In the bustling world of mid-range smartphones, the TECNO CAMON 20 Pro stands tall with its promises of enhanced camera prowess and snappy performance. As we get our hands on the phone, we discover a device that's more than just a pretty face – it's a budget-friendly contender that aims to impress. With a keen eye for design and a focus on delivering quality hardware, TECNO seems to have concocted a potent recipe. But does it live up to the hype? 

A modern aesthetic blend

The TECNO CAMON 20 Pro immediately catches the eye with its intriguing design, which TECNO dubs 'puzzle deconstruction.' Inspired by postmodern architecture, the textured leather back adds an air of sophistication and tactility that feels far from the plastic frame it houses. The pentagon-shaped camera module serves as a bold centrepiece, demanding attention. The handset's flat edges contribute to its wieldable comfort, making it a device you'll want to hold.

Display and visual brilliance

One of the standout features of the CAMON 20 Pro is its vibrant 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, which boasts a snappy 120Hz refresh rate – a rare feat in this segment. The result is an interface that dances smoothly, enhancing every swipe and tap. The customisable refresh rate options further underscore TECNO's commitment to user experience.

With thin bezels and excellent viewing angles, the CAMON 20 Pro's display is not just pleasing to the eyes indoors but remarkably legible even under direct sunlight. Streaming enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the device comes with Widevine L1 certification, ensuring crisp content from OTT platforms.

Camera: AI-ffectionate or AI-frustrating?

While marketed as a camera-centric marvel, the CAMON 20 Pro's camera performance has a bit of a split personality. Sporting a 64MP RGBW main sensor, the device shines in well-lit conditions, delivering sharp details and realistic shades. However, the AI feature tends to overcomplicate things, oversaturating colours and sacrificing detail.

The night mode is a respectable performer, though some graininess creeps in. Selfie aficionados will appreciate the 32MP front snapper, which captures decent daylight shots but struggles indoors or in low light.

Performance powerhouse with a side of bloat

Under the hood, the CAMON 20 Pro boasts a MediaTek Helio G99 Processor that handles day-to-day tasks and multitasking with ease. Gaming enthusiasts will find solace in the device's capability to deliver a satisfying experience, even accommodating resource-hungry titles like BGMI.

TECNO's custom HiOS 13 skin, layered atop Android 13, brings an array of functions, albeit at the cost of some pre-installed bloatware. Despite this, it offers a repertoire similar to other custom Android skins, along with thoughtful features like call recording, dark mode, and an efficient one-hand mode.

Battery bliss with swift recharge

A generous 5,000mAh battery keeps the CAMON 20 Pro running throughout the day, with screen-on-time hovering around the 5-hour mark. The icing on the cake is the 33W fast charger, which resurrects the device from 0 to 100 percent in approximately 70 to 75 minutes – a handy feature for on-the-go users.

Final verdict: A mid-range marvel

The TECNO CAMON 20 Pro strides into the mid-range arena with a confident step, showcasing an attention-grabbing design, a refreshing display, and a competent camera setup. Its performance chops, coupled with an affordable price point of BDT 24,990/- (excluding VAT), make it a strong contender for those seeking a balance between budget and functionality. However, the AI camera quirks and bundled bloatware might give some potential users pause. All in all, the CAMON 20 Pro makes a compelling case for itself in a fiercely competitive market segment.

Photos: Zarif Faiaz