Tecno Camon 40 Pro Review: A Mid-Range Powerhouse with AI Magic?
AI, Camera and Affordability!!
The Tecno Camon 40 Pro is a smartphone that puts AI and camera performance at the forefront. But the big question is—are these AI features truly useful, or are they just marketing gimmicks? After weeks of testing, the results are quite surprising.
As a mid-range device, the Camon 40 Pro brings features that were once exclusive to flagship models. However, before we dive into the details, let’s talk about something that’s been frustrating lately—the trend of brands releasing multiple variants of the same phone. The Camon 40 series includes both 4G and 5G versions, as well as base and Pro models, each with different specs. This makes it unnecessarily confusing for buyers.
Tecno has launched four smartphones in this lineup:
- Camon 40 Premier – The most powerful model, featuring a MediaTek Dimensity 8350 chipset, a 144Hz LTPO AMOLED display, triple 50MP cameras, and 70W fast charging.
- Camon 40 Pro 5G & Camon 40 Pro (4G) – The Pro variants differ mainly in network capabilities, with some hardware distinctions.
- Camon 40 (Base Model) – A more affordable option with toned-down specs.
Interestingly, Tecno seems to have taken a page from Xiaomi’s playbook by releasing two Pro versions—one with 5G and one with 4G. If you’re planning to buy, make sure you pick the right one for your needs.
I shared my first impressions of the Camon 40 Pro 4G in an unboxing video on our YouTube channel, where we got to explore its design, packaging, and key highlights. That video sparked a wave of curiosity and engagement, with many viewers flooding the comments section with their questions about the device's features and performance.
Naturally, the big question everyone’s asking is: does the Camon 40 Pro 4G truly stand out as a significant upgrade compared to its predecessor, the Camon 30 Pro? With so much buzz around this smartphone, it’s time to dive deeper into the details and examine whether this latest release lives up to the hype or if it’s just a subtle refinement of last year’s model. Let’s break it all down.
Design and Build Quality
The Camon 40 Pro 4G sports a refined design with a curved Gorilla Glass display, a plastic frame, and a plastic back that surprisingly feels premium. It’s lightweight and comfortable to hold, striking a good balance between thickness and usability. With a 90% screen-to-body ratio, you get an immersive full-screen experience without accidental touches from the curved edges.
One of the most remarkable features of the Camon 40 Pro 4G is its IP69 rating, a certification that ensures exceptional durability against the elements. This rating means the device is not just resistant to dust, but also to high-pressure, high-temperature water and full submersion, making it an incredibly robust choice for anyone on the go. What truly sets this apart is how rare it is to find such a feature in mid-range smartphones, a category where durability often takes a backseat. In fact, this level of protection isn’t even available in some flagship models, including prominent names like the Samsung Galaxy S25 and the iPhone 16 series.
With this level of water and dust resistance, the Camon 40 Pro 4G is designed to handle life’s unexpected mishaps with ease. Whether you accidentally drop it in water, spill your morning coffee on it, or get caught in a sudden downpour, you can rest assured that your device will remain safe and functional. It’s a feature that not only adds peace of mind but also expands the versatility of how and where you can use the device. This level of durability feels like a game-changing addition to the mid-range smartphone market, elevating the bar for what users can expect in this price range.
The One-Tap Button is another interesting addition, allowing quick access to the camera, Tecno’s AI assistant (Ella), or any app of your choice. However, there’s no SD card slot, so you’ll have to rely on internal storage.
The rear design is clean and modern, with a vertical camera alignment and an orange indicator light for notifications, charging, and call reminders. Available in Emerald Lake Green, Galaxy Black, and Glacier White, the Camon 40 Pro is stylish but slippery, so a case is highly recommended. The included Emerald Green case feels cheap and gets dirty easily, which is something to keep in mind.
Display
The 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1080 × 2436 Full HD+ resolution ensures vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth scrolling. The Auto-Switch mode dynamically adjusts the refresh rate between 60Hz and 120Hz to optimize performance and battery life.
For durability, Tecno has used Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, which provides superior protection against scratches and drops. It can survive falls from up to 1 meter on rough surfaces and offers twice the scratch resistance of standard glass.
Brightness levels are decent for outdoor use, and the Always-On Display lets you check the time and notifications without unlocking your phone.
Performance
The Camon 40 Pro 4G is powered by the MediaTek Helio G100 Ultimate, built on a 6nm process. Unfortunately, this is a downgrade from the Camon 30 Pro’s Dimensity 8200 chipset. In AnTuTu Benchmark tests, the Camon 40 Pro scored 418,230, whereas the Camon 30 Pro scored 929,083—a massive gap in performance.
