8 reasons to buy the Tecno Camon 40 mid-range contender

The Tecno Camon 40 is the latest addition to Tecno’s popular Camon series, targeting African smartphone buyers who prioritise strong cameras, sleek design, and affordability. With growing competition from Infinix, Xiaomi, and Samsung in the mid-range segment, the Camon 40 tries to stand out with a bold design, improved imaging system, and balanced performance.

But does it actually deliver real value for money in Africa’s diverse and demanding mobile environment? We’re living in times where your smartphone might genuinely be smarter than you. And if there’s a device ready to handle your to-do list, sort your emails, and summarise your meetings better than you ever could, the Camon 40 is making a serious case for itself.

The handset shares several similarities with the Pro model, but features a slightly toned-down design and specs that still accomplish a great deal. After compiling findings and based on real-world performance, we’ve put together this breakdown of what genuinely stands out about this super midrange device.

Tecno Camon 40 Key Specs at a glance

• Build & Dimensions: 164.16 × 74.64 × 7.34 mm; ~178–179 g; plastic body with IP66 splash resistance and SGS 5-star drop protection
• IP Rating: Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 120 Hz
• Processor: MediaTek Helio G100 Ultimate
• RAM/Storage: 8 GB RAM + 8 GB virtual RAM; 128/256 GB UFS 2.2 storage; expandable via microSD up to 1 TB
• Camera: Dual setup – 50 MP Sony LYT‑700C, Ultrawide: 8MP depth, Selfie: 32MP, Video: 2K @ 30fps (rear and front)
• Battery: 5200mAh, 45W fast charging
• OS: Android 15, HiOS 15.0.1
• Audio: Dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos; 3.5 mm headphone jack
• Connectivity: Dual Nano‑SIM, 4G LTE (pan‑African bands), Wi‑Fi 5 (dual-band), Bluetooth 5.2, GPS (multi‑GNSS), NFC, FM Radio, Infrared, USB‑C, OTG
• Headphone Jack: Yes (3.5mm)
• Biometrics & Sensors: Under-display fingerprint sensor; face unlock; ambient light, proximity, accelerometer, compass, gyro, geomagnetic, IR blaster

8 things we love about the Tecno Camon 40 phone

Based on extensive research and user feedback, here’s what genuinely impresses about this sub ₦300,000 device.

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Long-Lasting battery life

The Camon 40 comfortably powers through a full day of real-world use juggling social apps, browsing, streaming, camera use, and casual gaming without anxiety. Its 5200mAh battery delivers over 7 hours of screen-on time consistently. 

When it does dip low, the 45W charger takes you from empty to 70% in just about 20 minutes, with a full charge done in under an hour. No noticeable heat build-up during charging means you can confidently plug in anytime.

Cameras that outperform its class

Tecno’s camera tuning has matured. The 50MP Sony LYT-700C main sensor delivers sharp, well-exposed shots in daylight with accurate colours. Night shots hold surprising detail, helped by Super Night Mode and AI processing. 

The 32MP front camera—rare at this price—produces crisp selfies with accurate skin tones. Portraits benefit from better edge detection, and while video maxes out at 2K, stabilisation and audio capture are decent for casual content creation.

AI features that make sense

Tecno’s AI integrations aren’t gimmicky. The AI Call Summary automatically generates call recaps. AI Call Cancellation helps suppress background noise. AI Math Solver assists students with step-by-step solutions, and Flash Snap opens the camera instantly for quick captures. 

These small but practical tools add actual day-to-day value, especially in work, study, and urban commuting scenarios.

Durability that fits the African conditions

While fully rugged (IP69) phones cost more, the Camon 40 holds up well for daily use. The Camon 40’s reinforced plastic body handles real-world African environments well. SGS 5-star drop protection and IP66 splash resistance manage Lagos humidity, dusty Accra roads, and accidental drops without the premium cost of fully rugged IP69 phones.

The design feels premium with flat edges, matte texture, and gradient colours in Predawn Black, Ice Mirror Blue, and Sunset Gold. At 189g and 7.8mm thick, it stays comfortable one-handed with a fast side-mounted fingerprint reader.

