Tecno Camon 40 Pro 5G Review: A Budget-Friendly Smartphone

Looking for a smartphone that combines style, performance, and affordability without compromising on premium features? The Tecno Camon 40 Pro 5G is here to steal the show. Unveiled as part of the Camon 40 series at MWC in Barcelona, this phone update delivers a compelling mix of modern design, solid performance, and impressive camera capabilities, all at a price that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a multimedia lover, or just someone who wants a reliable daily driver, this device has something for everyone. Let’s dive into why the Tecno Camon 40 Pro 5G is a standout choice in the crowded mid-range market.

• Network Technology: GSM / HSPA / LTE
• Launch: Announced March 3, 2025; Available May 2025
• Body: 164.4 x 74.3 x 7.3 mm, 178g; Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM; IP68/IP69 dust and water resistant (up to 2m for 30 min)
• Display: 6.78” AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2436 pixels (~393 ppi); HDR image support; Corning Gorilla Glass 7i
• Platform: Android 15, HiOS 15, up to 3 major Android upgrades; MediaTek Helio G100 Ultimate (6nm); Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55); Mali-G57 MC2
• Memory: 256GB storage, 8GB RAM; UFS 2.2, LPDDR4X; No card slot
• Main Camera: Dual: 50MP (f/1.9, 23mm, 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS), 8MP (ultrawide); Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama; 4K@30/60fps (HDR), 1080p@30fps
• Selfie Camera: 50MP (f/2.5, 24mm, 1/2.8", 0.64µm, PDAF); 1080p@30fps
• Sound: Stereo speakers, 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res audio; No 3.5mm jack
• Comms: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, Infrared port, FM radio, USB-C 2.0, OTG
• Features: Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass; Circle to Search
• Battery: 5200mAh; 45W wired charging (50% in 23 min, 100% in 43 min)
• Colors: Emerald Lake Green, Galaxy Black, Glacier White
• Model: CM6

Design

The Tecno Camon 40 Pro 5G is a looker. With its sleek, curved panels and a slim 7.3mm profile, it feels like a premium device in your hand. Weighing just 178 grams, it’s lightweight yet sturdy, making it easy to carry and use for long periods. The phone sports a Gorilla Glass 7i front, paired with a plastic frame and back, which keeps the weight down while maintaining durability.

What sets this smartphone apart is its unique two-tone back design. One part is a solid color, while the other has a subtle frost texture that catches the light beautifully. Available in three stunning colors—Emerald Lake Green, Galaxy Black, and Glacier White—this phone is as stylish as it is functional. The raised camera module adds an artistic flair, giving it a modern yet distinctive vibe. Tecno calls this design “artistic,” and it’s easy to see why.

But it’s not just about looks. The Camon 40 Pro 5G is built to last. It boasts an IP68/IP69 rating, meaning it’s dust-tight and can handle high-pressure water jets or submersion up to 2 meters for 30 minutes. Tecno also claims it’s drop-resistant from 1.5 meters onto asphalt, backed by an SGS 5-star drop-resistant certification. Whether you’re caught in the rain or prone to accidental drops, this phone update is ready for real-world challenges.

Display

The Tecno Camon 40 Pro 5G features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2436 pixels, delivering crisp visuals at 393 ppi. With a 120Hz refresh rate, scrolling through apps, browsing the web, or gaming feels buttery smooth. The curved Gorilla Glass 7i screen not only looks premium but also adds durability, protecting against scratches and minor drops.

Brightness is a highlight here. The display reaches up to 554 nits in manual mode and a whopping 1,054 nits in High Brightness Mode, making it easy to view under bright sunlight. At just 2.4 nits minimum brightness, it’s also gentle on your eyes in low-light conditions. The screen supports HDR10+ content, ensuring vibrant colors and deep contrasts for movies and games. Whether you’re streaming Netflix or scrolling through social media, the Tecno Camon 40 Pro 5G offers an immersive experience.

You can choose from three refresh rate modes: High (up to 120Hz for supported apps and games), Auto (switches between 120Hz and 60Hz to save battery), and Standard (fixed at 60Hz). This flexibility lets you balance performance and battery life based on your needs. Plus, with Widevine L1 DRM support, you can enjoy high-quality streaming on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime.

Performance

Under the hood, the Tecno Camon 40 Pro 5G is powered by the MediaTek Helio G100 Ultimate chipset, built on a 6nm process. This octa-core processor (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) paired with a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. While it’s not a flagship chipset, it’s more than capable for the mid-range segment, offering a 25% improvement in efficiency over its predecessor.

The phone comes in a single configuration: 256GB of storage with 8GB of RAM, using LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage for fast app loading and multitasking. Whether you’re juggling multiple apps or playing casual games, the Tecno Camon 40 Pro 5G handles it with ease. It scored an impressive 85% for CPU and 99% for GPU in prolonged stress tests, staying cool even during extended use. This makes it a reliable choice for users who want a smartphone that performs well without overheating.

