Tecno Mobile, a subsidiary of Transsion Holdings, has emerged as a transformative force in Africa’s telecommunications landscape since its entry into the market in 2006. By prioritizing affordability and localization, the brand addresses unique challenges and preferences of African consumers, democratizing access to smartphones for low- and middle-income populations.
The company has tailored its devices, including the recently launched Camon 40 Series, to suit regional needs —integrating features such as extended battery life to mitigate frequent power outages, dual-SIM support for cost-effective use of multiple networks, camera software optimized for tones and low-light environments, etc. Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) integration and multilingual interfaces accommodating languages like Swahili further cemented its appeal.
Tecno’s recent strategy of integrating AI in its smartphones is to elevate both functionality and user engagement. Across its smartphone lineup, particularly in the Camon series, AI powers advanced camera systems, optimizes battery management, system performance, improves accessibility for non-English speakers, assists with network stability—dynamically switching between signals in areas with patchy coverage. By embedding AI into features, Tecno is enhancing device efficiency and positioning itself as a pioneer in context-aware technology, ensuring its innovations remain deeply aligned with the practical needs of its users.
The Camon Series’ success lies in merging aspirational technology with local realities. Tecno has empowered African creators to produce high-quality digital content by offering premium features at mid-range prices. This alignment with youth-driven trends, coupled with aggressive marketing and strategic updates, has solidified the Camon series as a cultural staple.
The Camon 40 is the successor of the Camon 30 and the newest member in the Camon Series, exemplifying a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Globally launched on March 3 at the MWC Barcelona 2025, it comes in four (4) variants, i.e., the standard Camon 40, Camon 40 Pro, Camon 40 Premier, and Camon 40 Pro (5G). However, after the Ugandan launch last week on Friday, consumers will have access to only two variants: the Camon 40 and Camon 40 Pro.
The Camon 40 Pro we received for a review mirrors its sibling (the Camon 40) in most specifications but elevates the front-facing camera to a 50MP sensor with autofocus—a boon for vloggers and selfie enthusiasts. It also skips the 128GB variant, offering only 256GB of storage. Color options remain consistent with the standard model, maintaining a premium aesthetic.
Priced UGX989,000 [talk about a budget mid-range phone], which is UGX130,000 more than the Camon 40, is available nationwide at TECNO-branded stores, MTN service centers, and authorized retailers. In addition, buyers will also receive 9GB of data from MTN, spread over three months.
Unboxing and Review
Upon purchase, inside the box, you get the phone itself, a USB Type-C charger, a 45-watt fast charging brick, a phone case, manuals, and a warranty card. And, yes, no wired earphones —a move aligned with Tecno’s decision to phase out the 3.5mm headphone jack, which started with last year’s Camon 30 Series, reflecting the brand’s strategic shift toward promoting wireless audio solutions and modernizing its smartphone designs.
Let’s talk about the phone;
The Camon 40 Pro is IP68/IP69 dust and water resistant, a notable upgrade absent in its predecessors. The IP68 rating ensures the device is fully dust-tight and can withstand immersion in up to 2 meters of water, while the IP69 certification adds resistance to high pressure water jets; immersible up to 2 meters for 30 minutes and high-temperature cleaning—a feature critical for users in regions prone to heavy rains, dusty environments, or accidental spills.
This dual certification positions the Camon 40 Pro as one of the most rugged devices in Tecno’s portfolio, addressing a long-standing demand for robust smartphones. By integrating these protections, Tecno enhances the phone’s longevity and reduces the user’s repair costs.
The Camon 40 Pro’s design seamlessly blends form and function, featuring a punch-hole notch at the front that houses its 50MP selfie camera, set within a vibrant display. On the back, a trio-camera setup, LED flash, and a multi-purpose indicator light—which illuminates for charging status, incoming calls, and notifications—create a sleek, utilitarian aesthetic.
Practicality extends to the edges: the top includes an IR blaster for controlling appliances and dual microphones for noise reduction, while the bottom edge boasts Dolby Atmos stereo speakers alongside a dual-SIM tray. Tactile volume and power buttons sit on the right, while the left edge offers a customizable shortcut button—programmable to launch apps like the camera with a tap or activate the AI assistant Ella via a long press. This cohesive design balances productivity, multimedia immersion, and smart customization, though the third non-functional rear sensor and absence of expandable storage may leave some users wanting more.
