Specification

Tecno Camon 40 Pro Review: A Camera-Centric Budget Beast or Just Another Midrange?

In a world where smartphones keep getting pricier, the midrange segment has become a battleground. Users want flagship-level cameras, smooth performance, beautiful design — all without breaking the bank.

Tecno is aiming to capture that sweet spot with the Camon 40 Pro. Promising a premium design, 108MP camera, AMOLED display, and AI features — all at a very aggressive price point.

But is this just another flashy phone with marketing buzzwords? Or does the Camon 40 Pro actually deliver where it matters?

Let’s dive into the real-world performance of this camera-focused budget phone.

1. Design & Build: Premium Looks, Practical Feel

Tecno has truly stepped up its design game with the Camon 40 Pro. It may be a budget device, but it doesn’t feel like one in the hand.

Highlights:

• Vegan leather or matte glass back (depending on variant) – feels premium
• Circular “Stellar Ring” camera module – eye-catching but not bulky
• Curved 3D AMOLED edges – rare in this price range
• IP54 splash-resistant rating

Weight: Approx. 190g – comfortable to hold

Verdict: Easily one of the most stylish phones under ₹25K. Looks like a flagship, feels like one too.

2. Display: Flagship Vibes on a Budget

The 6.78-inch AMOLED display on the Camon 40 Pro is a treat.

Specs:

• FHD+ resolution (2436×1080)
• 120Hz refresh rate
• 1300 nits peak brightness
• Curved edges, punch-hole design

Real-life use:

• Bright enough for outdoor viewing
• Colors are vibrant but not overly saturated
• Smooth animations with the 120Hz refresh rate

Bonus: Always-On Display, Eye Comfort Mode, and DC Dimming

Verdict: Easily one of the best displays in the price segment. Curved screen gives it a premium look.

3. Performance: MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate – Power That Lasts

The Camon 40 Pro runs on the Dimensity 8200 Ultimate, a capable 6nm chip built for gaming and multitasking.

Specs & Benchmarks:

• 8-core CPU (1×3.1GHz + 3×3.0GHz + 4×2.0GHz)
• 8GB/12GB LPDDR4X RAM
• 256GB UFS 3.1 storage
• AnTuTu Score: ~800K+

Real Use Performance:

• Daily apps like Instagram, Gmail, Chrome run super smooth
• Multitasking feels seamless
• No major lags or stutters

Gaming: Call of Duty and Asphalt 9 run smoothly on high settings, though the phone gets slightly warm after long sessions

Verdict: Performance that punches above its price class. Not a gaming beast like Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, but more than enough for 95% users.

4. Camera: 108MP Hype or Hidden Gem?

This is where Tecno puts its biggest bet — the Camon series is all about camera, and the 40 Pro brings serious firepower.

Rear Camera Setup:

• 108MP main sensor (f/1.8)
• 2MP depth + AI lens
• Laser Autofocus + OIS (Optical Image Stabilization)
• 32MP selfie camera

Photography Results:

Daylight:

• Images are sharp and detailed
• Slightly boosted colors, but not overdone
• HDR works well to balance sky and shadows

Low Light:

• Night Mode improves clarity a lot
• Some noise, but overall bright and usable shots
• OIS helps reduce blur on slow shutter

Video:

• 4K at 30fps supported
• Stabilization is decent for the price
• Audio capture is surprisingly good

AI Features:

• Sky Shop: Change the sky in photos
• Portrait Beauty: AI-enhanced selfies
• AR Stickers & Filters

Verdict: For under ₹25K, this is one of the most feature-rich and versatile camera setups. Great for social media creators.

5. Gaming & Thermals: Not a Gaming Phone, But Game On

The Mali-G610 MC6 GPU handles games well, but the Camon 40 Pro isn’t built purely for gamers.

Gaming Test:

• Call of Duty: High graphics, 60fps — smooth
• BGMI/PUBG: Ultra frame rate on HD – very playable
• Asphalt 9: Fast loading, great visuals
• Genshin Impact: Medium settings recommended

Thermal Performance:

• Gets warm after ~30 mins but not uncomfortable
• No heavy throttling noticed in normal usage

Gaming Extras:

• Game Mode with blocking notifications, FPS monitor
• Haptics are decent, not flagship level

Verdict: Casual gamers will be satisfied. Hardcore gamers may want higher-end chipsets.

6. Battery Life: Goes the Distance

Specs:

• 5000mAh battery
• 70W fast charging
• USB-C to Type-A cable included

Battery Test:

• SOT: ~7.5 hours (mixed use)
• Video streaming (3 hours): ~22% drop
• Gaming (1 hour): ~16% drain

Charging Time:

• 0 to 50%: ~20 minutes
• Full charge: ~45 minutes

Verdict: Easily lasts a full day with heavy use. One of the faster-charging phones in the segment.

7. Software: HiOS 14 – More Refined Than Before

The Camon 40 Pro runs on Android 14 with HiOS 14 skin.

Pros:

• New AI features (AI Gallery, Smart Assistant)
• Fewer ads than older versions
• Smooth animations and transitions
• Customization options: themes, gestures, sidebar

Cons:

• Still some bloatware (can be uninstalled)
• No long-term update promise like Google/Samsung

Special Features:

• Ella AI Assistant
• Smart Panel
• Split-screen, Floating Window

Verdict: Much improved HiOS, though not as clean as Pixel or OnePlus UI.

8. Audio, Connectivity & Security

Audio:

• Stereo speakers – loud but average bass
• No headphone jack

Connectivity:

• 5G support (SA/NSA bands)
• Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC

Security:

• In-display fingerprint scanner – fast & accurate
• Face Unlock – works well even in low light

9. Who Should Buy This?

Buy if you:

• Love taking photos and selfies
• Want a stylish phone that turns heads
• Need fast charging and a good display
• Prefer value-for-money with flagship vibes

Skip if you:

• Need raw gaming power
• Hate bloatware (even minor)
• Want a long software update roadmap

Final Verdict

The Tecno Camon 40 Pro surprises in the best way possible.

It’s not just camera hype — it actually delivers excellent photography, smooth display, and refined design at a very competitive price. While it’s not built for gamers or purists, it’s a complete daily driver for most users.