Despite this, the 8GB RAM and 256GB storage ensure smooth multitasking, and Memory Fusion allows expansion up to 16GB virtual RAM. In real-world use, apps open quickly, and the phone handles daily tasks well.
Gaming performance is decent:
- Call of Duty Mobile – Medium graphics, high frame rates.
- PUBG Mobile – HD graphics, high frame rates.
- Call of Duty Warzone Mobile – Not supported on this device.
Older apps sometimes close in the background due to aggressive RAM management, but overall, performance is stable for a mid-range phone.
Camera
The Camon 40 Pro truly sets itself apart with its photography capabilities, making it a standout choice for photo enthusiasts. At its core is the 50MP Sony main sensor, complete with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) that ensures sharp, detailed images, even in challenging conditions. Complementing this is the 8MP ultra-wide lens, which doubles as a macro camera to offer versatility in capturing diverse perspectives. While the third lens is only a dummy sensor and doesn’t contribute functionally, the overall setup remains impressive.
Several noteworthy features enhance the user experience:
- FlashSnap Mode: Perfect for capturing moving objects with incredible precision, preserving details in action shots.
- AIGC Portrait Mode: AI-driven adjustments for stunning, professional-quality portraits with enhanced focus and lighting.
- SKY SHOP Mode: An innovative tool powered by AI that alters sky backgrounds in photos seamlessly, without requiring an internet connection.
- AI Eraser & AI Extender: Smart editing tools that allow you to remove unwanted objects and intelligently expand your photos for an improved composition.
In terms of image performance, the Camon 40 Pro demonstrates better low-light results, although some colors may appear muted. Portrait shots shine with excellent edge detection, delivering crisp and well-separated subjects. Meanwhile, ultra-wide shots are reasonably good, but the lower resolution does compromise sharpness slightly.
Video capabilities are also solid, with support for recording up to 2K at 30FPS on both front and rear cameras. It even includes options for bokeh effects and stabilization, although stabilization is capped at 1080P at 30FPS. Whether you’re capturing cinematic clips or quick moments, the video quality remains reliable and versatile, meeting a wide range of needs.
The combination of powerful features and thoughtful enhancements positions the Camon 40 Pro as an attractive contender in its segment. It promises a great experience for those who value photography and videography, especially in a mid-range device.
Software & AI Features
Running Android 15 with HIOS 15, the Camon 40 Pro feels smooth, with minimal bloatware. Tecno promises three years of updates, meaning support up to Android 18.
Key AI-powered features:
- Call Assistant – Real-time call translation.
- Smart Translate – Translates web pages instantly.
- Social Assistant – Translates audio/video calls on WhatsApp, Telegram, and Messenger.
- Ella Voice Assistant – Tecno’s alternative to Google Gemini.
- Circle to Search – Search anything on screen by circling it.
Some AI features feel more like marketing terms, such as "Recording Summary," which is just basic voice transcription.
Battery & Charging
With a 5,200mAh battery, the Camon 40 Pro easily lasts a full day with heavy use. The 45W fast charging takes it from 0 to 100% in 57 minutes.
Other battery features include:
- Reverse Wired Charging – Use the phone as a power bank.
- Bypass Charging Mode – Prevents overheating during gaming.
- Battery Health Monitoring – Optimize longevity.
Connectivity & Security
- Dual SIM, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, IR blaster, and USB-C OTG support.
- No 3.5mm headphone jack – Wireless audio is the way to go.
- Under-display fingerprint scanner & face unlock – Reliable and fast.
- Anti-Theft Protection – Prevents power-offs without a password.
Pricing & Verdict
The Tecno Camon 40 Pro 4G is priced at around $220 internationally, and between ₦353,000 – ₦370,000 in Nigeria.
Pros:
✅ Premium design & IP69 rating
✅ AMOLED display with Gorilla Glass 7i
✅ AI-powered photography & editing tools
✅ Strong battery life with fast charging
✅ Feature-rich software with 3 years of updates
Cons:
❌ Helio G100 is a major downgrade from
Dimensity 8200
❌ No expandable storage
❌ No 5G on this model
If you want AI-powered features, a great display, and a capable camera, the Camon 40 Pro 4G is a solid mid-range option. But if performance is your priority, the Camon 30 Pro or a competitor like the Redmi Note 14 Pro might be a better choice.