Let’s be honest, the budget phone market is a battlefield. Brands bombard us with spec sheets, marketing jargon, and promises of moon-landing photography on potato prices. So, when the Tecno Camon 20 landed on my desk, I approached it with cautious optimism. Could this sub-$200 contender truly deliver AMOLED beauty and camera prowess, or was it destined to be another flash-in-the-pan budget flop?
Tecno Camon 20 Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Network | |
| Technology | GSM / GPRS / FULL EDGE / WCDMA / HSPA+ / TDD LTE / FDD LTE |
| Launch | |
| Announced | 2023, May 09 |
| Status | Released 2023, May 09 |
| Body | |
| Dimensions | 163.4 x 76.7 x 7.8 mm (6.43 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) |
| Weight | 190 grams (6.7 oz) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display | |
| Type | AMOLED |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) Always-on display |
| Platform | |
| OS | Android 13, HIOS 13 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (2×2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6×1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| Memory | |
| Card slot | Unspecified |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera | |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/1.7″, 0.8µm, PDAF 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) QVGA |
| Features | Ring-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie Camera | |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8″, 0.8µm |
| Features | Dual-LED flash |
| Video | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 3.5mm jack | Yes |
| COMMS | |
| WLAN | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS |
| NFC | No |
| Radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| FEATURES | |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| BATTERY | |
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Charging | 33W wired |
| MISC | |
| Colors | Predawn Black, Glacier Glow, Serenity Blue |
| Models | CK6, CK6n |
| NGN Current Price | ₦198,790 |
/product/28/1120042/1.jpg?5140 "Tecno Camon 20: A Budget Superstar with AMOLED Brilliance (But Is it Enough?) 1")
- 6.67" AMOLED Big Screen
- Octa-Core 6nm Processor
- 64MP RGBW Main Camera | 32MP AI Shining Selfie
- 8GB+8GB Extended RAM
- 5000mAh | 33W Super Charge
First Impressions: Sleek and Smooth Under Fire
The looks of the Camon 20 are just amazing. Its 6.67-inch AMOLED screen, which is edge-to-edge and filled with brilliant colors and deep blacks, is expansive. Instagram was like sliding in a river of liquid sunshine when you scrolled through it (luckily without getting sunburned). Remarkably strong construction characterizes the polycarbonate body, which feels comfortingly substantial in the hand.
But here’s the caveat: no high refresh rate. While the smooth visuals initially wowed me, switching back to my 120Hz phone revealed a subtle choppiness on the Camon 20, especially in fast-paced games. If you’re a die-hard refresh rate enthusiast, this might be a deal-breaker.
Recommended: Infinix Note 10 Pro: Unleash Your Mid-Range Powerhouse Potential
Performance: Helio G85 – A Capable Workhorse with Limits
Powering the Camon 20 is the MediaTek Helio G85. It’s not the fastest chip on the block, but it handles everyday tasks with admirable finesse. Apps open quickly, multitasking is relatively smooth, and even light gaming is a pleasant experience. But push it too hard, with graphically demanding games or heavy multitasking, and you’ll start to see stutters and frame drops.
Camera: 64MP Magic, But Not Merlin’s Level
The quad-camera setup on the back is where things get interesting. The 64MP main sensor captures surprisingly detailed shots in good lighting, with vibrant colors and decent dynamic range. Night mode does a commendable job of brightening up dim environments, although expect some noise and loss of detail. The 2MP depth sensor adds a nice bokeh effect to portraits, while the other two lenses… well, let’s just say their contributions are negligible.
The 32MP selfie camera fares well too, delivering sharp selfies with ample detail. Dual-LED flash ensures you’re always picture-perfect, even in low-light situations. Video recording maxes out at 1080p on both cameras, which, while not mind-blowing, is perfectly adequate for casual social media sharing.
Battery Life: A Marathon Runner in Disguise
With a massive 5000mAh battery, the Camon 20 delivers. I had no trouble getting through a whole day of moderate use, which included surfing social media, playing a little game, and streaming some videos, and I still had battery life remaining when I went to bed. An added advantage is the 33W rapid charging, which can charge your phone from 0% to 50% in just 30 minutes.
Also Read: Xiaomi 13T Pro: Flagship Force or Flashy Fluff? A No-Nonsense Review
Software: HiOS 13 – A Mixed Bag of Familiarity and Quirks
The Camon 20 runs on Android 13 with Tecno’s HiOS 13 skin on top. HiOS offers some handy customization options, like themes and gestures, but it also comes pre-loaded with bloatware. While some of these apps can be uninstalled, others remain stubborn residents, taking up precious storage space.
Tecno Camon 20: Pros and Cons
Pros
- AMOLED Brilliance: The 6.67-inch AMOLED display steals the show, boasting vibrant colors, deep blacks, and sharp visuals. This is one budget phone that won't leave your eyes wanting.
- Battery Marathon: The 5000mAh battery is a true champion, easily powering you through a full day of moderate usage and leaving you with juice to spare. No more scrambling for chargers before bedtime.
- Camera Competent: The 64MP main sensor captures surprisingly detailed shots in good lighting, and the 32MP selfie camera keeps you looking sharp on video calls. While not pro-level, it's good enough for everyday social media sharing.
- Performance Punch: The Helio G85 handles everyday tasks with admirable finesse, making browsing, social media, and even light gaming a smooth experience. You won't be pushing the limits of demanding games, but for daily use, it delivers.
- Fast Refuel: 33W fast charging tops up your phone from 0 to 50% in just 30 minutes, keeping you fueled and ready to go whenever needed.
Coins
- Refresh Rate Reality Check: While the display is beautiful, it lacks the silky-smoothness of a high refresh rate. If you're used to 120Hz scrolling, prepare for a slight downgrade.
- Camera Versatility Gap: While the main sensor performs well, the other two rear lenses offer limited functionality. Don't expect wide-angle landscapes or super zooms to be standouts.
- HiOS 13 Hiccups: The custom software skin offers some customization options, but comes pre-loaded with bloatware. While some can be uninstalled, others linger, taking up valuable storage space.
- No Flagship Flair: Don't expect features like NFC or top-tier camera setups. If those are deal-breakers, you might need to look elsewhere in the budget realm.
The Verdict: A Solid Contender, But Not Without Caveats
One strong competitor in the low-cost phone market is the Tecno Camon 20. It’s difficult to resist because of its amazing AMOLED display, strong performance, and long battery life. The 33W quick charging is a perk, and the 64MP camera does an excellent job. But other users could be put off by the camera’s low refresh rate, sporadic software glitches, and restricted adaptability.
So, who is the Camon 20 for? The Camon 20 is a good option if you’re searching for a chic and dependable everyday vehicle with a long-lasting battery and a discreet camera. However, you might have to seek elsewhere if you’re a sucker for cutting-edge performance, excellent cameras, or an experience devoid of bloatware.
Alternatives to Consider:
- Redmi Note 12 Pro: For faster performance and a more versatile camera
- Realme 8 Pro: For a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and a cleaner software experience
Ultimately, the Tecno Camon 20 is a solid all-rounder with undeniable strengths and minor weaknesses. Whether it’s the right phone for you depends on your priorities and budget.