Camera

The Tecno Camon 40 Pro 5G continues the Camon series’ legacy of prioritizing photography. Its dual rear camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor (f/1.9, 23mm, 1/1.56”, OIS) and an 8MP ultrawide lens. The main camera shines in daylight, capturing sharp, detailed images with vivid colors and a wide dynamic range. Even in indoor settings, it maintains low noise levels and consistent quality, making it a standout in its price range.

The 8MP ultrawide camera, while not as high-resolution as its predecessor’s 50MP unit, benefits from autofocus. This allows for surprisingly detailed shots of closer subjects and decent macro photography, a rarity in budget smartphones. The ultrawide lens delivers punchy colors and good contrast, though fine details are limited due to its 8MP resolution. Still, it’s one of the better implementations in its class.

Selfies are where the Tecno Camon 40 Pro 5G truly excels. The 50MP front camera with autofocus produces crisp, vibrant images with excellent sharpness and balanced colors. Autofocus is a game-changer, ensuring consistent clarity whether you’re snapping solo shots or group selfies. One minor drawback is the default Portrait mode, which applies artificial background blur. Switching to AI CAM mode gives you natural selfies, but you’ll need to select it manually each time.

For video, the main camera supports 4K at 30/60fps with HDR, delivering sharp, colorful footage. The ultrawide camera records at 1440p@30fps but lacks electronic image stabilization (EIS), resulting in shakier clips. The front camera records at 1080p@30fps, suitable for vlogs or video calls. Low-light video performance is solid, with minimal noise and good sharpness, though colors could use a bit more vibrancy.

Battery and Charging

The Tecno Camon 40 Pro 5G is equipped with a 5,200mAh battery, a step up from its predecessor’s 5,000mAh capacity. This phone update delivers impressive battery life, with an Active Use Score of 13 hours and 51 minutes. Whether you’re streaming videos, browsing the web, or making calls, this smartphone keeps going all day.

Charging is handled by a 45W wired charger, included in the box—a rarity in today’s market. In Smart mode, it reaches 27% in 15 minutes, 51% in 30 minutes, and a full charge in 64 minutes. Hyper Charging mode shaves a few minutes off, hitting 100% in 60 minutes. Features like Bypass Charging (reduces heat during gaming or video playback) and AI Charging Protection (optimizes charging based on your routine) help prolong battery health. You can also set a custom charge limit between 80% and 95% for added longevity.

Software and Modern

Running Android 15 with Tecno’s HiOS 15 skin, the Tecno Camon 40 Pro 5G offers a clean, user-friendly experience. Tecno promises three major OS upgrades and five years of security patches, ensuring your smartphone stays up-to-date. HiOS 15 is packed with AI features, powered by Tecno’s Ella assistant, which uses the DeepSeek R1 model. From real-time translations to document scanning and photo editing (like object removal or wallpaper generation), Ella makes daily tasks effortless.

The customizable One-Tap FlashSnap button on the left side is a standout feature. A double press launches the camera in FastSnap mode, while a long press summons Ella. You can also map the button to other apps or shortcuts. The always-on display, while limited to 15 seconds, doubles as a night clock when charging. Other features like split-screen multitasking and Circle to Search add to the phone’s versatility.

Audio and Connectivity

The Tecno Camon 40 Pro 5G features stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, delivering decent sound for music and videos. While bass is minimal, vocals are clear, and the high-frequency range is well-presented. The speakers scored an Average mark in loudness tests, making them suitable for casual listening but not the loudest in their class.

Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, and an IR blaster for controlling appliances. There’s also an FM radio and USB-C 2.0 with OTG support. The phone uses a virtual proximity sensor, which works reliably, and an in-display optical fingerprint scanner for quick, secure unlocking.

Why Choose the Tecno Camon 40 Pro 5G?

The Tecno Camon 40 Pro 5G is a compelling choice for anyone seeking a budget-friendly smartphone with premium features. Its stunning design, vibrant AMOLED display, and capable cameras make it a standout in the mid-range market. The long-lasting battery, fast charging, and modern software with AI enhancements add to its appeal. While it lacks 5G and has a virtual proximity sensor, these are minor trade-offs for a phone that delivers so much at its price point.

Priced around $300 in some markets, the Tecno Camon 40 Pro 5G offers incredible value. It’s perfect for users who want a reliable, stylish, and feature-packed phone update without spending a fortune. If you’re in Asia, Africa, or other regions where it’s available, this smartphone is worth considering for its balance of performance, durability, and camera prowess.

Conclusion

The Tecno Camon 40 Pro 5G is a well-rounded smartphone that offers a compelling mix of style, performance, and camera quality at an affordable price. Its sleek design, vibrant AMOLED display, and long-lasting battery make it a great choice for budget-conscious users seeking a premium experience. While it has minor drawbacks like a virtual proximity sensor and limited availability, it delivers excellent value, especially at around $300. For those in supported markets, this phone update is a dependable all-rounder worth considering.