CAMON 30 Premier 5G Review: Tecno’s Most Ambitious Mid-Range Offering Yet

The Tecno CAMON 30 Premier 5G has finally made its debut in the Nigerian market, marking a significant milestone for the brand. As Tecno’s most expensive CAMON device to date, it aims to redefine the mid-range smartphone segment with flagship-level features and performance. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into the CAMON 30 Premier 5G’s specifications, design, performance, and camera capabilities to help you determine if it’s worth the investment.

Key Takeaways

The CAMON 30 Premier 5G is priced at around ₦685,000 ($450 USD) in Nigeria
It features a 1.5K LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate processor
Boasts a versatile camera system with 50MP sensors across the board
Offers 12GB RAM and 512GB of non-expandable storage
Runs on Android 14 with HiOS 14, promising 3 years of software support
Includes unique features like an IR blaster and AI-powered tools

Design and Build Quality

The CAMON 30 Premier 5G showcases Tecno’s commitment to premium design and build quality. Here are the key design elements:

Premium Materials: Features a leather rear finish (black version) or eco-leather (snowy silver version)
Dimensions: Slightly thicker than previous CAMON models
Camera Module: Elevated area for the camera bump, reminiscent of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Frame: Durable aluminum construction
Display: Slim bezels surrounding the 1.5K LTPO AMOLED screen
Special Features: Includes an IR blaster and customizable action dot for notifications

While the design impresses, it’s worth noting that the device only carries an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance, which falls short of the IP67 standard typically expected at this price point.

Display

The CAMON 30 Premier 5G boasts one of the most impressive displays in the mid-range segment:

Resolution: 1.5K (higher than standard 1080p)
Panel Type: AMOLED
Refresh Rate: 120Hz LTPO (variable, can drop to 10Hz for power saving)
Protection: Gorilla Glass 5

This combination of features ensures a smooth, vibrant, and power-efficient viewing experience. The LTPO technology, in particular, sets it apart from many competitors in its price range.

Performance and Software

RAM: 12GB
Storage: 512GB (non-expandable)
Operating System: Android 14 with HiOS 14

The device offers a smooth user experience with well-optimized animations and a feature-rich interface. Tecno promises three years of software support, including two major OS upgrades.

AI Features

The CAMON 30 Premier 5G introduces several AI-powered features:

Voice Assistant L: Powered by ChatGPT for advanced queries
Ask AI: Summarizes web pages and assists with research
Text Recognition: Works across apps with a two-finger tap and hold gesture
Object Eraser: AI-powered tool for removing unwanted elements from photos

Gaming Performance

While not primarily marketed as a gaming phone, the CAMON 30 Premier 5G holds its own:

Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile: Maintains 40-60 FPS
Call of Duty Mobile: Can run at very high graphics with max frame rate, or ultra frame rate (90 FPS) with low graphics
PUBG Mobile: Capable of 90 FPS on smooth graphics settings

It’s worth noting that the device can get warm during extended gaming sessions, though this doesn’t significantly impact performance.

Camera System

The camera setup is undoubtedly one of the CAMON 30 Premier 5G’s strongest selling points:

Camera	Resolution	Features
Main	50MP	Sony IMX890 sensor
Ultra-wide	50MP
Telephoto	50MP	3x optical zoom
Selfie	50MP

Key camera features and capabilities:

4K 60FPS video recording support
Dedicated telephoto lens (rare in the mid-range segment)
Impressive portrait mode with natural depth of field
Sharp and well-processed selfies

While the overall camera performance is excellent, there are a few minor issues:

Video stabilization appears more stable in the viewfinder than in processed footage (particularly with the selfie camera)
Unable to switch between lenses while recording video

Battery Life and Charging

The CAMON 30 Premier 5G is equipped with a robust power management system:

Battery Capacity: 5,000 mAh
Fast Charging: 70W wired charging support

For the average user, the device should easily last a full day on a single charge.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

High-quality 1.5K LTPO AMOLED display
Powerful MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate processor
Versatile camera system with 50MP sensors and telephoto lens
Premium design and build quality
Feature-rich software with AI enhancements

Cons:

Only IP54 rated for dust and splash resistance
No expandable storage
Some software bloatware and potential for unwanted app installations
Video recording limitations (inability to switch lenses while recording)

Conclusion

The Tecno CAMON 30 Premier 5G represents a significant step forward for the brand in the mid-range smartphone market. With its impressive display, powerful processor, and versatile camera system, it offers a compelling package for users seeking flagship-like features at a more accessible price point. While there are a few minor drawbacks, such as the IP54 rating and some software quirks, the overall package is highly competitive, especially for those prioritizing camera performance and display quality.

As Tecno continues to refine its software and address user feedback, the CAMON 30 Premier 5G has the potential to be a standout option in the crowded mid-range smartphone segment. For consumers in Nigeria and other markets where it’s available, it’s definitely worth considering, particularly if you’re looking for a device that punches above its weight class in terms of features and capabilities.

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