A display that punches above its price

The 6.78-inch AMOLED panel is genuinely readable under harsh outdoor light, including intense Lagos or Nairobi sun. Blacks stay deep, colours are punchy, and even at midday, text remains legible. 

The 120Hz refresh rate adds a fluid touch whether you’re scrolling through X, Instagram reels, or multitasking. Though it skips HDR certification, video content still looks sharp and enjoyable across YouTube, Netflix, and Showmax.

Reliable Helio G100 performance

Under the hood, the MediaTek Helio G100 Ultimate chipset paired with 8GB of RAM (virtually expandable to 16GB) keeps things snappy. Apps like Chrome with multiple tabs, Telegram, Canva, and Instagram open fluidly without noticeable slowdowns. Even with multiple floating windows and split-screen tasks active, the system holds up without overheating. 

For high-end gaming, some settings adjustments help, but general stability holds well even under hotter temperatures.

Benchmark results back this up:

• AnTuTu v10: ~375,000
• Geekbench 6: 728 (Single), 1970 (Multi)

Software that’s finally mature

HiOS 15, running on Android 15, feels cleaner, lighter, and more polished than older Tecno versions. No system ads clogging notifications, fewer pre-installs (and most can be removed), and smoother multitasking overall. Tecno now commits to 2 years of major Android updates and 3 years of security patches, a significant shift for the brand.

Dependable 4.5G Network support across Africa

While it skips 5G entirely, the Camon 40 delivers strong 4G connectivity on MTN, Airtel, Safaricom, Vodacom, and others. Call quality remains stable even in busy urban zones, mobile data speeds stay consistent, and GPS accuracy holds for ride-hailing apps like Bolt or Uber. For most African markets, 4G reliability remains the practical sweet spot in 2025.

What to consider

The Camon 40 isn’t perfect, and it’s honest about what it is.

• Performance has its limits. The MediaTek Helio G100 handles daily tasks smoothly, but don’t expect it to power through intensive gaming sessions or heavy multitasking without some compromises. If you’re a serious mobile gamer, you’ll want to look elsewhere or consider saving up for the Pro 5G model.
• 5G is completely absent. In 2025, this might feel like a step backwards, but for most African markets where 4G coverage is still the reliable standard, it’s not necessarily a dealbreaker.
• Low-light photography is just okay. While the main camera impresses in good lighting, nighttime shots are merely average despite the Super Night Mode. Don’t expect iPhone-level night photography miracles.
• Some overheating concerns have been reported during extended use, particularly in hotter climates—something worth considering if you’re in consistently warm environments.

Local Pricing and Availability

The Tecno Camon 40 sells between ₦284,000 and ₦444,000 in Nigeria, depending on the store and storage option. Jumia lists it at ₦444,000, while Slot ranges from ₦284,000 to ₦364,300. Black market pricing goes for ₦280,000 (128GB) and ₦370,000 (256GB).

At launch, the Camon 40 started at around ₦250,000 in Nigeria. In Kenya, launch pricing was KES 28,000 through Safaricom and Jumia. Ghana listed it for GHS 1,500 via Telefonika and Jumia Ghana. South African pricing opened at ZAR 3,200, available via Takealot, MTN, and Vodacom.

Tecno’s strong presence across Africa ensures easy access to retail stores, online platforms, and Carlcare service centers for repairs and parts.

At ₦275,200 for 128GB + 8GB RAM, the Camon 40 delivers AI features, solid cameras, and reliable performance without premium pricing — a balanced option for users who want value without compromise.

Verdict: Should you buy the Tecno Camon 40?

The Tecno Camon 40 strikes a good balance for buyers who want a reliable daily phone without stretching their budget. Its cameras handle daylight and night shots well, the display is sharp and vibrant, and the battery holds up for long hours of use. For students, small business owners, and young professionals, it checks the right boxes: affordable, capable, and practical.

Audio is decent for the price. The speakers get loud enough for calls and casual media, though distortion can creep in at higher volumes. The headphone jack is still here, which many will appreciate.

If your priorities include 5G or heavier gaming, options like the Infinix Zero 30 5G or Samsung Galaxy A24 may serve you better. But for most everyday users, the Camon 40 delivers strong value in its segment.