performance (Hardware, Software, Connectivity, and Security)
The TECNO Camon 30 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate chipset, offering reliable performance for everyday tasks and multitasking. It comes in configurations with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, alongside either 256GB or 512GB of storage. This ensures smooth app switching and storage space for apps, photos, and videos.
The phone runs on the latest Android 14 with TECNO’s own HiOS 14 on top. Be aware that HiOS adds a layer of customization that some users might find helpful, while others might prefer a stock Android experience. Bloatware and adware aren’t as much as we’ve seen with the brand’s earlier phones but still be on the lookout for such.
Connectivity options include 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and NFC, covering most user needs. Security features like an under-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition provide secure unlocking methods. A 9-layer VC liquid cooling system helps manage heat during demanding tasks.
Battery Life
The TECNO Camon 30 5G packs a 5000mAh battery, which should provide enough power for a full day of regular use. This combination of long battery life and quick charging makes the TECNO Camon 30 5G a reliable daily companion, I was able to use it for 3/4 of a day with medium to heavy usage before recharging – involving social media browsing, app chatting, calls, SMS, camera and photos, and using the phone as an access card at work via NFC, all while connected to either WiFi or 5G connectivity.
For heavy users, the 70W fast charging capability minimizes downtime, ensuring you’re not left stranded with a dead battery. We were able to recharge the phone from 0% to full in around 50 minutes.