The phone has an AMOLED display —protected with a Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, which makes it resistant to scratches and breaks from drops of 1.5 meters high. The curved display makes the phone look premium and expensive, which is an interesting touch. The phone boasts a stunning 6.78-inch display with a silky 120Hz refresh rate, delivering clean, smooth visuals and rapid responsiveness, while its sharpness, rich contrast, and ultra-thin bezels create an immersive and pleasurable viewing experience for content enthusiasts.
The Camon 40 Pro is only available with 256GB of internal storage [not expandable] and comes with 8GB and 12GB RAM options. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G100 chipset, it offers decent performance from everyday tasks to light productivity and casual gaming. While not designed for flagship-tier demands, the processor efficiently balances power and efficiency, ensuring smooth navigation, app launches, and background operations without noticeable hiccups. This setup caters to users seeking a reliable device for routine use, backed by generous storage for long-term needs.
Gaming performance is a standout feature, with the device handling low-to-medium-demand titles like PUBG Mobile, Among Us, Genshin Impact, etc., at HD graphics and high frame rates. Even for heavier games such as Call of Duty: Mobile, gameplay remains fluid at medium settings, maintaining consistent frame rates without lag. The phone’s thermal management system, equipped with advanced cooling technology, prevents overheating during extended sessions, ensuring sustained performance and comfort. For ultra-demanding games, lowering graphics settings to “low” still delivers a playable experience, making it a versatile choice for casual and semi-serious gamers who prioritize stability over ultra-high fidelity.
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Running on Android 15 with a promise of three years of major OS upgrades, the Camon 40 Pro future-proofs its software experience. The HIOS 15 skin enhances usability with a clean, bloatware-free interface and innovative features like Dual System, which lets users create a secondary password-protected profile for added privacy. Security is further elevated through Unlock Capture—snapping a photo of anyone attempting unauthorized access and uploading it to the cloud—and Power-Off Verification, which blocks shutdowns without a password.
While the Helio G100 ensures decent overall performance, it’s the thoughtful software integration and long-term update commitment that elevate this phone, striking a balance between practicality, security, and user-centric innovation.
The phone integrates a suite of AI-driven features designed to enhance user experience, including Ella, an intelligent assistant powered by DeepSeek for precise, context-aware responses, alongside practical tools like real-time call translation, noise-free call clarity, and AI writing support. Its camera leverages AI with Flash Snap—capturing 15fps bursts to automatically select the sharpest shot—while AI Studio offers advanced editing capabilities, such as object removal and image refinement, ensuring professional-grade results with minimal effort.
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The Camon 40 Pro features a 50MP front-facing camera which upon testing delivered sharp, detailed, and well-balanced selfies with natural skin tones, while its rear setup includes a 50MP main sensor that captures crisp, vibrant photos and an 8MP ultra-wide lens doubling as a macro camera, though the inclusion of a third non-functional sensor remains puzzling.
The cameras support video recording—up to 2K/30fps on the front and 4K/30fps on the rear—with a unique dual-mode feature enabling simultaneous use of front and rear cameras for versatile content creation. While the ultra-wide shots are decent rather than exceptional, the device consistently produces high-quality photos and videos straight out of the camera, minimizing the need for post-editing.
The Camon 40 Pro delivers impressive battery endurance, easily lasting a full day of moderate to heavy use on a single charge, while its fast-charging capabilities replenish the battery from 0% to 100% in just 1 hour and 15 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime and reliable all-day longevity for users on the go.
Verdict
The Tecno Camon 40 Pro emerges as a compelling mid-range contender, particularly for photography enthusiasts and users prioritizing battery life. Its cameras deliver sharp, well-balanced shots with minimal editing, while features like dual-mode video recording and AI-assisted editing tools add creative flexibility. The all-day battery paired with swift 75-minute charging ensures reliability for heavy users, and the thoughtful design—including a programmable shortcut button, IR blaster, and Dolby Atmos speakers—enhances everyday convenience and multimedia immersion.
However, the puzzling inclusion of a non-functional third rear sensor and the lack of expandable storage slightly mar its practicality. While the MediaTek Helio G100 chipset limits it to casual gaming rather than flagship-tier performance, the clean HIOS 15 software, AI-driven security features, and promised three years of OS updates make it a well-rounded package for budget-conscious buyers seeking a feature-rich, future-proofed device.
